A unique appreciation of life and a better understanding of the living world are gained through studying the Biology ATAR course. This course encourages students to be analytical, to participate in problem-solving and to systematically explore fascinating and intriguing aspects of living systems, from the microscopic level through to ecosystems.

Students develop a range of practical skills and techniques through investigations and fieldwork in authentic contexts, such as marine reefs, endangered species, urban ecology, or biotechnology. Scientific evidence is used to make informed decisions about controversial issues.

The Biology ATAR course has three interrelated strands: Science Inquiry Skills, Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Understanding which build on students’ learning in the Year 7–10 Science curriculum. The Year 11 syllabus is divided into two units, each of one semester duration, which are typically delivered as a pair.

Unit 1: Ecosystems and biodiversity

In this unit, students analyse abiotic and biotic ecosystem components and their interactions, using classification systems for data collection, comparison and evaluation.

The current view of the biosphere as a dynamic system composed of Earth’s diverse, interrelated and interacting ecosystems. In this unit, students investigate and describe a number of diverse ecosystems, exploring the range of biotic and abiotic components to understand the dynamics, diversity and underlying unity of these systems.

Unit 2: From single cells to multicellular organisms

The cell is the basic unit of life. Although cell structure and function are very diverse, all cells possess some common features.  In this unit, students examine inputs and outputs of cells to develop an understanding of the chemical nature of cellular systems, both structurally and functionally, and the processes required for cell survival. Students investigate the ways in which matter moves and energy is transformed and transferred in the processes of photosynthesis and respiration, and the role of enzymes in controlling biochemical systems.

Multicellular organisms typically consist of a number of interdependent systems of cells organised into tissues, organs and organ systems. Students examine the structure and function of plant and animal systems at cell and tissue levels in order to describe how they facilitate the efficient provision or removal of materials to and from all cells of the organism.

Prerequisite: B-grade in Semester 1 Year 10 Science and then in Semester 2 maintain at least a C Grade throughout the relevant Pathway chosen to prepare to do this course in Year 11.

Recommended: at least 60% in the Term 1 Biology test and Biology Section of the Semester 1 exam.

Pathway: Units 1 and 2 lead to Units 3 and 4 in Year 12.

Subject fee: This course/subject attracts a fee of $160 and is in addition to 2023 Family Fees. The fee will be invoiced on your family fee account and is payable in full on the 17th February 2023.

Unit 1: The Functioning Human Body

Cells are the basic structural and functional unit of the human body. Cells contain structures that carry out a range of functions related to metabolism, including anabolic and catabolic reactions. The respiratory, circulatory, digestive and excretory systems control the exchange and transport of materials in support of metabolism, particularly cellular respiration. The structure and function of the musculo-skeletal system provides for human movement and balance as the result of the coordinated interaction of the many components for obtaining the necessary requirements for life.

Unit 2: Reproduction and Inheritance

This unit provides opportunities to explore, in more depth, the mechanisms of transmission of genetic materials to the next generation, the role of males and females in reproduction, and how interactions between genetics and the environment influence early development. The cellular mechanisms for gamete production and zygote formation contribute to human diversity.

The transfer of genetic information from parents to offspring involves the replication of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), meiosis and fertilisation. The reproductive systems of males and females are differentially specialised to support their roles in reproduction, including gamete production and facilitation of fertilisation. The female reproductive system also supports pregnancy and birth. Reproductive technologies can influence and control the reproductive ability in males and females.

Prerequisite: B-grade in Semester 1 Year 10 Science and then in Semester 2 maintain at least a C Grade throughout the relevant Pathway chosen to prepare to do this course in Year 11.

Recommended: at least 60% in the Term 1 Biology test and Biology Section of the Semester 1 exam.

Pathway: Units 1 and 2 lead to Units 3 and 4 in Year 12.

In Physics, the course allows students to learn how energy and energy transformations can shape the environment from the small scale, in the quantum leaps inside an atom’s electron cloud, through the human scale, in vehicles and the human body; to the large scale, in interactions between galaxies. Students have opportunities to develop their investigative skills and use analytical thinking to explain and predict physical phenomena.

