Senior Science

Year 10 - General Science

Overview

This subject provides students with an understanding of multiple Science disciplines, such as Chemistry, Forensics, Ecosystems, Microbiology and Car Physics. The focus is on applications in everyday life, and developing an awareness of the importance of scientific literacy in making decisions that influence individual and community wellbeing.

This science elective is recommended for students who do not intend to study any VCE science subjects.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
Chemistry	Topic Tests
Forensics	Experimental Investigations
Ecosystems	Research Task
Microbiology	Semester Examination
Car Physics

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will meet the F-10 Curriculum requirements but does not prepare the student for enrolment in the VCE Science subjects.

Year 10 - Science: Biology

Overview

Biology is the study of life. This subject delves into the study of cells, DNA, and the mechanisms that control organism structure and function. Students will investigate how inherited traits are passed across generations and gain insights into the processes of evolution.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
Cells and DNA	Topic Tests
Simple Inheritance	Experimental Investigations
Natural Selection and Evolution	Semester Examination

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students intending to study VCE Biology Units 1 & 2.

Year 10 - Science: Chemistry (Year 10 Core Program)

Overview

In this Unit, students will explore the periodic table, discovering how it serves as a fundamental tool for understanding atomic structure and chemical bonding patterns. They will develop their knowledge of metallic, ionic, and covalent bonds, enabling them to explain the properties of various compounds. Students will also investigate a range of chemical reactions and methods to control reaction rates.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
Atomic structure and the Periodic Table	Topic Tests
Chemical Bonding	Experimental Investigations
Chemical reactions	Semester Examination

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to VCE Chemistry.

Year 10 - Science: Earth and Environmental Science (Year 10 Core Program)

Overview

Everything on Earth can be considered within four spheres - the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Students will study how these four spheres interact and depend on each other and evaluate the ways in which human activity affects global systems. Students will explore some key global issues including climate change and human impact on biodiversity. Students will also study the origin of the universe and its features including stars, galaxies, and solar systems. They will consider how technological advances have led to discoveries and increased scientific understanding of the solar system.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
Earth’s spheres	Topic Tests
Movement of matter and energy through Earth’s spheres	Experimental Investigations
Natural and human impacts on climate	Semester Examination
Stars
History of the Universe

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to VCE Environmental Science.

Year 10 - Science: Experimental Psychology

Overview

Psychology is the science that seeks to understand human behaviour and mental processes. The study of psychology enables students to understand their behaviours and the behaviours of others and therefore has direct relevance to their personal lives. Students interested in working with people and finding answers to questions about people's behaviour would be well suited to this subject. This subject is designed to give students a general overview of Psychology and its various fields and provide pre-learning for topics covered in VCE Psychology.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods	Topic Tests
Memory and Learning	Experiment Logbook
Brain and Nervous System	Annotated Poster
	Semester Examination

Future Directions
Experimental Psychology allows Year 10 students to taste Psychology without committing to Units 1 and 2 Psychology. It will enable a more informed choice for VCE and benefit students considering studying Psychology at a VCE level.

Year 10 - Science: Physics (Year 10 Core Program)

Overview

In this Unit, students will study various concepts, principles and laws related to light, force, motion, energy, interactions of waves or radiation with mater, and transfer of energy. Students will be involved with a range of practical activities and writing their own reports. They will also learn a range of formulae and solve problems using them. The practical implications of new concepts translated into real-life situation will also be explored.

Units / Topics	Types of Assessment
Waves, Electromagnetic radiation including Light	Topic Tests
Force, Motion and Energy	Practical reports
	Examination

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a good foundation for students to proceed to VCE Physics.

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Biology

Overview

The study of Biology explores the diversity of life as it has evolved and changed over time and considers how living organisms function and interact. It explores the processes of life, from the molecular world of the cell to that of the whole organism and examines how life forms maintain and ensure their continuity.

Unit 1: How do organisms regulate their functions?

Students examine the cell as the structural and functional unit of life. Students focus on cell growth, replacement and death and the role of stem cells in differentiation, specialisation, and renewal of cells.

Areas of Study

1. How do cell’s function? The structure and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the regulation of the cell cycle and the processes for cell division.
2. How do plant and animal systems function? – How systems function through cell specialisation in vascular plants and in digestive, endocrine, and excretory systems in animals, focusing on regulation of water balance in plants, and temperature, blood glucose, water balance and thyroid regulation in animals through homeostatic mechanisms.
3. How do scientific investigations develop understanding of how organisms regulate their functions? Adapt or design and then conduct a scientific investigation

Unit 2: How does inheritance impact on diversity?

