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Biology
Course Description:
.jpg) Biology is the study of life. The Preliminary course incorporates the study of the mechanisms and systems that living things use to obtain, transport and use for their own growth and repair; biotic and abiotic features of the environment and the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem; the evolution of life on Earth; and the effects of global changes on the diversity of Australian biota during the formation of the Australian continent.
The HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course. It examines the processes and structures that plants and animals use to maintain a constant internal environment and the way in which the inheritance of characteristics are transmitted from generation to generation. The options cover a wide variety of interest topics and draw on the development in technology to examine areas of current research.
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Chemistry
Course Description:
Chemistry is the study of matter, with a focus on substances and their interactions. Chemistry attempts to provide chemical explanations and to predict events at the atomic and molecular level.
The Preliminary course develops a knowledge of atomic structure, chemical changes, rates of reaction and relationships between substances by focusing on increasing students’ understanding of the Earth’s resources, the development of increasingly sophisticated methods to extract and use metals, the importance of water on Earth and high energy carbon compounds.
The HSC course builds on the concepts developed in the Preliminary course expanding on areas such as the search for new sources of traditional materials, the design and production of new materials, the type and effect of chemicals that have been released as a result of human technological activity and the way in which environmental problems could be reversed or minimised. The options cover a wide variety of interest topics and draw on the increased information and understandings provided by improved technology to examine areas of current research.
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Earth and Environmental Science
Course Description:
 Earth and Environmental Science is the study of the planet Earth, its processes and its environment.
The Preliminary course develops a knowledge of the physical and chemical features of the environment, the available resources and human impact on Australian environments and the interplay between the internal and external forces that constantly shape the Earth.
It increases students’ understanding of these concepts by focusing on the unique nature of the Australian continent, its geology and environments and, in particular, the local environment and the effect of human impact on it.
 The HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course. It examines the geological, physical and chemical evidence related to the evolution of Australia over time, current pressures and the effects on the Australian environment, and the indicators of environmental ill-health.
The options cover a wide variety of interest areas and draw on increased information and understanding provided by improved technology to examine areas of current research.
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Note: EES is not currently being offered in 2010.
Junior Science
Course Description:
Science develops students’ knowledge, understanding and skills to explain and make sense of the biological, physical and technological world, enabling them to make informed choices and responsible decisions as individuals and part of the community.
Through their study of science students develop a knowledge and understanding about the living and non-living world. Students examine the historical and ongoing contribution of scientists, including Australian scientists, to scientific research. They examine the impact on their lives of scientific knowledge and its applications to their communities and surroundings.
Students work individually and in teams in planning and conducting investigations. They analyse data and information, evaluate issues and problems, identify questions for inquiry and investigation and draw evidenced-based conclusions. Through this problem-solving process they develop their critical thinking skills and creativity.
Students apply and communicate their findings, understanding and viewpoints in a scientifically literate way when making informed decisions about the environment, natural and technological world.
Physics
Course Description:
Physics is the study of the material world. It focuses on investigating natural phenomena and identifying patterns, applying models, principles and laws to explain their behaviour. The Preliminary course develops a knowledge of waves, motion, forces, fields, electricity and magnetism by focusing on increasing students’ understanding of current communication technologies, the use of electricity in the home, interaction involving vehicles, such as car crashes and the mechanisms that maintain the physical conditions of planet Earth. The HSC course builds on the concepts of the Preliminary course by expanding on areas such as relativity, the motor effect and solid state physics, by focusing on space flight, motors and generators and the scientific advances involved in the development of semi-conductors and electronics.
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Senior Science
Course Description:
The Preliminary course incorporates the collection, storage and conservation of water resources, the structure and function of plants with an emphasis on Australian native plants and the study of some aspects of human anatomy. It discusses issues associated with the protection of the body in the workplace and the interactions between organisms in local ecosystems.
The HSC course examines the range and importance of biological molecules found in humans and other organisms and the physical and chemical properties of chemicals used by people on and in their bodies.
The Senior Science course caters for students requiring a broad cover across all disciplines of science, encouraging them to become scientifically literate citizens. The course emphasises skill development and is particularly suited to students who have achieved Elementary to Substantial Achievement in the School Certificate in Science.
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