VCE Science

Biology

In accordance to the VCAA Biology Study Design (06-12), students in our Biology Unit 3 and Unit 4 courses will be familiarised with essential knowledge in the areas of:

1. Proteins and their role in cell function
2. Analysis of cell functions using technology
3. Structure of DNA and RNA molecules and their function in translation
4. Coordination and regulation of cell functions through homeostasis, signalling molecules and signal transduction
5. Immune responses, Acquired immunity, and Immune disorders
6. Applications of Microbiology
7. Genome and its relevance in inheritance
8. Study of asexually and sexually reproducing organisms
9. Manipulation of DNA and inheritance traits
10. Evolution and Natural selection
11. Cultural, Technological and Artificial influences on natural evolution
12. Ethical issues in gene technology

Students will also be equipped with critical skills that would allow them to:

1. analyse and evaluate evidence from practical investigations of biochemical processes
2. describe and explain the coordination and regulation of an organism’s immune response to antigens at a molecular level
3. analyse evidence for the molecular basis of heredity and patterns of inheritance
4. analyse and evaluate evidence for evolutionary change and evolutionary relationships
5. describe the mechanisms for change including the effect of human intervention on evolutionary processes.

Chemistry

In accordance to the VCAA Chemistry Study Design (07-12), students in our Chemistry Unit 3 and Unit 4 courses will be familiarised with essential knowledge in the areas of:

1. The principle, function, and limitation of analytical techniques in practical chemistry.
2. The purpose, application and efficiency of analytical instruments in practical chemistry
3. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis
4. Organic pathways and the chemistry of particular organic molecules
5. Structure and bonding of organic molecules
6. Role of organic molecules in the generation of biochemical fuel, synthesis of medicine and forensic analysis
7. Rate, yield, equilibrium and their role in Industrial chemistry
8. Efficiency, benefits and limitations of different energy sources
9. Chemical principles and application of galvanic cells
10. Chemical principles and application of electrolytic cells
11. Revision of chemical language, symbols, formulae, equations and green chemistry principles

Students will also be equipped with critical skills that would allow them to:

1. evaluate the suitability of techniques and instruments in chemical analysis
2. identify and explain the role of functional groups in organic reactions
3. construct reaction pathways using organic molecules
4. analyse the factors that determine the optimum environment and its importance in Industrial Chemistry
5. analyse chemical and energy transformation occurring in chemical reactions
6. describe, explain and evaluate the principles of electrolysis and galvanic cells

Physics

In accordance to the VCAA Physics Study Design (09-12), students in our Physics Unit 3 and Unit 4 courses will be familiarised with essential knowledge in the areas of:

1. Newtonian Mechanics
2. Energy
3. Circuit Elements
4. Circuit Efficiency
5. Opto-electronic devices and Analogue Transmission
6. Magnetic Forces, Flux, Fields and other characteristics of magnetic objects
7. Electricity Distribution and Transmission Efficiency
8. Interference, Diffraction and alternative models of light
9. Photoelectric Effect, Electron Diffraction Patterns and Boglie Wavelength of Matter
10. Atomic Absorption and Emission spectra and energy states
11. Safe and responsible practices in Physics
12. Selected detail study areas in both Unit 3 and Unit 4

Students will also be equipped with critical skills that would allow them to:

1. investigate motion and related energy transformations experimentally, and use Newtonian Mechanics in one and two dimensions to analyse motion in the context of transport, planets in space and safety
2. investigate, describe, compare and explain the operation of electronic and photonic devices and analyse their use in domestic and industrial systems
3. investigate and explain the operation of electric motors, generators and alternators, and the generation, transmission, distribution and use of electric power
4. use wave and photon models to analyse, interpret and explain interactions of light and matter and the quantised energy level of atoms
5. apply the knowledge gained from a detailed area of study to investigate, analyse and explain key concepts and principles.

Psychology

In accordance to the VCAA Psychology Study Design (05-10), students in our Psychology Unit 3 and Unit 4 courses will be familiarised with essential knowledge in the areas of:

1. Nervous Systems, Neuroscience and Brain Anatomy
2. Visual Perception
3. States of Consciousness
4. Human Behaviour and its relation to Internal Physical and Biological Processes
5. Cognitive Functions (Memory and Learning)
6. Mental Processing of Stimulus Information
7. Research Methods and Statistical Measures in Psychology
8. Appropriateness of Research Models (including Ethical principles)
9. The Methodological Approach in Research Investigation

Students will also be equipped with critical skills that would allow them to:

1. explain the major functions of the brain including cortical lobes and hemispheric specialisation, and the role of the nervous system, and evaluate the strengths and limitations of brain research methods
2. explain the nature of processes involved in visual perception
3. compare and contrast characteristics of normal waking consciousness with altered states of consciousness
4. use the information processing model of memory to describe different ways in which memory is expressed and compare theories of memory
5. compare and contrast theories of learning, including classical and operant learning, and behaviours independent of learning
6. report on a research investigation that includes the formation of a hypothesis, application of a research method, use of ethical framework and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data