Students explore reproduction and the transmission of biological information from generation to generation and the impact this has on species diversity.

Areas of Study

1. How is inheritance explained? – Describe how a characteristic or trait is inherited through generations and how diversity derives from the production of gametes in sexual reproduction
2. How do inherited adaptations impact on diversity? – Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction and investigate the use and application of reproductive cloning technologies.
3. How do humans use science to explore and communicate contemporary bioethical issues? – Explore a contemporary bioethical issue relating to the application of genetic knowledge, reproductive science, inheritance or adaptations and interdependencies beneficial for survival.

Forms of Assessment

• Practical Logbook Annotation
• Case Study Analysis
• Data analysis of primary and/collated secondary data
• Scientific Investigation Poster
• Response to a bioethical issue
• Semester Exams

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Students should have studied 2 Science Units at Year 10. Year 10 Biology is an advantage.

Future Directions

Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students intending to study VCE Biology Units 3 & 4.

Link to Study Design

VCE Biology 2022 - 2026 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Chemistry

Overview

In this unit students investigate the chemical properties of a range of materials including covalent compounds, metals, ionic compounds, and polymers. They conduct practical investigations involving the reactivity series of metals, separation of mixtures by chromatography, use of precipitation reactions to identify ionic compounds, determination of empirical formulas, and synthesis of polymers.

Unit 1: How can the diversity of materials be explained?

Students focus on elements as the building blocks of useful materials. They investigate the structures, properties and reactions of carbon compounds, metals, and ionic compounds, and use chromatography to separate the components of mixtures.

Areas of Study

1. How do the chemical structures of materials explain their properties and reactions? Investigate the structures, properties and reactions of carbon compounds, metals, and ionic compounds, and use chromatography to separate the components of mixtures.
2. How are materials quantified and classified? – Measurement of quantities in chemistry and the structures and properties of organic compounds, including polymers.
3. How can chemical principles be applied to create a more sustainable future? – Undertake an investigation involving the selection and evaluation of a recent discovery, innovation, advance, case study, issue, or challenge.

Unit 2: How do chemical reactions shape the natural world?

Society is dependent on the work of chemists to analyse the materials and products in everyday use. In this unit students analyse and compare different substances dissolved in water and the gases that may be produced in chemical reactions. They explore applications of acid-base and redox reactions in society.

Areas of Study

1. How do chemicals interact with water? – Understanding the properties of water and investigating acid-base and redox reactions.
2. How are chemicals measured and analysed? – Analysis and quantification of chemical reactions involving acids, bases, salts, and gases.
3. How do quantitative scientific investigations develop our understanding of chemical reactions? – Adapt or design and then conduct a scientific investigation related to chemical equations and/or analysis, which must include the generation of primary data.

Forms of Assessment

• Experimental Investigations
• Infographics
• Reflective annotations of a practical logbook
• Problem solving involving chemical concepts, skills, and/or issues
• Scientific poster
• Topic Tests
• Research Assignment
• End of Unit Exams

Prerequisites and Corequisites

A module of Year 10 Chemistry would be helpful but not essential. Students should have completed 2 units of Year 10 Science.

Link to Study Design

VCE Chemistry 2023 - 2027 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Environmental Science

Overview

Earth is understood as a set of four interrelated systems: the atmosphere, the biosphere, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere. This study explores how the relationships between these systems produce natural environmental change over a variety of time scales and how these systems respond to change and disruption.

Unit 1: How are Earth's dynamic systems interconnected to support life?

In this unit students examine the processes and interactions occurring within and between Earth’s four interrelated systems – the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. They focus on how ecosystem functioning can influence many local, regional, and global environmental conditions. Students explore how changes that have taken place throughout geological and recent history are fundamental to predicting the likely impact of future changes. They consider a variety of influencing factors in achieving a solutions-focused approach to responsible management of challenges related to natural and human-induced environmental change.

Areas of Study

1. How are Earth systems organised and connected?
2. How do Earth’s systems change over time?
3. How do scientific investigations develop understanding of how Earth’s systems support life?

Unit 2: What affects Earth's capacity to sustain life?

In this unit students consider pollution as well as food and water security as complex and systemic environmental challenges facing current and future generations. They examine the characteristics, impacts, assessment, and management of a range of pollutants that are emitted or discharged into Earth’s air, soil, water and biological systems, and explore factors that limit and enable the sustainable supply of adequate and affordable food and water.

Areas of Study

1. How can we manage pollution to sustain Earth’s systems?
2. How can we manage food and water security to sustain Earth’s systems?
3. How do scientific endeavours contribute to minimising human impacts on Earth’s systems?

