UNITS 1 & 2
Scientific inquiry investigation
How do organisms regulate their
functions?
How do plant and animal systems
function?
How is inheritance explained?
How do inherited adaptations impact
on diversity?
How to explore and communicate
bioethical issues?
WHAT WILL I LEARN
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
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. Students
study contemporary research, models and
theories to understand how knowledge in
biology has developed and how this
knowledge continues to change in response
to new evidence and discoveries. An
understanding of the complexities and
diversity of biology provides students with the
opportunity to appreciate the
interconnectedness of concepts and areas
both within biology, and across biology and
the other sciences.
VCE - Biology
P A G E 6 2 | P A K E N H A M S E C O N D A R Y C O L L E G E S E N I O R S C H O O L 2 0 2 6 H A N D B O O K
SATISFACTORY COMPLETION
UNITS 3 & 4
Scientific inquiry investigation
How do cells maintain life?
How are biochemical pathways
regulated?
How do organisms respond to
pathogens?
How are species related over time?
Satisfactory Completion
of each Unit Outcome
Satisfactory Completion
of each Unit Outcome
School Assessed
Coursework/Tasks
VCAA Examination
Units 3 & 4
Units 1 & 2
S or N
S or N
50%
50%
Unit 3
80 marks
Outcome 1 - DNA and Genetics
(SAC)
40 marks
Outcome 2 - Biochemical Pathways
(SAC)
40 marks
Unit 4
120 marks
Outcome 1 - Immune Response
(SAC)
40 marks
Outcome 2 - Evolution & Genetics
(SAC)
40 marks
Outcome 3 - Extended Practical
Investigation
(SAC)
40 marks
Total Units 3 & 4 SAC = 200 marks
(50% of final score)
Final 2 hour examination - 50% of
final score
ENTRY
Satisfactory completion of Year 10 Science.