Unit4Biology

In this unit students examine evidence for evolution of life forms over time. Students explore hypotheses that explain how changes to species have come about. In addition to observable similarities and differences between organisms, students explore the universality of DNA, and conversation of genes as evidence for ancestral lines of life that have given rise to the present biodiversity of our planet.
 * Unit 4 VCE Biology Continuity and Change**

This includes investigations of molecular genetics and the genome, transmittion of genes for generation to generation, and the interrelationships between biological, cultural and technological evolution.



__Area of Study 1 Heredity__ This area of study focuses on molecular genetics and the investigation not only of individual units of inheritance, but also of the genomes of individuals and species. Students investigate inheritance in asexually reproducing organisms and the mechanisms and patterns of transmission of heritable traits in sexually reproducing organisms.

Students will examine the process of meiosis and investigate the techniques and technologies that are used in association with genetic manipulation.



__Area of Study 2 Change over Time__ This area of study focuses on change to genetic material that occurs over time and the changing nature and reliability of evidence that supports the concept of evolution of life forms. Students investigate changes to species and examine the process of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution. Students will examine how evolutionary biology has been based upon changes in evidence and consider how the interaction between human, cultural and technological evolution.



__Revision__ Each year I conduct revision lectures at Caulfield Grammar School for their HeadStart program. I have included the 2011 materials, adapted for 2 classes rather than 5 - it's a luxury we don't time for!



I also have a collection of past VCAA exam papers for my students to use. They are available on the VCAA website ([|www.vcaa.vic.edu.au]) and I've included the most recent on a separate page Unit4BiologyVCAAExams.