§-Biology syllabus

WA · SCSA← Biology

Biology syllabus, dot point by dot point

Every dot point in the WA Biology syllabus, in syllabus order, with a focused answer for each. Open any dot point for the answer, exam-style questions and links to related points.

Unit 3: Continuity of Species

Unit overview →

How do cells divide to maintain organisms and produce genetically varied gametes?

Compare mitosis and meiosis and explain how meiosis generates genetic variation

What forces change the genetic makeup of a population besides natural selection?

Explain how genetic drift, gene flow, the founder effect and bottlenecks change allele frequencies in a gene pool

How does natural selection change a population over time?

Explain how natural selection acts on variation through selection pressures to change populations

How do biotechnologies manipulate genetic material and what are their uses?

Describe key biotechnology techniques and evaluate their applications and implications

How is the information in a gene used to build a functional protein?

Explain how a gene is expressed through transcription and translation to produce a polypeptide

How is genetic information stored, organised and expressed in living organisms?

Describe the structure of DNA, how genes code for proteins, and how DNA is packaged into chromosomes

What laboratory techniques allow scientists to copy, cut and read DNA?

Describe the techniques of gene technology including restriction enzymes, PCR, gel electrophoresis and DNA profiling

How is an exact copy of the genetic material made before a cell divides?

Explain the semiconservative process of DNA replication and the roles of the enzymes involved

How do changes to the DNA sequence arise and what are their consequences?

Describe the types of gene and chromosomal mutations, their causes, and their effects on phenotype

How do humans deliberately change the genetics of organisms, and what are the implications?

Describe selective breeding, transgenic organisms and cloning, and evaluate their applications and implications

How do populations change over time and how do new species arise?

Explain natural selection and the mechanisms that drive evolution and lead to speciation

How does one species split into two over time?

Explain how reproductive isolation leads to allopatric and sympatric speciation

How does sexual reproduction generate genetic variation among offspring?

Explain how crossing over, independent assortment and random fertilisation generate genetic variation

How do different patterns of inheritance produce predictable ratios of offspring?

Apply patterns of inheritance including dihybrid, codominance, multiple alleles, sex linkage and polygenic inheritance

How can we measure whether a population is evolving?

Use the Hardy-Weinberg principle to calculate allele and genotype frequencies and test for change

How can a family tree reveal the inheritance pattern of a genetic trait?

Interpret pedigrees to determine the mode of inheritance and predict genotypes

How are traits inherited and how does variation arise within populations?

Apply models of inheritance and explain the sources of genetic variation in populations

What different lines of evidence support the theory of evolution?

Evaluate the evidence for evolution from fossils, comparative anatomy, biochemistry and biogeography

Unit 4: Surviving in a Changing Environment

Unit overview →

What causes infectious disease and how do pathogens spread?

Classify pathogens and explain how infectious diseases are transmitted

How do plants regulate water loss and respond to a changing environment?

Explain how plants maintain water balance and respond to environmental stimuli

How does vaccination protect individuals and populations from disease?

Distinguish types of immunity and explain how vaccination and herd immunity protect populations

How do infectious diseases spread from one host to another?

Describe the modes of transmission of infectious disease and the factors that affect their spread

How do plants respond to environmental stimuli without a nervous system?

Explain how tropisms and plant hormones such as auxin allow plants to respond to their environment

How do animals maintain a stable internal environment as conditions change?

Explain how animals maintain homeostasis using negative feedback, with reference to thermoregulation and osmoregulation

How does the body keep blood glucose within a narrow range?

Explain how insulin and glucagon regulate blood glucose concentration by negative feedback

How do plants defend themselves against pathogens without an immune system like ours?

Describe the physical, chemical and active defences plants use against pathogens

How does the body defend itself against pathogens?

Describe the lines of defence and explain the specific immune response and immunity

How do health authorities predict, control and respond to disease outbreaks?

Explain the strategies used to predict and manage the spread of epidemics and pandemics

How do we track infectious disease and control its spread in populations?

Explain epidemiological terms and evaluate strategies used to control the spread of disease

How do animals maintain water and salt balance in their bodies?

Explain how the kidney regulates water and solute balance and removes nitrogenous waste

How do animals keep their body temperature within tolerable limits?

Explain how endotherms and ectotherms regulate body temperature using behavioural and physiological mechanisms