HSC Biology study plan

Describe the structure and function of cell organelles and relate each organelle to a specific cellular process

Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and explain how compartmentalisation improves efficiency of biochemical reactions

Explain the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane and predict the effect of changing temperature or lipid composition on membrane permeability

Investigate diffusion and osmosis using a semi-permeable membrane model and record quantitative results in a table

Explain how surface area to volume ratio constrains cell size and justifies transport and exchange structures

Describe the roles of mitosis, cell differentiation and specialisation in forming tissues from stem cells

Sequence the hierarchical levels of organisation from organelle to organ system using a named example

Analyse how the structure of a named transport or exchange surface relates to its function

Compare transport systems in a plant and a mammal and justify each structural difference functionally

Explain how gas exchange surfaces in a named organism maximise diffusion rate

Interpret data on exchange surface efficiency and identify variables that were not controlled

Construct a labelled scientific diagram of one transport or exchange system with correct conventions

Classify organisms using a dichotomous key and justify each decision with observed features

Explain how adaptation, variation and environmental pressure interact to produce structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations

Distinguish between the biological, morphological and phylogenetic species concepts and apply each to a scenario

Evaluate the limitations of a classification model when new genetic evidence becomes available

Describe how abiotic and biotic factors determine the distribution and abundance of a species

Explain the roles of producers, consumers, decomposers and keystone species in maintaining ecosystem stability

Model energy flow and nutrient cycling through a named ecosystem and quantify energy loss between trophic levels

Predict the consequences of removing or introducing a species using food web reasoning

Analyse population data to distinguish density-dependent from density-independent limiting factors

Evaluate the reliability and validity of field sampling techniques such as quadrats and transects

Explain how natural selection drives change in allele frequencies within a population over time

Assess the effect of a named human activity on ecosystem dynamics using quantitative evidence

Predict offspring genotype and phenotype ratios using monohybrid and dihybrid crosses and pedigree analysis

Explain the relationship between DNA structure, polypeptide synthesis and the expression of a phenotype

Distinguish between mutations and chromosomal rearrangements and describe their effect on gene expression

Explain how mutation, gene flow, genetic drift and selection change allele frequencies in a population

Evaluate the role of biotechnology in altering the genetic makeup of organisms and discuss one ethical implication

Explain how pathogens are transmitted and how the innate and adaptive immune responses respond to infection

Distinguish infectious from non-infectious disease and describe one named non-infectious disorder and its treatment

Evaluate the effectiveness of a named public health measure in reducing disease transmission

Synthesise content from all domains by answering timed mixed-topic extended response questions

Identify and correct your three weakest syllabus dot points using error analysis