Forms of Assessment

• Experimental Investigations
• Tests
• Reports
• Case Studies
• End of Unit Exams

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Students should have completed 2 units of Year 10 Science. Yr. 10 Environmental Science is preferred.

Link to Study Design

VCE Environmental Science 2022 - 2026 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Physics

Overview

The study of Physics involves investigating, understanding, and explaining the behaviour of physical phenomena in the Universe. Conceptual understanding is developed as students study topics including light, atomic physics, radiation, thermal physics, electricity, fields, mechanics, quantum physics and the nature of energy and matter. Physics is the area of STEAM that uses mathematics to explain science.

Unit 1 – How is energy useful to society?

Students examine some of the fundamental ideas and models used by physicists in an attempt to understand and explain energy. Models used to understand light, thermal energy, radioactivity, nuclear processes and electricity are explored.

Areas of Study:

1. How are light and heat explained? Electromagnetic Radiation, Thermal Energy, Interaction of Thermal Energy and Electromagnetic Radiation
2. How is energy from the nucleus utilised? Radiation from the Nucleus, Nuclear Energy.
3. How can electricity be used to transfer energy? Concepts used to model electricity, Circuit electricity, Using electricity, Electrical safety in the home

Unit 2 – How does physics help us to understand the world?

In this unit students explore the power of experiments in developing models and theories. They investigate a variety of phenomena by making their own observations and generating questions, which in turn lead to experiments.

Areas of Study:

1. How is motion understood? Concepts used to model motion, Forces, Energy and Equilibrium. Application of motion
2. How can performance in ball sports be improved? The physics of ball sports, communicating physics
3. How do physicists investigate questions? Investigation design, Scientific evidence, Science communication

Forms of Assessment

• Analysis Tasks
• Practical Investigations and Activities
• Practical Activities
• Tests
• Infographics tasks

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Students are expected to have completed Year 10 Physics.

Future Directions

Units 1 and 2 Physics provides the background required for Units 3 and 4 Physics.

Link to Study Design

VCE Physics 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Psychology

Overview

Psychology is a discipline that seeks to describe, explain, understand, and predict human behaviour and mental processes. It includes many sub-fields of study that explore and seek to better understand how individuals, groups, communities, and societies think, feel and act. Students explore complex human behaviours and thought processes. The study assists students to further develop effective language skills for scientific communication.

Unit 1 – How are behaviour and mental processes shaped?

Students examine the complex nature of psychological development. They examine the contribution that classical and contemporary knowledge from Western and non-Western societies, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, has made to an understanding of psychological development and to the development of psychological models and theories used to predict and explain the development of thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

Areas of Study:

1. What influences psychological development? – Interactive influences of hereditary and environmental factors on a person’s psychological development.
2. How are mental processes and behaviour influenced by the brain? – Brain structure and function has changed over time, considering the influence of different approaches and contributions to understanding the role of the brain.
3. How does temporary psychology conduct and validate psychological research? – Investigate how science is used to explore and validate contemporary psychological research questions.

Unit 2 – How do internal and external factors influence behaviour and mental processes?

In this unit students evaluate the role social cognition plays in a person’s attitudes, perception of themselves and relationships with others. Students explore a variety of factors and contexts that can influence the behaviour of individuals and groups, recognising that different cultural groups have different experiences and values.

Areas of Study:

1. How are people influenced to behave in particular ways? – Interplay of psychological and social factors that shape the identity and behaviour of individuals and groups.
2. What influences a person’s perception of the world? – Influence of biological, psychological, and social factors on visual and gustatory perception.
3. How do scientific investigations develop understanding of influences on perception and behaviour? – Adapt or design and then conduct a scientific investigation into the internal or external influences on perception and/or behaviour.

Forms of Assessment

Tests, Logbooks, Folio, Practical Research Investigation

Prerequisites and Corequisites

None required

Link to Study Design

VCE Psychology 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Biology

Overview

VCE Biology enables students to investigate the processes involved in sustaining life at cellular, system, species, and ecosystem levels. Students develop an understanding that, in the dynamic and interconnected system of life, all change has consequences that may affect an individual, a species or the collective biodiversity of Earth.

Unit 3: How do cells maintain life?

Investigate the workings of the cell from several perspectives. Explore the relationship between nucleic acids and proteins. Explore the structure, regulation, and rate of biochemical pathways. Explore how the application of biotechnologies to biochemical pathways could lead to improvements in agricultural practices.

