Rationale
Biology Life Skills explores living things including humans, animals and plants and their interactions with their environment. The syllabus provides opportunities for students to learn about living systems, including features and structures of living things and human diseases. It also supports learning about the care of living systems and the treatment and prevention of disease, with meaningful applications in everyday contexts.
The rationale of the Biology Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus aligns with the rationale of the Biology 11–12 Syllabus, for a common entitlement of learning, as described below.
Biology is the study of life. The study of evolution, the structure and function of organisms, the Earth’s biodiversity, heredity, biotechnologies and the effects of disease make up fundamental knowledge of existence, with applications including health and sustainability in a rapidly changing world.
Studying Biology develops a deep knowledge of living things, from the molecular level to macroscopic systems, and their interactions with the environment. Students enhance their learning of a changing world through an awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Cultures, Knowledges and Practices relating to the environment, health, biotechnology and sustainability issues.
Biology equips students with the tools to understand the complexity of life and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Understanding biological systems allows students to engage with issues such as genetic engineering, conservation, disease prevention and environmental sustainability. Through this understanding, they engage with ethical considerations about the relationships between living things and systems.
In Biology, the application of scientific models to predict future environmental changes and their possible effects on society enables students to apply Working scientifically knowledge through data analysis, problem-solving, scientific reasoning and communication. Fieldwork and scientific investigations help students to acquire practical skills, while communication skills enable them to present findings and conclusions effectively. This knowledge is critical for students becoming informed, scientifically literate citizens capable of addressing local and global challenges.
Biology provides opportunities for students to develop critical and creative thinking skills for a range of post-school contexts. The study of Biology develops students’ knowledge and understanding of personal and public health, sustainability, and their relationship with the world. It provides a foundation for careers in health care, environmental science, biotechnology and research, and for the development of informed citizenship in an increasingly scientific and technological world.