Science T/A

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Tertiary Requirements

The courses in Science are those which provide suitable choices for students pursuing careers in Science or Science-based areas and for students interested in other careers, but who wish to study one or more Science subjects at the secondary college level.Those students intending to seek entrance to tertiary institutions in Science or Science-related faculties should be careful to choose those courses which meet the entrance requirements of those faculties. While bridging courses are sometimes available for students who do not have the appropriate entrance requirements, it is generally expected that they gain the required subject while attending secondary college. With regard to the initial choices of courses in Year 11, students are advised to look carefully at the Major/Minor requirements for the individual courses below.

Biology (integrating Australian Curriculum) (T & A)

Unit 1: Biodiversity and Connectedness

In this unit, students investigate and describe a number of diverse ecosystems, exploring the range of biotic and abiotic components to understand the dynamics, diversity and underlying unity of these systems. Students develop an understanding of the processes involved in the movement of energy and matter in ecosystems. Fieldwork is an important part of this unit, providing valuable opportunities for students to work together to collect first-hand data and to experience local ecosystem interactions.

Unit 2: Cells and Organisms

In this unit, students examine inputs and outputs of cells to develop an understanding of the chemical nature of cellular systems, both structurally and functionally. Students investigate the ways in which matter moves and energy is transformed and transferred in the biochemical processes. Multicellular organisms typically consist of a number of interdependent systems of cells organised into tissues, organs and organ systems. Students examine the structure and function of plant and animal systems. Students use science inquiry skills to explore the relationship between structure and function, by conducting real or virtual dissections and carrying out microscopic examination of cells and tissues.

Unit 3: Heredity and Continuity of Life

In this unit, students investigate the biochemical and cellular systems and processes involved in the transmission of genetic material to the next generation of cells and to offspring. They consider different patterns of inheritance by analysing the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring. Students investigate the genetic basis for the theory of evolution by natural selection through constructing, using and evaluating explanatory and predictive models for gene pool diversity of

Unit 4: The Internal Environment

In this unit, students investigate how homeostatic response systems control organisms’ responses to environmental change – internal and external – in order to survive in a variety of environments, as long as the conditions are within their tolerance limits. Students study how the invasion of an organism’s internal environment by pathogens challenges the effective functioning of cells, tissues and body systems, and triggers a series of responses or events in the short- and long-term in order to maintain system function.

Chemistry (integrating Australian Curriculum) (T)

The standard offering of this course at Daramalan College will follow the Australian Curriculum and will include:

Year 11 Semester 1 Chemical Fundamentals 1
Year 11 Semester 2 Molecules 1
Year 12 Semester 1 Equilibrium and Redox Reactions 1
Year 12 Semester 2 Structure, Synthesis and Design 1

Unit 1: Chemical Fundamentals

In Unit 1, students use models of atomic structure and bonding to explain the macroscopic properties of materials and to predict the products and explain the energy changes associated with chemical reactions. They use science inquiry skills to develop their understanding of patterns in the properties and composition of materials. They investigate the structure of materials by describing physical and chemical properties at the macroscopic scale, and use models of structure and primary bonding at the atomic and sub-atomic scale to explain these properties. Students are introduced to the mole concept as a means of quantifying matter in chemical reactions.

Unit 2: Molecules

In Unit 2, students develop their understanding of the physical and chemical properties of materials including gases, water and aqueous solutions, acids and bases. They explore the

characteristic properties of water that make it essential for physical, chemical and biological processes on Earth, including the properties of aqueous solutions. Students investigate and explain the solubility of substances in water, and compare and analyse a range of solutions. They learn how rates of reaction can be measured and altered to meet particular needs, and use models of energy transfer and the structure of matter to explain and predict changes to rates of reaction. Students gain an understanding of how to control the rates of chemical reactions, including through the use of a range of catalysts.

Unit 3: Equilibrium and Redox Reactions

In Unit 3, students investigate models of equilibrium in chemical systems; apply these models in the context of acids and bases and redox reactions, including electrochemical cells; and explain and predict how a range of factors affect these systems. They use science inquiry skills to investigate the principles of dynamic chemical equilibrium and how these can be applied to chemical processes and systems. They investigate a range of electrochemical cells, including the choice of materials used and the voltage produced by these cells. Students use the pH scale to assist in making judgments and predictions about the extent of dissociation of acids and bases and about the concentrations of ions in an aqueous solution.

