Science

Year 7 • SCIENCE

OVERVIEW Year 7 often represents the first time many students get to experience Science taught in a laboratory on a consistent basis. Therefore, the Year 7 course reflects this new shift in focus by spending time learning about their new environment and working as scientists would work. Divisions within the domain of Science become more clearly defined as topics completed take on a more physical, chemical and biological specialisation. The principles of the scientific method are taught, practised and reported on in greater detail than they have been in the past. Foundations, theories, rules and laws in science are explored through experimentation. A large emphasis is placed on inquiry-based learning, evidence gathering and conclusion formulation throughout the year. A typical student in Year 7 can expect to experience time working as a scientist, become familiar with the properties of substances, classify living things and where they live, experience the forces that drive the natural world and machines that exploit these forces and separate mixtures.

Year 8 • SCIENCE

OVERVIEW Students begin to explore each of the scientific domains of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in greater depth and detail. Concepts begin to become a little less tangible, so the use of scientific models to explain natural phenomena becomes very important for students to make sense of things that are frequently unable to be detected by the five senses of the human body. Students begin to analyse these models for their features and their flaws in order to explore and interpret the world around them. A typical Year 8 Student will explore energy and its applications and transformations, delve into the biological world of cells and then look outwards into the systems of the body to keep it functioning successfully. They will explore chemical reactions and chemical substances and their application on a local and global stage as well as in relation to energy and systems within the body.

Year 9 • SCIENCE

OVERVIEW Science provides an empirical way of answering interesting and important questions about the biological, physical and technological world. Science is a dynamic, collaborative and creative human endeavour, arising from our desire to make sense of our world through exploring the unknown, investigating universal mysteries, making predictions and solving problems. Students study the core subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which provide a pathway to VCE study. Topics include: The Atom; Body Coordination; Radiation; Disease; Reaction Types; and Electrical Energy. OVERVIEW In Year 10 Science students undertake practical investigations and test key scientific questions to provide empirical evidence about the biological, physical and technological world. Students study the subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which provide a pathway to VCE study. Students can also choose to undertake further study in Science through the electives of Year 10 Psychology or Investigating Biology, which both link to VCE Pathways.

Year 10 • SCIENCE-CORE

Year 10 • INVESTIGATING BIOLOGY

SUBJECT LENGTH: SEMESTER UNIT VALUE: ONE

OVERVIEW This elective is for students wishing to further enhance their scientific skills and is expected to act as a precursor for accessing Units 3 & 4 Biology in Year 11. It will build on the content offered in the Science-Core course with a particular emphasis on practical investigation and hands on learning of scientific principles related to VCE Biology. It is suitable for students who are interested in Science and Biology and is good preparation for studying VCE Sciences.

TOPIC 1 PROTEINS, GENOMICS AND PROTEOMICS

Key Concepts covered ■ Basics of nucleic acids and their role in protein synthesis. ■ Origami organelles – modelling gene expression. ■ Proteomics and Genomics – new frontiers in diagnosis of disease. TOPIC 2 FORENSICS, DNA FINGERPRINTING AND GENE EDITING

Key Concepts covered ■ Understanding the nature of the genetic code. ■ Identification of individuals (forensic and medical applications of gene sequencing). ■ Changing organisms by gene editing.

TOPIC 3 FROM BACTERIA TO HUMAN, 3.6B YEARS OF ADAPTATIONS

Key Concepts covered ■ Investigation Adaptations. ■ Bacterial resistance and viral antigenic drift as a model of natural selection.

TOPIC 4 FOCUS ON SCIENTIFIC SKILLS

Key Concepts covered ■ Critical analysis of scientific media articles. ■ Literature review techniques and scientific writing skill development. ■ Scientific methodology, organising, analysing and evaluating primary and secondary data.

Year 10 • PSYCHOLOGY

SUBJECT LENGTH: YEAR UNIT VALUE: TWO

OVERVIEW Psychology is a broad discipline that incorporates both the scientific study of human behaviour through biological, psychological and social perspectives and the systematic application of this knowledge to personal and social circumstances in everyday life. The study researches human behaviours from biological, cognitive, philosophical and social perspectives. Underpinning all studies in Psychology is the Scientific Method. Students are expected to investigate scientific psychological phenomena and write up practical reports. Students are expected to analyse their results using statistics and draw conclusions. SEMESTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Key Concepts covered ■ Introduction to Psychology, including nature/nurture debate. ■ Aggression: why it occurs and how to minimise it. ■ Myself and others: how to make friends and influence people. ■ Research Methods: how to conduct psychological investigations.

SEMESTER 2 PERSONALITY AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Key Concepts covered ■ Memories and eyewitness testimony. ■ Personality, including psychodynamic theory, trait theory and humanistic theories. ■ Research Methods: development of key skills.

ASSESSMENTS ■ Practical Report Write Ups ■ Tests ■ Scientific Posters ■ Practical Folios ■ Presentations.

