New South Wales

Objectives

Prelimiary Course Outcomes

HSC Course Outcomes

Prescribed Focus Area

The history of biology

H1 Discusses advances in scientific understanding and technology that have changed the direction or nature of scientific thinking.

The nature and practice of biology

H2 Analyses the ways in which models, theories and laws in biology have been tested and validated.

Applications and uses of biology

P3. Assesses the impact of particular technological advances on understanding in biology.

H3 Assesses the impact of particular advances in biology on the development of technologies.

The implications of biology for society and the environment

P4 Describes applications of biology which affect society or the environment.

H4 Assesses the impacts of applications of biology on society and the environment.

Current issues, research and developments in biology

P5 Describes the scientific principles employed in particular areas of biological research.

H5 Identifies possible future directions of biological research.

Domain: Knowledge

Cell ultrastructure and processes

P6 Explains how cell ultrastructure and the coordinated activities of cells, tissues and organs contribute to macroscopic processes in organisms.

H6 Explains why the biochemical processes that occur in cells are related to macroscopic changes in the organism.

Biological diversity

H7 Analyses the impact of natural and human processes on biodiversity.

Environmental interactions

P8 Analyses the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem.

H8 Evaluates the impact of human activity on the interactions of organisms and their environment.

Mechanisms of inheritance

P9 Explains how processes of reproduction ensure continuity of species.

H9 Describes the mechanisms of inheritance in molecular terms.

Domain: Skills

Conducting investigations

P12 Discusses the validity and reliability of data gathered from first-hand investigations and secondary sources.

Developing scientific thinking and problem-solving techniques

P14 Draws valid conclusions from gathered data and information.

H14 Assesses the validity of conclusions from gathered data and information.

Domain: Values and Attitudes

Develop knowledge and understanding of themselves, others, learning as a lifelong process, biology and the environment

P16 Demonstrates positive values about and towards both the living and non-living components of the environment, ethical behaviour and a desire for a critical evaluation of the consequences of the applications of science.

H16 Justifies positive values about and attitudes towards both the living and non-living components of the environment, ethical behaviour and a desire for a critical evaluation of the consequences of the applications of science.

Relevant Modules

Patterns in Nature

Blueprint of Life

The Search for Better Health

Biotechnology (option)

Genetics: the code broken? (option)