Unit 1: Thermal, Nuclear and Electrical Physics

An understanding of heating processes, nuclear reactions and electricity is essential to appreciate how global energy needs are met. Students investigate heating processes, apply the nuclear model of the atom to investigate radioactivity, and learn how nuclear reactions convert mass into energy. They examine the movement of electrical charge in circuits and use this to analyse, explain and predict electrical phenomena.

Contexts that can be investigated in this unit include technologies related to nuclear, thermal, or geothermal energy, the greenhouse effect, electrical energy production, large-scale power systems, radiopharmaceuticals, and electricity in the home; and related areas of science, such as nuclear fusion in stars and the Big Bang theory.

Unit 2: Linear Motion and Waves

Students develop an understanding of motion and waves which can be used to describe, explain and predict a wide range of phenomena. Students describe linear motion in terms of position and time data, and examine the relationships between force, momentum and energy for interactions in one dimension. Students investigate common wave phenomena, including waves on springs, and water, sound and earthquake waves.

Contexts that can be investigated in this unit include technologies such as accelerometers, motion detectors, global positioning systems (GPS), energy conversion buoys, music, hearing aids, echo locators, and related areas of science and engineering, such as sports science, car and road safety, acoustic design, noise pollution, seismology, bridge and building design.

Prerequisite: A-grade in Semester 1 Year 10 Science and then in Semester 2 maintain at least a C Grade throughout the relevant Pathway chosen to prepare to do this course in Year 11.

Recommended: at least 60% in the Term 1 Physics test and Physics Section of the Semester 1 exam.

Pathway: Units 1 and 2 lead to Units 3 and 4 in Year 12.

Psychology is the scientific study of how people think, feel and act. It aims to answer important questions such as what factors influence human development. While there are other disciplines that overlap with psychology’s main aim to understand humans, psychology is rigorous in its use of scientific method. This allows for systematic exploration into the complexities of human behaviour based on evidence gathered through planned investigations.

Psychology is very useful, both to individuals assisting us to improve ourselves and our relationships, and to society as a whole. Through this course, students gain valuable insights and understandings into both themselves and their worlds. Methods of communication studied enhance personal communication skills, both within the field of psychology and in the context of daily life. Students also develop important research skills as they engage in the exploration and evaluation of data to illustrate how empirical procedures are used to examine phenomena such as intelligence and personality.

This course is designed to integrate the understanding of scientific principles, the acquisition of psychological knowledge and the application of both in an enjoyable and contemporary way. The study of psychology is highly relevant to further studies in the health professions; education, human resources, social sciences, sales, media and marketing and management.

Unit 1:

This unit focuses on a number of concepts that enable students to gain an understanding of how and why people behave the way they do. Students learn about the human brain and explore the impact of external factors on behaviour, such as physical activity and psychoactive drugs. Cognitive processes, such as sensation and perception, and selective and divided attention are investigated.  Students examine different types of relationships and the role of verbal and non-verbal communication in initiating, maintaining and regulating these.  Students are introduced to ethics in psychological research and carry out investigations

Unit 2:

This unit focuses on developmental psychology. Students analyse twin and adoption studies to gain insight into the nature/nurture debate and look at the role of play in assisting development. Students explore what is meant by the term personality and examine historical perspectives used to explain personality. They also explore behaviour and causes of prejudice.  Psychological research methods studied in Unit 1 are further developed in Unit 2.

This syllabus continues to develop science inquiry skills, building on those acquired in the Year 7–10 Science Curriculum.

Prerequisite: B-grade in Semester 1 Year 10 Science and then in Semester 2 maintain at least a C Grade throughout the relevant Pathway chosen to prepare to do this course in Year 11.

Recommended: at least 60% in the Term 1 Biology test and Biology Section of the Semester 1 exam.

Pathway: Units 1 and 2 lead to Units 3 and 4 in Year 12.

Rationale

The ever growing importance of science in our daily lives demands a population that has sufficient knowledge and understanding to follow science and scientific debates with interest, and to engage with the issues science and technology pose, for both themselves and for society as a whole. The Science in Practice General course encourages students to be questioning, reflective and critical thinkers about scientific issues, enabling them to make informed decisions about questions that directly affect their lives and the lives of others.

Science in Practice is a course grounded in the belief that science is, in essence, a practical activity. From this stems the view that conceptual understandings in science derive from a need to find solutions to real problems in the first instance.

