An in-depth guide on HSC Biology: Breaking down the Modules, Assessments and Final Exams for your success

Introduction to HSC Biology

HSC Biology explores the world of living organisms, from molecular to biological systems. It examines the relationships between organisms and their environments, a crucial topic in the face of habitat destruction and urbanization. The subject also supports students interested in biological sciences, healthcare, and sustainability.

Throughout both Preliminary and HSC courses, students develop Working Scientifically skills through practical and secondary-sourced investigations.

Course Content and Structure

Year 11 (Preliminary Course)

The Preliminary course sets the foundations for the following year of learning and focuses on two key learning objectives;

• Structure and function of organisms
• Earth’s biodiversity and the effect of evolution

Module 1: Cells as the Basis for Life

Students learn about cell structure, function, and transport mechanisms crucial for survival. 

Module 2: Organisation of Living Things

Examines how multicellular organisms are structured to optimize nutrient and gas transport systems.

Module 3: Biological Diversity

Covers biodiversity, human impacts on ecosystems, and the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. 

Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics

Explores how evolution affects populations and biodiversity, tracing evolutionary change through fossil records and human activity’s impact on ecosystems. 

Year 12 (HSC Course)

The HSC course builds and develops the prior year’s learning through two key learning objectives;

• Heredity and genetic technologies
• Effects of disease and disorders

Module 5: Heredity

Investigates genetic diversity, reproduction, inheritance patterns, and DNA technologies. 

Module 6: Genetic Change

Explores natural and human-induced genetic changes, including mutations and biotechnology applications. 

Module 7: Infectious Disease

Examines the treatment, prevention, and control of infectious diseases on local and global scales. 

Module 8: Non-infectious Disease and Disorders

Discusses causes, impacts, and epidemiology of non-infectious diseases, as well as relevant treatment technologies. 

Assessment Structure

Year 11 (Preliminary Course)

Each school designs its own assessment program, but NESA's sample schedule includes three tasks: a formal exam and a depth study. Schools must assess:

• A depth study
• Course components and weightings
  • Skills in working scientifically (60%)
  • Knowledge and understanding of course content (40%)

Year 12 (HSC Course)

During Year 12, HSC Biology consists of internal, school-based assessment tasks as well as the external final HSC exams.

School-Based Assessments

Similarly to Year 11, each particular school can determine the specifics of their assessment program. NESA’s sample Year 12 formal school-based assessment program includes four total tasks containing a formal written examination and a depth study. The final formal written examination may replicate the timing and structure of the HSC examination. However, each school must assess;

• A depth study
• Course components and weightings
  • Skills in working scientifically (60%)
  • Knowledge and understanding of course content (40%)

HSC Examination

The final exam includes Year 11 course knowledge (assumed knowledge) and relates directly to the Year 12 syllabus outcomes. An equal weighting will be given to Modules 5 to 8, with Working Scientifically skills integrated throughout the examination

• Written paper worth 100 marks
• 3 hours plus 5 minutes of reading time
• NESA-approved calculators allowed

Should I pick HSC Biology?

HSC Biology is a rewarding but demanding subject. Choose it if you have an interest in biological sciences beyond just human biology. It covers ecosystems, genetic technologies, and disease treatment. While Biology does not scale as well as Physics or Chemistry, it's best to choose subjects based on your strengths and interests.

Since 60% of assessments focus on Working Scientifically skills, Biology is ideal for students who enjoy laboratory work and scientific investigations. If you excel in memorizing and applying scientific concepts, this subject will suit you.

How to Excel in HSC Biology

Many of the broad principles for excelling in the HSC are relevant for Biology. These include treating the program like a marathon rather than a sprint and allowing yourself time for breaks and maintaining a slower, consistent pace. Additionally, focus heavily on the syllabus outline as it’s very easy to be dragged into a pit of study and research trying to understand everything there is to know in biological science. More tips for success include;

• Incorporate Working Scientifically skills into your study
• Consolidate your learning with practice HSC questions
• Make flashcards to help with memorisation

FAQs

What are the depth studies in HSC Biology?

HSC Biology students are required to complete a depth study in both Year 11 and Year 12. A depth study is a scientific investigation that helps the student further develop a concept explored in the syllabus. This may be a practical investigation (such as testing a claim in a laboratory) or secondary-sourced investigation (such as producing a journal article from online research). Additionally, your depth study may relate to data collected from fieldwork in the environment, for example conducted on a school excursion. 

How much memorisation is involved in HSC Biology?

Majority of students make the mistake of thinking HSC Biology is all about memorisation, when in reality the content and knowledge only make up 40% of your assessments. It’s crucial to stick to the syllabus outcomes as there is an unending amount of information to know about genetics, environments and evolution (the vast majority of which is not assessed by your school or the final HSC exam). While there is arguably more memorisation than some subjects like Mathematics or English, I would also argue that there is substantially less than some humanities subjects such as Geography or Modern History. The most successful HSC Biology students focus on their Working scientific skills as well as consistently memorise and understand the key knowledge concepts.

Do I need HSC Biology for university?

Many (but definitely not all) students pursuing HSC Biology are interested in doing science after High School. It may be a relief to learn that HSC Biology is not a mandatory requisite for degrees such as veterinary medicine, pharmacy, electrical engineering or medicine. Rather, HSC Biology is assumed knowledge, meaning that if you would like to undertake these degrees without completing HSC Biology you may need to complete a Bridging Course to supplement your learning prior to starting.

Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for HSC Biology, Johanna Lafoa’i. Amelia is currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine at University of Melbourne and has received exemplary reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Johanna’s profile here and request her as a tutor.