SCIENCE

BIOLOGY • Units 1 to 4

OVERVIEW The study of Biology explores the diversity of life as it has evolved and changed over time and considers how living organisms function and interact. It explores the processes of life, from the molecular world of the cell to that of the whole organism and examines how life forms maintain and ensure their continuity. The sequence of learning begins with a focus on whole organisms and biological systems that maintain and continue life; the complexity increases with a greater molecular biology focus in Units 3 & 4 where students delve into the mechanisms that sustain life. UNIT 1 HOW ORGANISMS REGULATE THEIR FUNCTIONS

Key Concepts covered In this unit students examine the cell as the structural and functional unit of life, from the single celled to the multicellular organism, including the requirements for sustaining cellular processes. There is a focus on cell growth, replacement and death and the role of stem cells in differentiation, specialisation and renewal of cells. As well as how systems function through cell specialisation in vascular plants and animals and consider the role homeostatic mechanisms play in maintaining an animal’s internal environment. UNIT 2 INHERITANCE AND ITS EFFECTS ON DIVERSITY

Key Concepts covered Students describe the production of gametes in sexual reproduction through the key events in meiosis; they explore the nature of chromosomes and the use of genetic language to read and interpret patterns of inheritance. Students learn how a characteristic can be influenced by a gene, many genes, genes interacting with external environmental or epigenetic factors and how reproduction impacts biodiversity. Students also develop their analytical skills though exploration of a range of bioethical issues.

UNIT 3 HOW DO CELLS MAINTAIN LIFE?

Key Concepts covered Students explore the relationship between nucleic acids and proteins as key molecules in cellular processes. Students explore regulation of gene expression as well as techniques for modifying an organism’s genome. The unit explores regulation of biochemical pathways with a focus on photosynthesis and cellular respiration as well as inefficiencies of both that could be overcome using biotechnology tools such as CRISPR Cas-9. UNIT 4 HOW LIFE CHANGES AND RESPONDS TO CHALLENGES

Key Concepts covered In this unit students consider the continual change and challenges of life on Earth beginning by understanding the human immune system followed by an exploration of the evidence in evolutionary biology. Students examine the molecular and structural evidence for relatedness between species and change in life forms over time.

Scientific investigation skills

A student-designed scientific investigation involving the generation of primary data related to cellular processes and/or how life changes and responds to challenges is undertaken to hone their experimental and reporting skills in line with scientific convention.

SCIENCE

CHEMISTRY • Units 1 to 4

OVERVIEW VCE Chemistry enables students to examine a range of chemical, biochemical and geophysical phenomena through the exploration of the nature of chemicals and chemical processes. In undertaking this study, students apply chemical principles to explain and quantify the behaviour of matter, as well as undertake practical activities that involve the analysis and synthesis of a variety of materials.

UNIT 1 HOW CAN THE DIVERSITY OF MATERIALS BE EXPLAINED?

Key Concepts covered ■ Investigate the chemical properties of a range of materials from metals and salts to polymers and nanomaterials. ■ Explore and explain the relationships between properties, structure and bonding forces within and between. ■ Introduction to quantitative concepts in chemistry, including the mole concept. UNIT 2 HOW DO CHEMICAL REACTIONS SHAPE THE NATURAL WORLD?

Key Concepts covered ■ Explore the physical and chemical properties of water and gases. ■ Investigate solubility, concentration, pH and reactions in water including precipitation, acid-base and redox. ■ Introduction to stoichiometry and to analytical techniques.

UNIT 3 HOW CAN CHEMICAL PROCESSES BE DESIGNED TO OPTIMISE EFFICIENCY?

Key Concepts covered ■ Evaluate different chemical energy resources, including fossil fuels, biofuels, galvanic cells, electrolytic cells and fuel cells. ■ Investigate the combustion of fuels and the use of stoichiometry to calculate the amounts of reactants and products. ■ Investigate and apply equilibrium law and predict and explain the conditions that will improve the efficiency and percentage yield of chemical processes. UNIT 4 HOW ARE ORGANIC COMPOUND CATEGORISED, ANALYSED AND USED?

Key Concepts covered ■ Investigate the structural features, bonding, typical reactions and uses of the major families of organic compounds including those found in food. ■ Process data from instrumental analyses of organic compounds to confirm or deduce organic structures and perform volumetric analyses to determine the concentrations of organic chemicals in mixtures. ■ Use calorimetry as an investigative tool to determine the energy released in the combustion of foods.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE • Units 1 to 4

OVERVIEW Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary, investigative science that explores the interactions and interconnectedness between humans and their environments and analyses the functions of both living and non-living elements that sustain Earth systems.

Students explore: ■ How the relationships between earth systems produce natural environmental change over a variety of time scales and how these systems respond to change and disruption. ■ The extent to which humans modify their environments and the consequences of these changes in local and global contexts with a focus on biodiversity, pollution, food and water security, climate change and energy use. ■ The challenges and opportunities presented by selected environmental issues and case studies, and consider how different value systems, priorities, knowledge and regulatory frameworks affect environmental decision-making and planning for a sustainable future. ■ The strengths and the limitations of science, respect evidence-based conclusions and gain an awareness of the ethical contexts of scientific endeavours, including sociocultural, economic, political and legal factors. ■ The role of innovation and science in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

UNIT 1 HOW ARE EARTH’S DYNAMIC SYSTEMS INTERCONNECTED TO SUPPORT LIFE?