Unit 1

Acids and Bases: Chemistry and Biology Focus

Unit 2

Sustainability: Chemistry and Earth Science Focus

This course enables them to investigate science issues in the context of the world around them, and encourages student collaboration and cooperation with community members employed in scientific pursuits. It requires students to be creative, intellectually honest, to evaluate arguments with scepticism, and to conduct their investigations in ways that are safe, ethical, fair and respectful of others.

The Science in Practice General course is inclusive and aims to appeal to students with a wide variety of backgrounds, interests and career aspirations.

Prerequisite:  Nil

Pathway: Units 1 and 2 lead to Units 3 and 4 in Year 12.

Australia is an island nation, with Western Australia’s mainland and islands having approximately twenty-one thousand kilometres of coastline. It is therefore relevant to Western Australians to study the sea and how people interact with it. The Marine and Maritime Studies General course provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge through practical activities with a focus on active learning experiences both within and outside of the classroom.

The Marine and Maritime Studies course is designed to facilitate achievement of the following outcomes.

Outcome 1 – Marine and maritime knowledge
Outcome 2 – Marine and maritime skills
Outcome 3 – Marine and maritime application

The Year 11 syllabus is divided into two units, each of one semester duration, which are typically delivered as a pair.

Unit 1

This unit introduces students to marine science through the examination of water properties and methods used to conduct water testing. In oceanography, students learn about wind formation, tides, waves and currents, including Western Australian ocean currents. Students examine Western Australian recreational and commercial fishing issues and how they are managed through rules and regulations.

Unit 2

This unit introduces students to the marine ecosystem, with a focus on the four main zones and the adaptations of marine life to survive in each zone. Western Australian examples of marine life will be identified and classified into the major groups. Food webs for each ocean zone will be studied. Students examine the importance of marine protected areas, marine parks, reserves and sanctuary zones, and the role of Western Australian agencies and organisations in the protection and management of marine life.

As the course will include snorkelling lessons and a practical snorkelling field trip, there will be extra fees of approximately $400 that will be required to be paid by the 1st of March, 2021.

Prerequisite:  Nil

Pathway: Units 1 and 2 lead to Units 3 and 4 in Year 12.

Course Fees: This course/subject attracts a fee of $400 and is in addition to 2023 Family Fees. The fee will be invoiced on your family fee account and is payable in full on the 17th February 2023.

The Human Biology General course gives students a chance to explore how the human body works. Students focus on bones, muscles, nerves and hormones, and how they maintain the body to act in a coordinated manner. The causes and spread of disease and how humans respond to invading pathogens are studied, as well as the role of males and females in the process of reproduction.

An understanding of Human Biology is valuable for a variety of career paths. The course content deals directly and indirectly with many different occupations in fields, such as science education, medical and paramedical fields, food and hospitality, childcare, sport and social work. Appreciation of the range and scope of such professions broadens their horizons and enables them to make informed choices. This helps to prepare all students, regardless of their background or career aspirations, to take their place as responsible citizens in society.

The Year 11 syllabus is divided into two units, each of one semester duration, which are typically delivered as a pair.

Unit 1

This unit explores how the systems of the human body are interrelated to help sustain functioning to maintain a healthy body. Topics include:

• Cells, which are the basic structural and functional units of the human body.
• The respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urinary systems control the exchange and transport around the body of materials required for efficient functioning.
• The lifestyle choices we make can have consequences for the optimal functioning of these systems. Humans can intervene to treat dysfunction and influence the quality of life of the individual.

Unit 2

This unit explores the role that males and females have in reproduction, including contraception, and the issues of sexually transmitted infections. Topic include:

• Reproductive systems of males and females and how they are specialised in many different ways to produce differentiated gametes (eggs and sperm) and ensure the chances of fertilisation and implantation are more likely.
• The healthy development of the embryo and foetus can be monitored, and technologies available will be presented.
• Sexually transmitted infections will be researched, and effects, treatments and ways to minimise infection will be examined.
• Students apply their knowledge to construct a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) model and demonstrate cell division processes.

Prerequisite: Nil

Pathway: Units 1 and 2 lead to Units 3 and 4 in Year 12.