11–12Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

Compare the characteristics and structures of cells in unicellular, colonial and multicellular organisms

Explain the effect of the surface-area-to-volume ratio on the rate of movement of materials into and out of a cell

Conduct a laboratory experiment to predict the effect of the surface-area-to-volume ratio on the rate of movement of materials into and out of a cell

Explain the hierarchical organisation of organelles, cells, tissues, organs and systems in organisms

Describe the nutrient, water and gas requirements of plants for photosynthesis and respiration

Discuss the conditions required for photosynthesis

Conduct a practical investigation to predict how changes in conditions affect photosynthesis

Use a variety of sources to compare the structures and functions of xylem and phloem in the plant transport system

Use the translocation theory to explain the movement of nutrients through phloem tissue

Use the cohesion-tension theory to explain how osmotic pressure, transpiration stream and the cohesion of water molecules control the movement of water and dissolved minerals through the xylem

Explain how light, temperature, wind and humidity affect the rate of transpiration in plants

Conduct a practical investigation to demonstrate the effect of an environmental factor on the rate of transpiration

Conduct a practical investigation to explain the functions of gas exchange, water and nutrient transport in microscopic leaf, stem and root structures

Describe the organ systems required for nutrient, water, gas and waste management in animals

Use a variety of sources to describe how the processes of mechanical, physical and chemical digestion, absorption and elimination in the human digestive system enable cellular functions

Account for changes in the concentration of gases, nutrients and wastes in blood as it travels through the lungs, liver, small intestine, large intestine, kidneys and muscles organs in mammals

Use models to demonstrate the relationship between the structure and function of arteries, capillaries and veins

Explain the relationship between the structure of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets and their function within blood

Use models to demonstrate how the organisation of alveoli and capillaries in the lungs allows for efficient gas exchange

Explain how glomerular filtration, selective reabsorption and secretion contribute to the removal of waste in nephrons

Use models to explain how the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and nephron tubules contribute to filtration and reabsorption for waste removal in the kidney

Conduct a secondary-source investigation to compare the process of renal dialysis to the function of the kidney

Describe the key components of a typical feedback system, including stimulus, receptor, control centre, effector and response

Construct and interpret diagrams of negative feedback loops to demonstrate maintenance of homeostasis

Discuss the role of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in regulating the secretion of hormones

Describe the function of the primary hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and the stress response

Conduct a secondary-source investigation to analyse the impact of diabetes on the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis

Analyse data on hormone levels and physiological processes to illustrate the role of an endocrine hormone in regulating a specific function

Using a physiological condition discuss the optimal range for functioning and critical tolerance limit