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SCIENCE
The courses offered in Science are:
A course in Science enables students to increase their range of career options in trade, commercial and professional areas. Some units of Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Science provide an excellent basis for courses at university and the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).
The course is intended for students with an interest in living things and an aptitude for practical work. It aims to develop student's knowledge and understanding of agricultural and horticultural principles, and to develop skills and self reliance necessary to undertake employment in these areas. Each unit consists of 2 half units.
Animals and Aquaculture
This unit examines the structure and function of animals and introduces students to Aquaculture in Australia. It covers the digestive and reproductive systems of domestic and farm animals, common breeds of animals and the importance of genetics to animals improvement programs. Aquaculture covers the biological processes involved in aquatic ecosystems, aquarium management and local aquatic species of importance. (1 unit)
Viticulture and the local Area
This unit covers the history of Viticulture, basic cultural practices in relation to the four seasons and the structure of the plant. The diversity of plant and animal production in the area and the management practices and the environment of the local region are studied. A number of local farms are visited in this unit. (1 unit)
Soil life and Viticulture
This unit covers the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil, and the management of soil fertility. Viticulture examines canopy management to avoid disease, assessment of ripeness, fruit quality and harvesting practices of wine grapes (1 unit)
Animal Health and Plants
The knowledge of animals is further developed in this unit by studying growth and development, pests, parasites, diseases, processing techniques and marketing methods. A practical project requiring students to care for animals is a very important part of this unit. Practical work with plants includes the growth stages of plants, propagation techniques, pasture and cropping systems, pests, diseases, and traditional plant foods of local Aborigines (1 unit)
Biology is the scientific study of living organisms and their environment. It is a multidisciplinary science which draws on concepts from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Earth Science. The course has a focus on humans as an organism and is of special interest to students considering a future career in Life Sciences - eg. nursing, vet nursing, laboratory work, forestry etc as well as students with a general interest in environmental, genetic and health issues.
This course also covers the IB Biology content at both SL and HL, including the two options for each level.
Living Things
The unit introduces some of the skills and concepts of the biological sciences applicable to all living things (0.5 unit)
Ecology and Energy Change
The basics of ecology, photosynthesis and respiration are presented in this unit. (0.5 unit)
Human Anatomy and Physiology
This unit looks at the structure and function of body systems with emphasis on humans. (1 unit)
Reproduction Disease and Biochemistry
Reproduction and reproductive technologies including the chemical basis of biology including DNA structure and biotechnologies. (1 unit)
Genetics and Evolution
Topics in this unit include theories of evolution, evidence for evolution , evolution action and Mendelian Genetics. (0.5 unit)
Human Ecology
Students will look at a wide range of topics that impinge upon people living in communities. (0.5 unit)
This course provides a logical, scientific approach to problem solving and abstract thought, coupled with practical applications of the theory. It is not only an essential preparation for students intending to study a tertiary course, but is an excellent background for many other disciplines.
The course also covers the IB Chemistry core content at both Standard Level and Higher Level. The options are covered as tutorials.Introductory Chemistry
Students are introduced to the following concepts: elements, compounds, mole, stoichiometry, bonding, acid and bases and bonding. Students will learn error calculations and develop sound laboratory behaviour. (0.5 unit)
Gas Laws and Thermochemistry
States of matter, kinetic energy, gas laws and enthalpy including heat of formation, bond energy and Hess' law will be examined through theory and practical work. (0.5 unit)
Kinetics, Le Chatelier's Principle, Redox and Carbox
In this unitrate of reaction, equilibrium, redox reactions and introductory carbon chemistry will be explored mainly through practical work. (1 unit)
Atomic Theory, Periodic Table, Acid/Base
The history of atomic theory, electron configuration and changes of physical properties through the Periodic Table will be discussed. Bonding, VSEPR theory and hybridization will be illustrated by help of models. Acid/base equilibrium demonstrated in form of buffers, and titration graphs created by help of data loggers (1 unit)
Periodicity and Environmental Chemistry
This unit examines: the oxides and chlorides of period 3, their periodicity in terms of bonding and physical properties and acid/base properties; transition elements and environmental issues related to water and atmosphere. (0.5 unit)
Industrial and Analytical Chemistry
This unit explores chemical principles as applied by industry, (eg. in electolysis and metal extraction) and different forms of spectroscopy will be discussed and spectrums used for analysis of organic compounds. (0.5 unit)
This course aims to develop a scientific method of thinking based on the interaction between ideas and experimentation. It allows students to develop technical and computative skills in order to apply them to problems of all kinds; and enables them to study areas of physics that are relevant to future study / employment and to personal interest.
Measurement and Motion
Students are introduced to quantities and measurement, SI units, linear motion including graphical analysis and equations of uniformly accelerated motion. Vectors and parabolic motion and Newton's laws are also topics of this unit. (0.5 unit)
Machines, Motion and Energy
Forces and frictions, simple machines, conservation laws, work, energy and power, collisions and momentum are explored. (0.5 unit)
Heat, Fields and Waves
Students study thermal concepts and energy transfer, gravitational fields and satellite motion, electric fields, waves, light and sound. (1 unit)
Waves, Electromagnetism and Atomic Physics
Topics include EM waves, interference phenomenon, magnetic fields, electro-magnetic induction, development of the model of the atom, quantum theory, the nucleus, radioactivity, fission, fusion and fundamental particles. (1 unit)
Astrophysics
Students are introduced to stellar characteristics, classification of stars by their spectra, stellar evolution, black holes, galaxies and cosmology. (0.5 unit)
Solar System
Students become familiar with the cycles of day and night, seasons, phases of the moon, eclipses and tides, constellations, major stars and stellar co-ordinates. Both the historical development of the solar system and modern day space exploration are studied. (0.5 unit)
SCIENCE FOR LIFE (T)
This course is intended for students wishing to acquire a broad general scientific knowledge. It considers the significance of science in our daily life and aims to develop the students' ability to make informed decisions on environmental, social and ethical issues. Students wishing to pursue a tertiary study of a specific nature should seek advice from staff prior to enrolling in the course.
Water for Living This unit examines the physical and chemical properties of water, water in living organisms and hydrological cycle, the impact of chemicals in our water systems and government policies relating to water supply in the ACT. (0.5 unit)
Acid Bases and Chemical Changes This unit considers the basic concepts relating to atomic structure and properties of matter, chemical change, the mole concept, and the nature of acid and bases. (0.5 unit)
Light and Sound This unit examines light and colour in everyday situations. Students also become familiar with factors involved in sound production, and the factors which affect the quality, loudness and pitch of musical notes. (0.5 unit)
Humans at Work This unit allows students to develop a knowledge of the structures and functions of the human body and an understanding of appropriate safety measures that need to be considered to protect the body. (0.5 unit)
Local Environment This unit investigates the biotic and abiotic factors of an ecosystem, the distribution, diversity and abundance of plants and animals and the flow of energy and matter in an ecosystem. (0.5 unit)
Carbon and Polymers This unit provides students with knowledge of the structure and reactions of the main classes of organism compounds, the function of these compounds in living organisms and the manufacturing of synthetic materials. (0.5 unit)
Energy This unit allows students to develop an understanding of the relationship between work and energy, temperature and heat, and voltage, resistance and current, and apply these concepts to daily life situations. (0.5 unit)
Plant diversity and Genetic Modification This unit allows students to develop an understanding of the different requirements and adaptations of plants to their environment and the importance of biodiversity, and to appreciate the role and implications of science in the wider community. (0.5 unit)
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