BIOLOGY

VCE Biology Units 1–4 Comprehensive Concept List

Units 1 & 2 (Year 11) – Foundation Topics

Unit 1: How Do Organisms Regulate Their Functions?

Cells and Cell Structure

  • Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells

  • Cell organelles and their functions

  • Plasma membrane structure and function (fluid mosaic model)

  • Passive and active transport (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion, endocytosis, exocytosis)

Biochemical Processes

  • Enzymes and factors affecting enzyme activity

  • Photosynthesis (light-dependent and light-independent reactions)

  • Cellular respiration (aerobic and anaerobic)

Homeostasis and Regulation

  • Negative and positive feedback mechanisms

  • Nervous and endocrine system regulation

  • Osmoregulation and thermoregulation

Unit 2: How Does Inheritance Impact Diversity?

Reproduction and Cell Division

  • Mitosis and the cell cycle

  • Meiosis and genetic variation

  • Asexual vs. sexual reproduction

Genetics and Inheritance

  • DNA structure and replication

  • Genes, alleles, and genetic variation

  • Mendelian genetics (dominant, recessive, co-dominance, incomplete dominance)

  • Punnett squares and pedigree analysis

  • Polygenic inheritance and epigenetics

Evolution and Natural Selection

  • Darwinian evolution and natural selection

  • Genetic drift, gene flow, and mutations

  • Speciation and evolutionary changes

  • Fossil record and evidence for evolution

Units 3 & 4 (Year 12) – Advanced Topics

Unit 3: How Do Cells Maintain Life?

Biochemistry and Cellular Processes

  • Structure and function of biomacromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids)

  • Transcription and translation (gene expression)

  • Enzymes and biochemical pathways

  • Photosynthesis and cellular respiration

Signalling and Cellular Communication

  • Types of cellular signals (autocrine, paracrine, endocrine)

  • Signal transduction pathways

  • Apoptosis and programmed cell death

Immunology

  • Innate vs. adaptive immunity

  • Structure and function of antibodies

  • The role of B cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells

  • Vaccination and immune memory

Unit 4: How Does Life Change and Respond to Challenges?

Molecular Genetics and Heredity

  • Mutations and their effects on genes

  • Genetic screening and testing

  • DNA manipulation (CRISPR, gene cloning, recombinant DNA)

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis

Evolution and Speciation

  • Phylogenetics and evolutionary relationships

  • Molecular clock hypothesis

  • Human evolution and fossil evidence

Biotechnology and Bioethics

  • Genetic modification and transgenic organisms

  • Stem cells and regenerative medicine

  • Bioethical considerations in genetic technology

‹ CHEMISTRY