When you hear ‘Biology’, what do you think? Probably lab coats, blood, babies, doctors.
I understand there are a lot of rumours surrounding QCE Biology. Whether it be that it’s all memory and content, or that you spend 2 years learning about plants, this article will hopefully clear up some specifics for you.
Manoj Arachige
Unit 1 Biology
11 Biology will begin with Cells and Multicellular Organisms, a unit in which the content you learn fundamentals in everything you'll need to learn for the next couple of years. In simple words – LOCK IN! It is split into 3 different topics, the first of which is Cells as the Basis of Life. In this, you will study the two main cell types, prokaryotic and eukaryotic – distinguishing them based on their differing characteristics, and the implications they have on the function and ability of the organisms. You will then move on to the Exchange of Nutrients and Wastes, where the structure and roles of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in our day-to-day lives are studied. Additionally, we look at the circulatory systems and facilitation of transport around the body. Our last topic for Unit 1 is Cellular Energy, Gas Exchange, and Plant Physiology. In this topic, we focus on energy and how we power our bodies, the reactions that take place to produce this energy, and the structures we have in place that facilitate these processes.
Unit 2 Biology
Unit 2 of QCE Biology is about Maintaining the Internal Environment, specifically studying Homeostasis. This makes up a large portion of the unit, where we look at different receptors, senses, mechanisms, and physiological responses from the body. We specifically learn about the body’s ability to maintain a perfect internal environment. Topic 2, my personal favourite, is about Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology. For those of you wanting to go into healthcare, whether that be medicine, nursing, paramedicine, or even research, your understanding of the human body and its ability to fight diseases is crucial in this unit and further on. Epidemiology also follows the spread of disease around the planet, and we investigate how to prevent this the best we can.
Unit 3 Biology
We are now entering our IA1, the first term of content that will be tested for QCE Biology – so it’s time to put all the skills you spent the year learning into practice. This unit follows Biodiversity and the Interconnectedness of Life, where you will be taught about Biodiversity and Populations, where you will learn about all the different actors and characteristics that contribute to biodiversity, different ways of classifying ecosystems using different indexes and systems, and assess ecosystems using sampling methods. You will then move into Functioning Ecosystems and Succession, specifically different processes and systems that ecosystems have to keep them running, such as food chains, production of chemical energy, and competition.
Unit 4 Biology
You’re finally in the home stretch – Unit 4: Heredity and Continuity of Life. In this unit, students focus on all aspects of genetics and everything that is included in the process of sexual reproduction. We learn content that is practical and relatable to our own lives, the production of sperm and eggs and why we have the same eye colour as our parents. We finish of 12 Biology with the Continuity of Life on Earth, namely micro and macroevolution, and how populations evolve and become more complex and capable organisms over thousands of years.
Grade 12 QCE Biology Assessment Breakdown
IA1 – Data Test – 10%
- Drawing conclusions from provided data sets
- Using information provided
- Less recalling of theoretical knowledge
- Extracting evidence and applying understanding
IA2 – Student Experiment – 20%
- 2000 words or less
- Design and execute an experiment to answer a research question
- Modifying/extending a pre-existing experiment
- Analysing data and drawing conclusions based on findings
- Heavy on ‘The Scientific Method’
IA3 – Research Investigation – 20%
- 2000 words or less
- Researching, analysing, interpreting secondary evidence
- Credible sources are key!!!
- Form justified conclusions through reputable scientific research
EA – External Assessment – 50%
- 2 separate papers, usually one AM and one PM
- Same exact paper given to all schools
- Assesses your knowledge of the subject matter throughout the entire Unit 3 and Unit 4 syllabus
- Consists of a combination of short response, long response, multiple choice, and data test style questions
If you ever do find yourself needing that bit of extra help, feel free to reach out to our amazing community of tutors at KIS Academics.
How to Prepare for Assessments
Exams are pretty simple to study for – you study the questions they’re going to ask. For a data test, you want to make sure you’re doing questions with data sets and provided evidence, so you train your ability to draw conclusions and interpret information, rather than recall content. For Biology specifically, it is most useful to use active recall strategies for exams due to the content load, such as flashcards and revising notes.
For assignments, it’s about staying ahead; make sure that you don’t leave the bulk of work for the last minute, and check and edit as you go. Additionally, it’s important to take advantage of every opportunity you’re given, whether that be assignment exemplars, research question hints, or feedback from your teachers.
Manoj Arachige
Should I Do QCAA Biology?
Hopefully, by now, you know QCE Biology is much more than just memorising. It’s loaded full of complex theories, hundreds of years of practical research, and intricate experiments used to explain evolution and reproduction. That is not to say that the content isn’t difficult; volume-wise it is considerably larger when compared to other hard sciences like chemistry and physics. If you know you are able to master your study techniques and remain consistent in your recall, I am sure that QCE Biology is a fantastic and interesting choice for your subjects.
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academic Tutor for QCE Chemistry, Physics, Biology and English/Literature tutor – Muhammad Akbar. Muhammad is currently studying a Bachelor of Medical Science at Central Queensland University, with guaranteed provisional entry into the University of Queensland’s Doctor of Medicine degree. He is an experienced tutor, and balances his pursuit of excellence with dedication to his students. You can view Muhammad’s profile here and request him as a tutor.
