SACE Stage 2 Biology case studies
SACE Stage 2 Biology · Put your knowledge to work in context.
SACE Stage 2 Biology is a Year 12 subject offered within the South Australian Certificate of Education, the senior secondary qualification administered by the SACE Board of South Australia. It suits students completing Stage 2 who are building the 200 credits required for the SACE and who may be preparing for tertiary study in the biological or health sciences. The SACE Stage 2 Biology case studies are 5 cases and about 3,272 words.
1Interpreting a Murky Chlorophyll Extraction
A student is investigating the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis in pondweed. She places a 10 cm sprig of Elodea in a beaker of 1% sodium hydrogen carbonate solution at 25 °C and counts oxygen bubbles rising from the cut stem over 5 minutes at five distances from a lamp.
723 words, about 4 min2Antibiotic Resistance in a Hospital Outbreak
A hospital reports an outbreak of a wound infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus on a surgical ward. Over six weeks, 23 patients are affected.
632 words, about 3 min3Designing a Fair Enzyme Practical
A student plans to investigate the effect of temperature on the activity of catalase from potato tissue. The method: cut potato cylinders of 'about the same size', place one in a test tube with 5 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide, and measure the volume of oxygen collected in 60 seconds using a gas syringe.
677 words, about 3 min4Interpreting a Pedigree with Incomplete Information
A family is referred to a genetics clinic because a 14-year-old boy, Sam, has a degenerative muscle condition. His parents are unaffected.
619 words, about 3 min5Evaluating a Claim About Vitamin C and Colds
A magazine article claims: 'Taking 1000 mg of vitamin C daily cuts your chance of catching a cold by half.' The article cites a study in which 200 volunteers were given either 1000 mg vitamin C or a placebo for 12 weeks. Participants recorded whether they developed cold symptoms.
621 words, about 3 min