VCE Induction Package 2021 - Biology Units 1 and 2 - Course Outline and Key Dates

Sep 20, 2026

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A VCE induction package introducing students to Biology Units 1 and 2 for 2021, covering course expectations and preparation steps for the year. It outlines holiday homework, the study design and communication tools, study timetables, learning resources, and school compliance. The document explains unit focus areas: cell reproduction and inheritance in Unit 2, and survival, adaptation, homeostasis, biodiversity, and ecosystems in Unit 1, including assessment timelines, SACs, and key topic outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Unit 2: How is continuity of life maintained?

Area of Study 1: How does reproduction maintain the continuity of life?

Area of Study 2: How is inheritance explained?

Area of Study 3: Investigation of an issue

Unit 1: How do living things stay alive?

Area of Study 1: How do organisms function?

Area of Study 2: How do living systems sustain life?

Area of Study 3: Student investigation

Key Dates/Timelines of Topics, Outcomes and Activities (2021)

Semester 1 (Unit 2)

Semester 2

VCE INDUCTION PACKAGE 2021 UNITS 1 AND 2 BIOLOGY Dear students, Welcome to Biology Units 1 and 2. If you are well organised, motivated and have a good work ethic, you will have an enjoyable and successful year in Biology. In order to get the most out of this course, there are a number of things that we strongly suggest that you do over the summer and continue throughout 2020: 1. Complete the holiday homework task by the due date. 2. Familiarise yourself with the detailed course outline provided in this package. Create a bookmark in your computer desktop for the Biology Study Design. 3. Develop a good working relationship with your class teacher and maintain regular communication with them throughout the year. MS Teams will enable you to freely communicate with your teacher and your class mates. The focus is Biology, pose questions, share new findings. 4. Develop a study timetable that will assist you in meeting the required work and to ensure that you allow yourself time for ongoing revision. 5. Ensure that you become familiar with the resources (The Heinemann Biology, Year 11 Biology Microsoft Team page and Edrolo) . 6. Become familiar with the school’s VCE compliance policy. 7. Communicate with students who have studied the subject in previous years to get their perspective and suggestions for success. 8. Ensure that you have a balanced life that consists of schoolwork, exercise, sport, leisure, rest and a healthy diet. Most importantly, be open minded to learning. Keep positive, this is the beginning of your journey as a Biologist. If you have any queries about the course, please contact me at school or by email. On behalf of the Biology Study staff, we wish you all the best for your studies next year, Regards, Mrs Dwyer, Ms Agisilaou and Ms Moraitis Email addresses of Staff teaching subject | NAME OF TEACHER | EMAIL ADDRESS | | --- | --- | | Mrs Dwyer | [dwyerc@vermontsc.vic.edu.au](dwyerc@vermontsc.vic.edu.au) | | Ms Moraitis | [moraitisf@vermontsc.vic.edu.au](moraitisf@vermontsc.vic.edu.au) | | Ms Agisilaou | [agisilaouc@vermontsc.vic.edu.au](agisilaouc@vermontsc.vic.edu.au) | OUTLINE OF BIOLOGY STUDY DESIGN Unit 2: How is continuity of life maintained? In this unit students focus on asexual and sexual cell reproduction and the transmission of biological information from generation to generation. The role of stem cells in the differentiation, growth, repair and replacement of cells in humans is examined, and their potential use in medical therapies is considered. Students explain the inheritance of characteristics, analyse patterns of inheritance, interpret pedigree charts and predict outcomes of genetic crosses. They consider the role of genetic knowledge in decision-making about the inheritance of various genetic conditions. In this context the uses of genetic screening and its social and ethical issues are examined. Area of Study 1 How does reproduction maintain the continuity of life? • Cell cycle • Asexual reproduction • Sexual reproduction • Cell growth and cell differentiation Area of Study 2 How is inheritance explained? • Genomes, gene and allele • Chromosomes • Genotypes and phenotypes • Pedigree charts, genetic cross outcomes and genetic decision making Area of Study 3: Investigation of an issue • The student should be able to investigate and communicate a substantiated response to a question related to an issue in genetics and reproductive science. Unit 1: How do living things stay alive? In this unit students explain what is needed by an organism to stay alive. They are introduced to some of the challenges for organisms in sustaining life. Students examine the cell as the structural and functional unit of life and the requirements for sustaining cellular processes in terms of inputs and outputs. Types of adaptations that enhance the organism’s survival in a particular environment are analysed, and the role that homeostatic mechanisms p

FAQs

What should students do over summer before starting Biology Units 1 and 2 in 2021?

Complete the holiday homework task by the due date, review the detailed course outline, set up a bookmark for the Biology Study Design, and familiarise yourself with relevant learning resources and the school’s VCE compliance policy.

What are the main learning focuses of Unit 2: How is continuity of life maintained?

Unit 2 concentrates on asexual and sexual cell reproduction, transmission of biological information across generations, the role of stem cells, and inheritance. It includes interpreting pedigree charts, analysing patterns of inheritance, and examining genetic screening and its social and ethical issues.

What topics are covered in Unit 1: How do living things stay alive?

Unit 1 explains what organisms need to stay alive, including the cell as the unit of life, inputs and outputs for cellular processes, adaptations for survival, homeostatic mechanisms, biodiversity classification, and factors affecting population growth. It also includes investigations based on Unit 1 and/or Unit 2 content.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Aldword