Series features
Fresh and stimulating new content has been developed and existing material is revised and fully updated to:
- support the structure of the reaccredited Biology VCE Study Design 2006
- reflect current thought and new and emerging research
- expand the student and teacher resources and support material
- provide additional technology features, for ICT and electronic learning.
An interactive CD-ROM accompanies each student textbook, containing the book for on-screen learning and links to a bank of high-quality interactives.
As before, Book 1 covers Units 1 and 2 of the Study Design and Book 2 covers Units 3 and 4. Each Area of Study within the Units is represented by four chapters (see the contents lists).
There is a clear, incremental development in the explanations of ideas that span the two years of study, for example photosynthesis and respiration.
Each chapter now begins with a list of ‘key knowledge’, reflecting the points in the Study Design that are given in-depth coverage in the chapter.
New ‘context stories’, from history or from contemporary life, introduce each chapter to engage interest and establish the relevance of biology today.
Fresh and updated diagrams and photographs bring concepts to life and enhance discussion about new technologies used in specialised areas of biology.
At regular intervals within chapters, sets of ‘Key ideas’ and ‘Quick-check’ questions are included to revise concepts and check students’ knowledge and understanding.
BIOchallenge is a new element, challenging students to apply their knowledge in response to visual stimuli.
New and varied end-of-chapter questions specify the key skills involved and a range of web-based questions offer opportunities to expand students’ learning.
Both texts feature an expanded range of ‘biologists at work’, profiling some new as well as familiar specialised scientists and the relevance of their work in today’s society.
Personal stories are interspersed, focusing on individuals who have faced a biological challenge in their lives.
Additional resources
The new editions are supplemented by the following resources.
- Nature of Biology Third edition Activity Manuals
- Nature of Biology Third edition Teacher Resource Manuals
Access more information at the links provided and revisit this site for updates and sample pages to download.
This dedicated website will be regularly updated and new material posted here to keep students and teachers informed about the series. We welcome your feedback and will respond to requests for sample page proofs, workshop dates and locations and faculty demonstrations.
