Module 6: Technologies

7 dot points across 2 inquiry questions, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

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

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

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 read →

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

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 read →

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

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.

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

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.

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

Cochlear implant. Covers Graeme Clark's multi-channel implant, the underlying neuroscience, the global commercial success, and worked HSC past exam questions.

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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

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.

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

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 read →