Key Concepts covered ■ Investigation of local ecosystems ■ Earth systems thinking ■ Earth’s dynamic systems ■ Data and modelling ■ Managing environmental challenges.

UNIT 2 WHAT AFFECTS EARTH’S CAPACITY TO SUSTAIN LIFE?

Key Concepts covered ■ Pollution effects on Earth’s systems ■ Managing pollution ■ Sustainable food systems ■ Maintaining food and water security. UNIT 3 HOW CAN BIODIVERSITY AND DEVELOPMENT BE SUSTAINED?

Key Concepts covered ■ Importance of biodiversity ■ Biodiversity changes over time ■ Assessing changes in species diversity ■ Threats to biodiversity ■ Protection and restoration of biodiversity ■ Case study ■ Sustainability principles ■ Environmental decision-making and management.

UNIT 4 HOW CAN CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE IMPACTS OF HUMAN ENERGY BE MANAGED?

Key Concepts covered ■ Major factors that effect the Earth’s climate ■ Understanding climate change ■ Managing climate change ■ Comparison of different energy sources ■ Managing the impacts of human energy use.

SCIENCE

PHYSICS • Units 1 to 4

OVERVIEW VCE Physics provides students with opportunities to explore questions related to the natural and constructed world. The study provides a contextual approach to exploring selected areas within the discipline including atomic physics, electricity, fields, mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum physics and waves. Students examine classical and contemporary research, models and theories to understand how knowledge in physics has evolved and continues to evolve in response to new evidence and discoveries.

UNIT 1 HOW IS ENERGY USEFUL TO SOCIETY?

Key Concepts covered ■ Electromagnetic Radiation,

Thermal Energy, Interaction of Thermal

Energy and Electromagnetic Radiation. ■ Radiation from the Nucleus, Nuclear

Energy. ■ Concepts to Model Electricity,

Circuit Electricity, Using Electricity,

Electrical Safety in the home. UNIT 2 HOW DOES PHYSICS HELP US TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD?

Key Concepts covered ■ How can motion be described and explained? ■ Exploring Contemporary issues and applications in society through Physics. UNIT 3 HOW DO FIELDS EXPLAIN MOTION AND ELECTRICITY?

Key Concepts covered ■ How do things move without contact? ■ How are fields used to move electrical energy? ■ How fast can things go? UNIT 4 HOW CAN TWO CONTRADICTORY MODELS EXPLAIN LIGHT AND MATTER?

Key Concepts covered ■ How can waves explain the behaviour of light? ■ How are light and matter similar?

SCIENCE

PSYCHOLOGY • Units 1 to 4

OVERVIEW Psychology is a broad discipline that incorporates both the scientific study of human behaviour through biological, psychological and social perspectives and the systematic application of this knowledge to personal and social circumstances in everyday life. VCE Psychology enables students to explore how people think, feel and behave through the use of a biopsychosocial approach. UNIT 1 HOW ARE BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL PROCESSES SHAPED?

Key Concepts covered ■ The structure and functioning of the human brain and the role it plays in the overall functioning of the human nervous system. ■ Brain plasticity and the influence that brain damage may have on a person’s psychological functioning. ■ The development of different psychological models and theories used to predict and explain the development of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. UNIT 2 HOW DO EXTERNAL FACTORS INFLUENCE BEHAVIOURS AND MENTAL PROCESSES?

Key Concepts covered ■ A person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours are influenced by a variety of biological, psychological and social factors. ■ How perception of stimuli enables a person to interact with the world around them and how their perception of stimuli can be distorted. ■ Examine the contribution that classical and contemporary research has made to the understanding of human perception and why individuals and groups behave in specific ways. UNIT 3 HOW DOES EXPERIENCE AFFECT BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL PROCESSES?

Key Concepts covered ■ Macro-level and micro-level functioning of the nervous system to explain how the human nervous system enables a person to interact with the world around them. ■ How stress may affect a person’s psychological functioning and consider the causes and management of stress. ■ Investigate how mechanisms of memory and learning lead to the acquisition of knowledge, the development of new capacities and changed behaviours. ■ The contribution that classical and contemporary research has made to the understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system, and to the understanding of biological, psychological and social factors that influence learning and memory. UNIT 4 HOW IS WELLBEING DEVELOPED AND MAINTAINED?

Key Concepts covered ■ The nature of consciousness and how changes in levels of consciousness can affect mental processes and behaviour. ■ The mental health continuum and application of a biopsychosocial approach, as a scientific model, to analyse mental health and disorder. They use specific phobia to illustrate how the development and management of a mental disorder can be considered as an interaction between biological, psychological and social factors. ■ The contribution that classical and contemporary research has made to the understanding of consciousness, including sleep, and the development of an individual’s mental functioning and wellbeing.