Queensland

Focus Area

Particle Nature of Matter

Cellular Life

An inquiry should address one or more Scientific Priorities, and should contain study of more than one Focus Area. Only the information from the syllabus that directly relates to the study of Biotechnology has been provided here.

From nutrition to electronics, from rockets to medicines, an ability to think at the molecular level is a powerful way to view the world. While centred in the traditional disciplines of physics and chemistry, it is the way of thinking that is driving revolutions in biology and technology.

The combination of thinking at the molecular and the cellular levels is the powerful tool that allows us to explore life. On different timescales it allows us to understand genetics and evolution and provides a framework for understanding the diversity and complexity of life.

Scientific Priorities

Information and Communication

There is an increasing understanding of information within biological systems and spans intracellular to inter-generational in scope. A two-way link is emerging between artificial and living information systems.

Suggested inquiries:

• DNA: the living information system (structure, functions, transmission between cells and across generations).

Suggested inquiries:

• DNA: the living information system (structure, functions, transmission between cells and across generations).

Technology

Science is underpinning the development of new technologies that are impacting on every facet of our lives.

Suggested inquiries:

• Technologies in DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing.

Suggested inquiries:

• Tissue culture and cloning technologies
• Genetically modified organisms, food and agriculture.

Health and Wellbeing

Science impacts on human health, particularly in areas relating to the cause, spread and control of infectious disease. In terms of wellbeing, science directs attention to preventative measures and provides solutions to health and lifestyle challenges.

Suggested inquiries:

• Antibiotic molecules
• Genetic mutations and gene therapy

Suggested inquiries:

• Genetically modified organisms and human health and/or wellbeing.

Catalyst for Discovery

The impetus for rapid progress in science often comes as a response to crisis. The need may be driven by recognition of threats to health or safety or national self-promotion. Progress through a crisis requires huge financial commitment with the promise of recompense. A nation’s response to crisis often results in an explosion of knowledge and technology at a sophisticated level that rapidly filters down to consumers in a short period of time and at economical rates. It also leads to the development of new industry and employment opportunities and invigilates its way into common society as an accepted norm.

Suggested inquiries:

• Ethics of biotechnology

Suggested inquiries:

• Ethics of biotechnology

Environment

Finding solutions to manage human’s interactions with the earth will impact greatly on future generations. The advances in all areas of science, together with enormous increases in computing power and communication technologies are making it possible to address complex global problems such as climate, disease spread, species extinction. These advances hinge on the collaboration of experts in many fields working in trans-disciplinary teams. On a personal level, it is possible and socially responsible to develop an understanding of the issues to contribute to informed community debate.

Suggested inquiries:

• Biological control agents
• Genetically modified organisms in the environment.

Suggested inquiries:

• Biological control agents
• Genetically modified organisms in the environment .