Unit 1: Unity and diversity

Prerequisites

Students are advised to complete the Year 10 Chemistry and Biology units before undertaking Unit 1 Biology, or Year 10 Chemistry concurrently if accelerating in VCE Biology.

Scope of the unit

This unit examines the cell as the structural and functional unit of the whole organism. Students investigate the needs of individual cells, how specialised structures carry out cellular activities and how the survival of cells depends on their ability to maintain a dynamic balance between their internal and external environments. 

Students also investigate technological applications and implications of bioscientific knowledge.

Areas of study

Cells in action
This area of study focuses on the activities of cells. Students investigate the relationship between specialised structures of cells and the processes that maintain life. All organisms, whether unicellular or multicellular, require a relatively stable internal environment for optimal functioning. Students examine how membranes contribute to survival of cells by controlling the movement of substances within cells, and between cells and their external environment.

Students undertake practical investigations into cell structure and functioning in autotrophs and heterotrophs. They consider the development of ideas and technological advances that have contributed to our knowledge and understanding of cell biology. Students investigate the implications of current and emerging techniques and technologies that make use of, and further our knowledge of, cells as functional units.

Functioning organisms
This area of study focuses on the relationship between features of organisms and how organisms meet their requirements for life. Students examine a range of organisms and investigate the ways that structures and systems function in terms of obtaining and releasing energy; obtaining nutrients, water and gases; processing and distributing materials to cells and transporting wastes from cells to points of disposal. They consider the needs for systems to be integrated for the organism to function as a whole.

Students examine how patterns of observable similarities and differences in the structure and function of organisms are used in constructing taxonomic systems that are subject to change as new information is obtained.

Assessment

Outcomes	Assessment Tasks
Students will have satisfactorily completed this unit when they have demonstrated the specific set of outcomes listed below:
Design, conduct and report on a practical investigation related to cellular structure, organisation and processes.	a student-designed and/or adapted and/or extended practical investigation; Methods used will be chosen from the following: practical activities or investigations; multimedia presentation; media response; oral presentation; annotated poster; data analysis; problem solving; test, multiple choice and/or short answer and/or extended response.
Describe and explain the relationship between features and requirements of functioning organisms and how these are used to construct taxonomic systems.	At least three from the following: practical activities or investigations; multimedia presentation; media response; oral presentation; annotated poster; data analysis; problem solving; test, multiple choice and/or short answer and/or extended response.

Note: In addition to the Assessment Tasks, students will be required to sit an end-of-semester examination.

Reproduced by permission of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, Victoria, Australia. Web Address www.vcaa.vic.edu.au