1.6 Outcomes

1.6

Outcomes

KEY IDEAS

There are six Areas of Study in the Units 1 and 2 Biology course. Each Area of Study has an outcome assessed outcome, which is used to determine whether you have satisfactorily demonstrated the the key knowledge key knowledge and skills for the Area of Study. All of these assessments are school-based tasks. and skills needed to demonstrate a In Units 3 and 4, this type of assessment is called a School Assessed Coursework, or SAC. You satisfactory might also use this term for assessment in Units 1 and 2 at your school. achievement for an Area of Study Unit 1 – Assessment Outcome 1 (Area of Study 1) This Outcome will assess your understanding of the structure and function of cells and cell cycle, growth, death and differentiation. Outcome 2 (Area of Study 2) This Outcome will assess your understanding of the specialisation of cells and organisation for specific functions in plants and animals, and how they are regulated. Outcome 3 (Area of Study 3) For this Outcome, you will design and conduct a practical investigation related to key knowledge from Unit 1 Areas of Studies 1 and/or 2 and make conclusions from primary data. You will be required to use investigation design, scientific evidence, science communication and key science skills to complete this investigation.

Unit 2 – Assessment

Study tip Outcome 1 (Area of Study 1) Ask your teacher for This Outcome will assess your understanding of chromosomes, genomes, genotypes, a checklist of the phenotypes and patterns of inheritance. key knowledge that will be assessed in Outcome 2 (Area of Study 2)the outcome so that you can thoroughly This Outcome will assess your understanding of reproduction strategies, adaptations and prepare. Don’t interdependencies to enhance the survival of species.forget that the Key Scientific Skills may also be assessed in Outcome 3 (Area of Study 3) each Outcome. For this Outcome, you will respond to an investigation of a bioethical issue in genetics, reproductive science or adaptations beneficial to survival.

In this topic, you will learn that: ✚ there are different outcomes for each Area of Study in VCE Biology ✚ there are different types of assessment tasks. DRAFT ONLY - NOT FOR SALE

Assessment task types

For Outcomes 1 and 2 of Units 1 and 2, you will complete an outcome based on one of the following tasks: • a case study analysis • a bioinformatics exercise • a data analysis of generated primary and/or collated secondary data • reflective annotations of a logbook of practical activities • media analysis of two or more media sources • a modelling or simulation activity • problem solving involving biological concepts and/or skills • a response to a bioethical issue • a report of a laboratory or fieldwork activity including the generation of primary data • a scientific poster. Source: VCE Biology Study Design (2022–2026) reproduced by permission © VCAA Outcome 3 assessments In Area of Study 3, Unit 1, you will conduct an investigation. In Area of Study 3, Unit 2, you will analyse a bioethical issue. You will be assessed on key knowledge and skills related to the unit of study as well as the key science skills. Unit 1, Outcome 3 – How do scientific investigations develop understanding of how organisms regulate their function? This outcome has a focus on the design of the investigation, scientific evidence and science communication. The investigation should consider the type of methodology and methods, generation of data, the accuracy, precision, reproducibility and validity of data as well as the safety and bioethical guidelines. Generated data must be compared to current scientific models or theories. You should analyse the data and identify any errors, account for any limitations of the methodology and record your data in a logbook. In your scientific report, make sure you use scientific terminology and follow the correct conventions. This outcome can be in the form of a scientific poster (see Topic 1.3 for poster structure and layout), a scientific article or an oral, multimedia or visual presentation. Ask your teacher for guidance as to which format you should use. Study tip Methodology is different from method. Methodology is the rationale for your practical investigation or research. Method is a tool used to answer your research question. DRAFT ONLY - NOT FOR SALE

FIGURE 1 Collecting and recording data accurately is an important skill for Outcome 3.

Unit 2, Outcome 3 – How do humans use science to explore and communicate contemporary bioethical issues? For this outcome, you will develop your own question related to an application of genetics, reproductive technologies or adaptation beneficial to survival. You teacher may help you construct your research question but a great starting place is investigating current genetic issues. Articles in science publications, such as New Scientist, can help generate ideas, as well as TED talks, announcements of recent discoveries or even changes to government funding related to applications of genetics. You will be required to collect and analyse secondary data from a range of sources relating to your question. This outcome will assess your ability to use scientific evidence and analyse the validity, reliability, bias and errors of the evidence. You will also be assessed on how you determine the nature of the evidence as either scientific or non-scientific and distinguish primary data from secondary data. It is important to communicate scientific concepts concisely and coherently and in language appropriate to your audience. You will be required to analyse social, economic, legal and bioethical factors related to your issue and reference sources of information appropriately. Since this outcome is based on a bioethical issue, you will be assessed on your ability to apply ethical approaches and concepts related to your topic. CHECK YOUR LEARNING 1.6 FIGURE 2 Scientists use posters to present their research findings at conferences. FIGURE 3 A report of your laboratory work can be an assessment task. DRAFT ONLY - NOT FOR SALE

Design and discuss

1 Discuss ways to prepare for assessed outcomes. 2 Discuss ways that you can make an investigation method more reliable or valid.