Interdisciplinary Science A/T/M engages students in investigating the complex relationships between systems and domains of science inherent to investigating phenomena and problems in the world today. They develop the scientific, mathematical, and technological skills to engage with the study of contemporary interdisciplinary science topics and develop an understanding of problems confronting society.

Provision for development of integrated courses is important for developing quality curriculum that prepares students for life and work in the 21st Century.  Solutions to societal challenges and the nature of work are becoming increasingly cross-disciplinary. As such, an integrated curriculum enables students to apply deep understandings of key disciplinary concepts and principles to real-world problems. They promote creativity and the ability to develop innovative solutions to entirely new problems. As such this course focuses on the collaborative solution of real, complex problems.

In bringing together often siloed domains of knowledge, students pursue understanding and a depth of analysis uninhibited by disciplinary boundaries by acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to solve problems. This has a range of benefits for student development of skills in scientific analysis as well as 21st century work and life skills. Higher order thinking is facilitated through the opportunities to inquire freely, think critically, use deductive and inductive reasoning, think creatively, and reason using analogy and synthetic thinking. Students gain deep understanding through the analysis of complex systems as they are, rather than limited by the boundaries of disciplines.

Students develop communication and interpersonal skills in undertaking meaningful collaborative projects to solve problems. They understand the challenges of producing and disseminating reliable scientific knowledge in often heavily contested policy spaces. They learn to address the challenges of applying contemporary research findings and recommendations in contexts characterised by evolving scientific understanding, tradition, economic pressures, and policy conflict.

This course develops the scientific literacy necessary to understanding the world around them and engage meaningfully as citizens in the significant policy debates that will shape our future. It allows students to pursue areas of interest and satisfy their curiosity. For those students interested in a career in science, it will prepare students for further study in a range of areas, and potentially work in a growing economic sector. For those not interested in a career in science, the capacity for critical and creative thought, IT skills, literacy and numeracy will be valued as preparation for any career goal.

The Interdisciplinary Science course is written under the BSSS SCIENCE Framework.

Achievement Standards for SCIENCE courses can be found within the Framework.

The study of Science is the unveiling of the mysteries of the universe in order to make sense of nature in all its wonder and complexity. Through knowledge, observation, questioning, experimentation, discussion, critical analysis and creative thinking in a scientific context, students develop their investigative, analytical and communication skills while cultivating an appreciation of the natural world.

Interdisciplinary Systems

Students investigate the interdisciplinarity of systems in the area of study, and the intersection of different scientific domains. They bring together scientific knowledge gained in disciplinary studies and apply to contexts and situations in their world from the area of study. They inquire into the theories, principles and processes of the identified systems using the skills, knowledge, and methods of a range of relevant scientific domains. Students draw on understanding derived from different scientific domains to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

Modelling Systems

Students investigate how to model systems using and discovering mathematics, IT and the scientific principles of the systems being studied. Students learn to define problems, including graphical approaches, and develop questions that can be addressed by science using modelling. Students apply models to understand system behaviour, and how systems respond to transient events and long-term trends. They develop an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of models and how to communicate findings honestly, clearly, and persuasively to generate understanding in the general community.

Interdisciplinary Solutions

Students investigate examples and case studies of interdisciplinary problem solving in the area of study. They investigate problems in the identified area of study and use interdisciplinary knowledge, understanding and skills to find solutions to problems. They investigate how systems are intentionally manipulated and unintentionally affected by human activity. They evaluate the sustainability of use and impact and possible alternative solutions.

Contemporary Innovations in Science

Students investigate new discoveries and methodologies related to the area of study. They investigate interdisciplinary applications and possibilities raised by new findings in sub-disciplines. They draw links between findings in different sub-disciplines and their broader applications in addressing problems in society and within the area of study.

Independent Study

An Independent Study unit has an important place in senior secondary courses. It is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own learning. An Independent Study unit can be proposed by an individual student for their own independent study and negotiated with their teacher. The program of learning for an Independent Study unit must meet the unit goals and content descriptions as they appear in the course.

Independent Study units are only available to individual students in Year 12. A student can only study a maximum of one Independent Study unit in each course. Students must have studied at least three standard 1.0 units from this course. An Independent Study unit requires the principal’s written approval. Principal approval can also be sought by a student in Year 12 to enrol concurrently in an Independent Study unit and their third 1.0 unit in this course of study.

New Course for 2023

Interdisciplinary Science A/T/M (710 KB)

Interdisciplinary Science A/T/M (298 KB)

(Also replacing Forestry, Oceanography and Flight)

Support Material for Implementing Interdisciplinary Science (739 KB)

This document contains Programs of Learning and suggested resources for different topics for units in Interdisciplinary Science. This is intended in particular to support the transition from Senior Science to Interdisciplinary Science.