biol+3+key+knowledge

Below is the key knowledge dot points from the VCAA study design for the old and current course. Exams from 2000-2005 are for the old course. I have highlighted the key differences. Back to exam revision.

The first difference you will notice is that there use to be three areas of study compared to the current two. Although Iit is not a part of the new area of studies, you are expected (and will be examined) on biology skills such as experimental design and procedure. Sections highlighted in purple you do not need to worry about if you come across it in the 2000-2005 exams. Sections highlighted in yellow will not appear on the 2000-2005 exams, you will only see these on 2006 exam and onwards. THe main difference in questions relating to AOS2 is that old exams could ask specific detail about the three systems mentioned. You no longer need to know this.

• cell structure, including organelles, cellular organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, plant and animal cells, specialisation • the structure, function and properties of cell membranes and the processes of diffusion, osmosis and active transport • cell functions: enzyme action, photosynthesis and respiration, and the roles of ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus in the production of macromolecules • experimental methods used to investigate cells || • the chemical nature of the cell – synthesis of biomacromolecules: polysaccharides, nucleic acids and proteins – the structure and function of lipids – the structure and function of DNA and RNA – the structure and functional diversity of proteins: the proteome • the role of organelles and plasma membranes in the packaging and transport of biomolecules • the nature of biochemical processes – enzymes as organic catalysts – energy requirements of cells; catabolic and anabolic reactions – energy transformations, including main stages in and sites of photosynthesis and cellular respiration; ATP-ADP cycle; factors affecting rate of energy transformations • applications of molecular biology in medicine including the design of drugs and in medical diagnosis || • nervous and hormonal control systems • detecting changing conditions • feedback mechanisms • hormonal and nervous control mechanisms involved in water balance and the regulation of body temperature, and blood glucose in animals • structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations involved in water balance and the regulation of body temperature and blood glucose in animals • the ways in which modern technology may contribute to homeostasis • hormonal control of plant responses: phototropism, geotropism, flowering, dormancy • regulation in plants of water balance and carbon dioxide supply • experimental methods used to investigate the response of organisms to changing conditions || • coordination and regulation – stability and change in the internal environment – principles of homeostasis: stimulus-response model and negative feedback model; roles of nervous and endocrine systems – signalling molecules: neurotransmitters, hormones, pheromones; plant growth regulators – signal transduction: signals, membrane receptors; responses • detecting ‘self’ and ‘non-self’ molecules: antigens and membrane receptors – pathogens: non-cellular agents, cellular agents; controls • physical and chemical barriers to infection in plants and animals • immune response – structure and overall function of the lymphatic system – non-specific: inflammatory response; phagocytosis; blood clotting – specific immune response: T-cell lymphocytes and cell-mediated response; B-cell lymphocytes and humoral response, antigens and antibodies; memory cells • disorders of the immune response: autoimmunity; hypersensitivity, allergens and allergic responses • acquired immunity: natural, artificial including vaccines and antibody serums || • parasitic infections • aetiology of disease caused by pathogenic organisms and agents including the mode of transmission • defence mechanisms of plants • defence mechanisms of animals • the human immune system: non-specific and specific immunity, including the role played by lymphocytes (B, T, granular and NK cells), phagocytes, mast cells, platelets and chemicals such as complement • experimental methods used to investigate disease and defence against disease ||  ||
 * =  ||= **VCAA 2000-2005** ||= **VCAA 2006-2011** ||
 * = **AOS1** || • cellular environments: the need for stability, cell death
 * = **AOS2** || • homeostasis
 * = **AOS3** || • characteristics of pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, yeasts, protozoa and fungi, and of pathogenic agents such as viruses and prions