§-Biology syllabus
WA · SCSA← Biology
Biology syllabus, dot point by dot point
Every dot point in the WA Biology syllabus, with a focused answer for each. Click any dot point for a worked explainer, past exam questions and links to related points.
Unit 3: Continuity of Species
Module overview →How do biotechnologies manipulate genetic material and what are their uses?
Describe key biotechnology techniques and evaluate their applications and implications
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
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
What different lines of evidence support the theory of evolution?
Evaluate the evidence for evolution from fossils, comparative anatomy, biochemistry and biogeography
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 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
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
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 are traits inherited and how does variation arise within populations?
Apply models of inheritance and explain the sources of genetic variation in populations
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 does sexual reproduction generate genetic variation among offspring?
Explain how crossing over, independent assortment and random fertilisation generate genetic variation
How do cells divide to maintain organisms and produce genetically varied gametes?
Compare mitosis and meiosis and explain how meiosis generates genetic variation
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 does natural selection change a population over time?
Explain how natural selection acts on variation through selection pressures to change populations
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 a family tree reveal the inheritance pattern of a genetic trait?
Interpret pedigrees to determine the mode of inheritance and predict genotypes
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 does one species split into two over time?
Explain how reproductive isolation leads to allopatric and sympatric speciation
Unit 4: Surviving in a Changing Environment
Module overview →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 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 a stable internal environment as conditions change?
Explain how animals maintain homeostasis using negative feedback, with reference to thermoregulation and osmoregulation
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 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 animals maintain water and salt balance in their bodies?
Explain how the kidney regulates water and solute balance and removes nitrogenous waste
What causes infectious disease and how do pathogens spread?
Classify pathogens and explain how infectious diseases are transmitted
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 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 does the body defend itself against pathogens?
Describe the lines of defence and explain the specific immune response and immunity
How do animals keep their body temperature within tolerable limits?
Explain how endotherms and ectotherms regulate body temperature using behavioural and physiological mechanisms
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