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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Biology => Topic started by: SS1314 on July 08, 2019, 10:59:01 pm

Title: What topics should I focus on for 1/2 Biology?
Post by: SS1314 on July 08, 2019, 10:59:01 pm
I am currently in year 10 and I am doing unit 1/2 biology this year. I was wondering what topics are the most related to unit 3/4 biology and I should work more on?
Title: Re: What topics should I focus on for 1/2 Biology?
Post by: Matthew_Whelan on July 08, 2019, 11:18:33 pm
Check the study design for Unit 3/4 Bio, it will show you every relevant area of bio needed for next year. In general it encompasses cell structure and function (membrane, nucleus etc), photosynthesis and cellular respiration, immune system (not really touched on in U1/2), cell signalling, genetics and evolution (how life changes over time stuff).
Unit 1/2 is pretty similar and 3/4 will feel like revision for a lot of it, you should focus on the concepts that you find difficult and expand on it more.
Also, ecology and anatomy are not really relevant to 3/4 bio so if you learn that this year then don't worry too much about it (unless if you find it interesting anyway).
Heres the link to the study design by VCAA: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/biology/BiologySD-2016.pdf
Title: Re: What topics should I focus on for 1/2 Biology?
Post by: SS1314 on July 09, 2019, 04:49:55 pm
Ok thanks :D
Title: Re: What topics should I focus on for 1/2 Biology?
Post by: caffinatedloz on July 11, 2019, 02:44:47 pm
A lot of people say that as a general rule, the Unit 1 content is more relevant than the Unit 2 content in regards to 3/4. I think having a firm understanding of the early concepts in important (but I'm also only doing 1/2 this year so only quoting what I have found in my personal research). I swear I read a post or an article about this. If I can find it I'll link it.


EDIT: Couldn't find what I was looking for but the reflections here have some insight into what to expect in 3/4.

Eg:
Was it interesting?: Compared to 3/4, I did find 1/2 more interesting - in particular Unit 2, as it was more focused on the cell cycle, and pedigrees/inheritance (which I actually enjoyed, unlike many others in my class - resulting in me being (kinda) upset when I realised pedigrees weren't in the 3/4 study design!)

What would you do differently/keep the same?: I would have asked for help more and done more then the bare minimum cause now in 3/4 i'm having to work harder - for example learning about light independent/dependent stage of photosynthesis in 1/2 i didn't really pay attention and when learning more about it i have to work harder to understand cause i don't have a great understanding.