Learn about the biological, chemical, physical and psychological world.
Curriculum
Science
Overview
Science provides an empirical way of answering interesting and important questions about the biological, physical and technological world.
The study of Science aims to lay a solid foundation for the further study of Science in the disciplines of biological, physical, chemical and the earth and space sciences. Developing curiosity about the sciences provides an empirical way of answering questions and develops understanding.
For more details about courses and subjects, please refer to the latest Course Guides.
Key Study Areas
In Year 7, the foundation of science is explored through a broad range of topics including an introduction to science skills and report writing, chemical science – mixtures, earth and space, biological science – classification, physical science – motion.
Areas of study include:
- Introduction to Science
- Our Place In Space
- Food Chains and Food Webs
- Resources
- Classification
- States of Matter
- Mixtures
- Forces
Science in Year 8 builds upon the foundations laid down in Year 7 and is explored through a broad range of topics including: biological science – nature of cells, earth science – sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, chemical science – states of matter, chemical science – the periodic table, physical science – energy.
Areas of study include:
- Active Earth – Part 1: Rocks
- Elements and Compounds
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- Cells
- Body Systems
- Energy/Light/Sound
- The Water Cycle
In Year 9, students begin to explore other aspects of the scientific world through a broad range of topics.
Areas of study include:
- Ecosystems
- Active Earth – Part 2: Plate Tectonics
- Body Coordination and Nervous Systems
- Heat
- Atoms
- Chemical Reactions
In Year 10, students can have the option of studying the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and Science Inquiry.
VET Options
Students are able to apply for the following Science VET courses in Year 10:
- Laboratory Skills VET Certificate III.
In Year 11 Science, students have the option of the following Unit 1 and 2 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, and Psychology.
VET Options
Students are able to apply for the following Science VET courses in Year 11:
- Laboratory Skills VET Certificate III.
In Year 12 Science, students have the option of the following Unit 3 and 4 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology.
VET Options
Students are able to apply for the following Science VET courses in Year 12:
- Laboratory Skills VET Certificate III.
Subjects
Why is life so diverse on earth? How did life evolve to be adapted to an environment? Why do sharks and dolphins look so alike if one is a fish and one is a mammal? How do genes affect the way an organism interacts with its environment? How have humans affected biodiversity via climate change and habitat destruction? Biology is the science of life, in all its beautiful, unusual and wonderful forms. This course is for those who are curious to understand how all living things are connected.
In this course students develop the language, ideas, skills and processes involved in chemistry, and begin to understand the link between atomic theory and the periodic table. Students will develop their understanding of chemical behaviour with respect to types of bonding and learn to calculate quantities of reactants and products of chemical reactions. Students conduct practical investigations and design their own investigation for their research project.
While you do not have to understand all aspects of physics to use many appliances, some knowledge can help you enjoy and appreciate these and the many other examples of the physical world. Physicists are accomplishing many exciting and extraordinary things this century and they have been able to make both experimental and theoretical advances at a seemingly increasing rate. In this course you will relate as much as possible of the theory of physics to your everyday experience. If you have an interest in an occupation dealing in engineering, medical imaging, radiation therapist, surveyor, pilot, biophysicist and many other fields, physics is a prerequisite to these fields of study.
Why do humans behave the way they do? What influences behaviour? Where do dreams come from? These are some of the BIG questions psychologists try to answer with research. In this course students will have the opportunity to conduct an Empirical Research Activity (ERA) and analyse the information. To successfully complete the subject, students must complete several assessed components including an ERA report, tests and an exam.
Certificate III in Laboratory Skills provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills associated with the day-to-day operation of a laboratory and associated technical tasks such as sampling and testing. Unit 1&2 of the program include recording and presenting data, planning and conducting laboratory/field work, maintaining the laboratory fit for purpose, with electives such as performing basic tests and assisting with fieldwork included. Unit 3&4 offer scored assessment and incorporate units such as performing aseptic techniques, contributing to the achievement of quality objectives, preparing working solutions and performing microscopic examinations.
Students who complete Certificate III in Laboratory Skills will be eligible for up to four (4) units of credit towards their VCE: four units at Unit 1&2 level and a Unit 3&4 sequence.
Students wishing to receive an ATAR contribution for the Unit 3&4 sequence of VCE VET Laboratory Skills must undertake scored assessment for the purpose of achieving a study score. This study score can contribute directly to the ATAR, either as one of the student’s best four studies (the primary four) or as a fifth or sixth study.
Science Inquiry is a hands-on, practical science option for students with a preference for applied learning situations. This unit covers basic principles in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, while challenging students to engage with an extended scientific project. Students will focus on developing science inquiry skills including questioning and predicting, planning a valid investigation, measuring and recording data, and anlysing results.
