Biology VCE Study Design 2006-2009 - The structure

The course is structured in four 'units' as before, to be studied over two years.
Each unit has two 'areas of study'.
Each area of study has a specified 'outcome' and a set of 'key knowledge' points outlining content to be covered.
'Key skills' are highlighted and are applicable to all units. The skills are grouped under three main types: investigate and inquire scientifically; apply biological understandings; communicate biological information and understandings.
There is an improved ordering of content within and between units and a clearer progression of knowledge-building (see the table summarising the main content changes).
The number and timing of exams does not change. The amount and nature of school-assessed coursework does change. For specific assessment and reporting requirements, teachers are advised to refer to the Biology VCE Study Design 2006 and support material from the VCAA.

Structure of each unit

UNIT
Area of study 1		Area of study 2
Outcome 1		Outcome 2
Key knowledge points		Key knowledge points
Key skills		Key skills
Assessment of achievement of outcomes

Summary of main content changes

STRUCTURE OF NEW STUDY DESIGN 2006	COMPARISON WITH CURRENT STUDY DESIGN AND SYNOPSIS OF CONTENT*
UNIT 1 Unity and diversity Area of study 1 Cells in action Area of study 2 Functioning organisms	Unit 1 is similar to the current Unit 2 ‘Functioning organisms’. Cellular activity and relationships between cells are now explored in more detail in Area of study 1. It covers cell structure, organisation, composition, functioning, role of enzymes, movement in and out of cells and cell replication. Area of study 2 focuses on features of organisms, relationships between their features and how they meet requirements for life. It covers how organisms obtain and process nutrients and energy, transport systems, waste removal, gaseous exchange and reproduction systems (asexual and sexual). Organism classification and taxonomy are also covered.
UNIT 2 Organisms and their environment Area of study 1 Adaptations of organisms Area of study 2 Dynamic ecosystems	Unit 2 is similar to the current Unit 1 ‘Organisms in their environment’ in content on nature and components of ecosystems and changes and adaptations within them. Also incorporates types of adaptations from current Unit 3. Area of study 1 covers environmental factors (biotic and abiotic) common to habitats, organisms’ use of resources, adaptations (structural, physiological, behavioural and reproductive), plant tropisms and monitoring techniques to study change and distribution of species. Components of ecosystems, relationships and balance between organisms and resources, dynamics of populations, changes to ecosystems over time and techniques to monitor and maintain ecosystems are the focus of Area of study 2.
UNIT 3 Signatures of life Area of study 1 Molecules of life Area of study 2 Detecting and responding	Unit 3 retains a focus on molecular biology, as in current Unit 3 ‘Challenge to survival’. Introduces DNA and RNA structure and function from current Unit 4, developed further in new Unit 4. Emphasises new and emerging areas of biology. Area of study 1 covers molecular level of cell activities, the synthesis of biomacromolecules, biochemical processes including energy transformations and the catalysing role of enzymes, and medical applications of molecular biology. Area of study 2 discusses the responses of molecules (self or non-self), pathogens and how signalling molecules play a role in coordination and regulation of cell activities. Barriers to infection, the structure, responses and disorders of the human immune system and acquired immunity are covered.
UNIT 4 Continuity and change Area of study 1 Heredity Area of study 2 Change over time	Unit 4 has minimal change from current Unit 4 ‘Biological continuity and change’. Molecular genetics and patterns of inheritance are the focus of Area of study 1, covering inheritance in asexual reproduction and transmission of heritable traits in sexual reproduction. It includes gene regulation, cell reproduction (meiosis), inheritance patterns (one gene locus/two gene loci), types of variation and mutations. The tools and techniques and manipulation of DNA are covered. Area of study 2 covers changes to genetic material over time, issues and evidence in relation to the concept of evolution and effects on evolutionary processes. Geological time and dating techniques and the development of evolutionary theory and relationships are now included. The Unit covers factors in population change, natural selection, evidence of and patterns in evolution, hominid evolution and ways in which humans intervene in and affect evolutionary processes.

* Teachers should refer to the Biology VCE Study Design for 2006 for full content details.