Unit 4: Structure, Synthesis and Design

In Unit 4, students use models of molecular structure, chemical reactions and energy changes to explain and apply synthesis processes, particularly with consideration of organic synthesis; and they consider current and future applications of chemical design principles. They use science inquiry skills to investigate the principles and application of chemical structure, synthesis and design. They select and use data from instrumental analysis to determine the identity and structure of a range of organic materials. Students make predictions based on knowledge of types of chemical reactions, and investigate chemical reactions qualitatively and quantitatively.

Earth and Environmental Science (integrating Australian Curriculum) (T )

Prerequisites for the course or units within the course

Semester 2 , Year 11 Unit 2: Earth Processes

Prerequisite Unit 1: Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4

Prerequisite Unit 2: Unit 3, Unit 4

Implementation Pattern / Units
Semester 1, Year 11 Unit 1: Introduction to Earth Systems
Semester 1, Year 12 Unit 3: Living on Earth
Semester 2, Year 12 Unit 4: The Changing Earth

Unit 1: Introduction to Earth Systems T

In this unit, students build on their existing knowledge of the Earth by exploring the development of Earth’s internal and surface structure by studying the rock cycle and techniques for interpreting geological features. Students will examine the formation of soils at Earth’s surface (the pedosphere) as a process that involves the interaction of all Earth systems. Students study the processes that formed the atmosphere and oceans, and focus on the importance of water and its unique properties in the water cycle and all Earth’s systems. The development of the biosphere is studied by examining the fossil record and relating it to ancient and modern ecosystems and mass extinction events.

Unit 2: Earth Processes T
In this unit, students explore how the transfer and transformation of energy from the sun and Earth’s interior enable and control processes within and between the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. Students examine how the transfer and transformation of heat and gravitational energy in Earth’s interior drive movements of Earth’s tectonic plates. They analyse how the transfer of solar energy to Earth is influenced by the structure of the atmosphere; how air masses and ocean water move as a result of solar energy transfer and transformation to cause global weather patterns; and how changes in these atmospheric and oceanic processes can result in anomalous weather patterns. The students also study the storage, transfer and transformation of energy through and within ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles, such as the carbon cycle.

Unit 3: Living on Earth T
In this unit, students examine the occurrence of non-renewable mineral and energy resources and review how an understanding of Earth and environmental science processes guides resource exploration and extraction. They investigate how the rate of extraction and other environmental factors impact on the quality and availability of renewable resources, including water, energy resources and biota, and the importance of monitoring and modelling to manage these resources at local, regional and global scales. Students learn about ecosystem services and how natural and human-mediated changes of the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and geosphere, including the pedosphere, influence resource availability and sustainable management.

Unit 4: The Changing Earth T

In this unit, students examine the cause and effects of naturally occurring Earth hazards including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunami. They examine ways in which human activities can contribute to the frequency, magnitude and intensity of Earth hazards such as fire and drought. This unit focuses on global climate change and the timescales at which the effects of natural and human-induced change are apparent, and the ways in which scientific data are used to provide strategic direction for the mitigation of Earth hazards and environmental management decisions.

Physics (integrating Australian Curriculum) (T)

The standard offering of this course at Daramalan College will follow the Australian Curriculum and will include:

Year 11 Semester 1 Linear Motion and Waves 1
Year 11 Semester 2 Thermal, Nuclear and Electrical 1
Year 12 Semester 1 Gravity and Electromagnetism 1
Year 12 Semester 2 Revolutions in Modern Physics 1

Unit 1: Linear Motion and Waves

This unit enables the student to use science inquiry skills to design, conduct and analyse safe and effective investigations into linear motion and wave phenomena, and to communicate methods and findings. It will concentrate on Newton’s Laws of Motion, the wave model of sound and light, and the algebraic and graphical representations of forces, motion and waves.

Unit 2: Thermal, Nuclear and Electrical

This unit introduces the kinetic particle model and thermodynamics to explain the heating process, how the nuclear model of the atom explains radioactivity, fission and fusion and how charge is transferred through electrical circuits.

Unit 3: Gravity and Electromagnetism

This unit allows students to explore motion in a gravitational field, including projectile motion and momentum. The student will delve into the similarities and differences between gravitational, electric and magnetic fields and then develop an understanding of transformations and the transfer of energy in electromagnetic devices, as well as transformations and transfer of energy associated with motion in electric, magnetic and gravitational fields.

Unit 4: Revolutions in Modern Physics

In this last unit the student will have the opportunity to study the modern world of quantum physics, relativity, the Standard Model of the Universe and wave-particle duality. Einstein’s work into the photo-electric effect and the quantum theory of light will allow students to make predictions related to the theory and applications of special relativity