There is an innate human curiosity and desire to understand the universe. The study of Senior Science encourages and enables students to develop an understanding of the universe through observation, questioning, experimentation, discussion, critical analysis and creative thinking.

Students explore key concepts and models through active enquiry into phenomena and through contexts that exemplify the role of Science in society. They learn how an understanding of Science is central to the identification of, and solutions to, some of the key issues facing an increasingly globalised society. The subject explores ways in which scientists work collaboratively and individually in a range of integrated fields to increase understanding of an ever-expanding body of scientific knowledge.

Scientific processes challenge current understanding and are continually re-evaluated. Students are constantly encouraged to examine and reconsider their understanding of scientific concepts, their inquiry methods and phenomena.

The study of Science equips students with the skills to be independent thinkers and life-long learners who are confident to pursue a wide range of study pathways and careers.

The Senior 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.

Biological Senior Science

All knowledge, understanding and skills below must be delivered:

• Science Inquiry Skills
• Science as a Human Endeavour
• Science Understanding

Electives

For a standard 1.0 unit, a student must study a minimum of TWO electives from below. For a half-standard 0.5 unit, a student must study a minimum of ONE elective from below.

• Health, Lifestyle and Diseases
• Animal Science
• Gardening Science
• Forensic Science

Environmental Senior Science

All knowledge, understanding and skills below must be delivered:

• Science Inquiry Skills
• Science as a Human Endeavour
• Science Understanding

Electives

For a standard 1.0 unit, a student must study a minimum of TWO electives from below. For a half-standard 0.5 unit, a student must study a minimum of ONE elective from below.

• Gardening Science
• Disaster Management
• Urban Sustainability
• Astronomy
• Forensic Science

Chemical Senior Science

All knowledge, understanding and skills below must be delivered:

• Science Inquiry Skills
• Science as a Human Endeavour
• Science Understanding

Electives

For a standard 1.0 unit, a student must study a minimum of TWO electives from below. For a half-standard 0.5 unit, a student must study a minimum of ONE elective from below.

• Household Chemistry
• Hair Care and Cosmetics
• Forensic Science

Physical Senior Science

All knowledge, understanding and skills below must be delivered:

• Science Inquiry Skills
• Science as a Human Endeavour
• Science Understanding

Electives

For a standard 1.0 unit, a student must study a minimum of TWO electives from below. For a half-standard 0.5 unit, a student must study a minimum of ONE elective from below.

• Transport
• Light and Sound
• Electricity
• Forensic Science

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

Senior Science A-M 2017-2022 (712 KB)

Updated course from 2023

Senior Science A/M (729 KB)

Senior Science A/M (295 KB)