Should I study QCAA Biology?

I understand there are a lot of rumours, and myths, surrounding QCE Biology. Let me clear those doubts up, and help you make an informed decision about whether or not you should study Biology.

What is Taught in QCAA Biology?

Unit 1: Cells and Multicellular Organisms

• You will learn the fundamentals of everything you will need to learn for the next couple of years. So in simple words – LOCK IN!
• Topic 1: Cells as the Basis of Life
  • 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.
• Topic 2: Exchange of Nutrients and Wastes
  • Learn the structure and roles of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in our day-to-day lives are studied. 
  • Look at the circulatory systems and facilitation of transport around the body
• Topic 3: Cellular Energy, Gas Exchange, and Plant Physiology
  • 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. 

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Unit 2: Maintaining the Internal Environment

• Topic 1: 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: Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology
  • For those of you wanting to go into healthcare (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: Biodiversity and the Interconnectedness of Life

• This is 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.
• Topic 1: Biodiversity and Populations
  • 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.
• Topic 2: 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.

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Unit 4: Heredity and Continuity of Life

• Topic 1: Genetics and Heredity
  • 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.
• Topic 2: Continuity of Life on Earth
  • Namely micro and macroevolution, and how populations evolve and become more complex and capable organisms over thousands of years.

How is QCE Biology Assessed?

 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.

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How to Study for Assessments?

• 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 do not leave the bulk of work for the last minute, and check and edit as you go.
• It is important to take advantage of every opportunity you’re given, whether that be assignment exemplars, research question hints, or feedback from your teachers. 

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Conclusion

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. It can be difficult, but I am sure that QCE Biology is a fantastic and interesting choice for your subjects. If you need an additional boost, a tutor from KIS Academics can help you achieve your academic goals!

FAQs

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.

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