Areas of Study                 

1. What is the role of nucleic acids and proteins in maintaining life? Analyse the relationship between nucleic acids and proteins and evaluate how tools and techniques can be used and applied in the manipulation of DNA.
2. How are biochemical pathways regulated? Analyse the structure and regulation of biochemical pathways in photosynthesis and cellular respiration and evaluate how biotechnology can be used to solve problems related to the regulation of biochemical pathways.

Unit 4: How does life change and respond to challenges?

Consider the continual change and challenges to which life on Earth has been subjected. Study the immune system and interactions between its components to provide immunity to a specific pathogen. Investigate the relatedness between species and impact of various change events on a population’s gene pool.

Areas of Study

1. How do organisms respond to pathogens? Analyse the immune response to specific antigens, compare the different ways that immunity may be acquired and evaluate challenges and strategies in the treatment of disease.
2. How are species related over time? Analyse the evidence for genetic changes in populations and changes in species over time, analyse the evidence for relatedness between species, and evaluate the evidence for human change over time.
3. How is scientific inquiry used to investigate cellular processes and/or biological change? Design and conduct a scientific investigation related to cellular processes and/or how life changes and responds to challenges

Forms of Assessment

• Practical Logbook Annotation
• Case Study Analysis
• Data analysis of primary and/collated secondary data
• Scientific Investigation Poster
• Response to a bioethical issue
• End of year exam

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Students would be expected to have satisfied the work requirements of Unit 1 & 2 Biology.

Link to Study Design

VCE Biology 2022 - 2026 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Chemistry

Overview

In this unit students investigate the chemical production of energy and materials. They explore how innovation, design and sustainability principles and concepts can be applied to produce energy and materials while minimising possible harmful effects of production on human health and the environment.

Unit 3: How can design and innovation help to optimise chemical processes?

Students analyse and compare different fuels as energy sources for society, with reference to the energy transformations and chemical reactions involved, energy efficiencies, environmental impacts, and potential applications. Students conduct practical investigations involving thermochemistry, redox reactions, electrochemical cells, reaction rates and equilibrium systems.

Areas of Study

1. What are the current and future options for supplying energy? – Analysing and comparing a range of fossil fuels and biofuels as energy sources for society, and carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids as fuel sources for the body and exploring how energy can be sustainably produced from chemicals to meet the needs of society while minimising negative impacts on the environment.
2. How can the rate and yield of chemical reactions be optimised? – Explore the factors that affect the rate and yield of equilibrium and electrolytic reactions involved in producing important materials for society, and the sustainability of different options for producing useful materials for society.

Unit 4: How are carbon-based compounds designed for purpose?

In this unit students investigate the structures and reactions of carbon-based organic compounds, including considering how green chemistry principles are applied in the production of synthetic organic compounds, and look at the metabolism of food and the action of medicines in the body.

Areas of Study

1. How are organic compounds categorised and synthesised? Focus on the structure, naming, properties, and reactions of organic compounds, including the chemical reactions associated with the metabolism of food. They explore how synthetic organic compounds can be produced more sustainably for use in society.
2. How are organic compounds analysed and used? – Focus on laboratory and instrumental analyses of organic compounds, and the function of some organic compounds as medicines.  Students explain how some medicines that bind to the active sites of enzymes function by inhibiting the enzymes’ mode of action.
3. How is scientific inquiry used to investigate the sustainable production of energy and/or materials? – Designed or adapted practical investigation related to Unit 3 and/or Unit 4.

Forms of Assessment

• Experimental Investigations
• Infographics
• Reflective annotations of a practical logbook
• Problem solving involving chemical concepts, skills, and/or issues
• Scientific poster
• Topic Tests
• Research Assignment
• End of Unit Exams

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Unit 1 & 2 Chemistry preferred

Link to Study Design

VCE Chemistry 2023 - 2027 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Environmental Science

Overview

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary, investigative science that explores the interactions and interconnectedness between humans and their environments and analyses the functions of both living and non-living elements that sustain Earth systems.

Unit 3 – How can biodiversity and development be sustained?

Students focus on environmental management through the application of sustainability principles. They explore the value of the biosphere to all living things by examining the concept of biodiversity and the ecosystem services important for human health and well-being.

Areas of Study:

1. Why is maintaining biodiversity worth a sustained effort? – Importance of Earth’s biodiversity and how it has changed over time, analyse threats to biodiversity, and evaluate management strategies to maintain biodiversity.
2. When is development sustainable? – Sustainability principles relate to environmental management, analyse how stakeholder perspectives can influence environmental decision-making, and evaluate the effectiveness of environmental management strategies.

Unit 4 – How can climate change and the impacts of human energy use be managed?

