Module 6: Technologies

7 dot points across 2 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

Inquiry Question 1: How does technology contribute to scientific research and how do scientific advancements enhance technology?

Investigate how scientific knowledge has led to the development of a technology, including a medical implant or assistive device

A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 6 dot point on the cochlear implant. Covers Graeme Clark's multi-channel implant, the underlying neuroscience, the global commercial success, and worked HSC past exam questions.

8 min answer →

Investigate how the development of a technology, for example wireless networking, has affected society and changed scientific practice

A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 6 dot point on Australian technology. The CSIRO Wi-Fi (802.11) development story, the John O'Sullivan team, the patent enforcement that returned over a billion dollars to Australian research, and worked HSC past exam questions.

8 min answer →

Investigate how technology has met a specifically Australian challenge, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and its descendant telehealth

A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 6 dot point on telehealth. The pedal radio, the founding of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the evolution to modern telehealth via the NBN and satellite, and worked HSC past exam questions.

7 min answer →

Investigate how scientific knowledge has led to the development of a vaccine or therapeutic, including the contribution of Australian researchers

A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 6 dot point on the HPV vaccine. Covers the Frazer and Zhou virus-like particle, the National Immunisation Program rollout, the cervical cancer impact, and worked HSC past exam questions.

8 min answer →

Investigate how technological developments have enhanced scientific research, including a research facility such as a nuclear reactor or synchrotron

A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 6 dot point on the OPAL research reactor at ANSTO. Covers what the reactor does, nuclear medicine production, neutron scattering, and worked HSC past exam questions on technology enabling science.

7 min answer →

Inquiry Question 2: What is the impact of changing technology on the development of new ideas?

Investigate limitations of current scientific instrumentation and how these have constrained scientific inquiry, with reference to a specific field such as genetics or astronomy

A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 6 dot point on limitations of technology. Covers how the resolution, sensitivity and cost of instruments constrain scientific inquiry, with worked HSC past exam questions using DNA sequencing and astronomy.

7 min answer →

Investigate how technology has influenced the development and acceptance of scientific ideas, including a case study of polymer banknotes or another Australian innovation

A focused answer to the HSC Investigating Science Module 6 dot point on polymer banknotes. The 1988 Australian first, the science behind biaxially-oriented polypropylene, anti-counterfeit features, and worked HSC past exam questions on materials-science innovation.

7 min answer →