In this unit students explore different factors that contribute to the variability of Earth’s climate and that can affect living things, human society, and the environment at local, regional, and global scales. Students compare sources, availability, reliability, and efficiencies of renewable and non-renewable energy resources to evaluate the suitability and consequences of their use in terms of upholding sustainability principles.

Areas of Study:

1. How can we respond to climate change? – Analyse the major factors that affect Earth’s climate, explain how past and future climate variability can be measured and modelled, and evaluate options for managing climate change.
2. What might be a more sustainable mix of energy sources? – Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using a range of energy sources and evaluate the suitability and impacts of their use in terms of upholding sustainability principles.
3. How is scientific inquiry used to investigate contemporary environmental challenges? – Design and conduct a scientific investigation related to biodiversity, environmental management, climate change and/or energy use.

Forms of Assessment

• Data and evidence analysis
• Case Studies
• Investigations

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed Units 1 & 2 Environmental Science

Link to Study Design

VCE Environmental Science 2022 - 2026 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Physics

Overview

While much scientific understanding in physics has stood the test of time, many other areas continue to evolve. In undertaking this study, students develop their understanding of the roles of careful and systematic experimentation and modelling in the development of theories and laws. They undertake practical activities and apply physics principles to explain and quantify both natural and constructed phenomena.

Unit 3 – How do fields explain motion and electricity?

Students use Newton’s laws of motion to analyse linear motion, circular motion and projectile motion. Newton’s laws of motion give important insights into a range of motion both on Earth and beyond through the investigations of objects on land and in orbit. They explore the motion of objects under the influence of a gravitational field on the surface of Earth, close to Earth and above Earth. They explore the relationships between force, energy, and mass.

 

Areas of Study:

1. How do physicists explain motion in two dimensions? – Investigate motion and related energy transformations experimentally and analyse motion using Newton’s laws of motion in one and two dimensions.
2. How do things move without contact? – Analyse gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, and apply these to explain the operation of motors and particle accelerators, and the orbits of satellites.
3. How are fields used in electricity generation? – Analyse and evaluate an electricity generation and distribution system.

Unit 4 – How have creative ideas and investigation revolutionised thinking in physics?

In this unit, students explore some monumental changes in thinking in Physics that have changed the course of how physicists understand and investigate the Universe. They examine the limitations of the wave model in describing light behaviour and use a particle model to better explain some observations of light.

 

Areas of Study:

1. How has understanding about the physical world changed? – Analyse and apply models that explain the nature of light and matter and use special relativity to explain observations made when objects are moving at speeds approaching the speed of light.
2. How is scientific inquiry used to investigate fields, motion, or light? – Design and conduct a scientific investigation related to fields, motion, or light, and present an aim, methodology and method, results, discussion, and a conclusion in a scientific poster.

Forms of Assessment

Each topic will be assessed using a Test, a data analysis, a report, or a scientific poster.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Students would be expected to have satisfied the work requirements of Physics Units 1 & 2.

Link to Study Design

VCE Physics 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Psychology

Overview

VCE Psychology explores the complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors that influence human thought, emotions, and behaviour. Students apply their learning to everyday situations and gain insights into a range of psychological issues in society. Students develop skills involving practical experimentation and research, analytical skills including critical and creative thinking and communication skills. Students use scientific and cognitive skills and understanding to analyse research to inform their decisions.

Unit 3 – How does experience affect behaviour and mental processes?

Areas of Study:

1. How does the nervous system enable psychological functioning? – Explain how the structure and function of the human nervous system enables a person to interact with the external world and analyse the different ways in which stress can affect nervous system functioning
2. How do people learn and remember? – Apply biological and psychological explanations for how new information can be learnt and stored in memory.

Unit 4 – How is mental wellbeing supported and maintained?

Areas of Study:

1. How does sleep affect mental processes and behaviour? – Explain consciousness as a continuum, compare theories about the purpose and nature of sleep, and elaborate on the effects of sleep disruption on a person’s functioning.
2. What influences mental wellbeing? – Explain the concepts of mental health and mental illness including influences of risk and protective factors, apply a bio psychosocial approach to explain the development and management of specific phobia, and explain the psychological basis of strategies that contribute to mental wellbeing.
3. How is scientific inquiry used to investigate mental processes and psychological functioning? – Design and undertake a practical investigation related to mental processes and psychological functioning, and present methodologies, findings and conclusions in a scientific poster.

Forms of Assessment

Test, Scientific Poster task, Media Analysis, Research Investigation, End of year examination

Prerequisites and Corequisites

There are no prerequisites, however it is advantageous to have completed Units 1 & 2 Psychology

Link to Study Design

VCE Psychology 2023-2027 Study Design