Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)

The Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) is for students in Stage 6. Find out more about the syllabus and access teaching and learning support materials.

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Read the record of changes to learn about updates to the syllabus and assessment. View all Science syllabuses on the NSW Curriculum website.

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New syllabus implemented from 2027

The new Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025) is to be implemented from 2027.

2025 and 2026

• Plan and prepare to teach Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

2027, Term 1

• Start teaching Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025) for Year 11
• Start implementing new Year 11 school-based assessment requirements
• Continue to teach the Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) for Year 12

2027, Term 4

• Start teaching Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025) for Year 12
• Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements

2028

• First HSC examination for Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

About the course

Students investigate cell structure and function, reproduction, inheritance patterns, genetics and biodiversity. They also explore applications of this knowledge in biotechnology and genetic technologies.

Course description

The Year 11 course investigates cellular structure and provides a basis for understanding the way in which multicellular organisms transport and absorb nutrients and carry out gas exchange. Exploring variations in the structures and functions of organisms provides an understanding of the effects of the environment on living things and on biodiversity.

The Year 12 course investigates reproduction, inheritance patterns and the causes of genetic variation in both plants and animals. Applications of this knowledge in biotechnology and various genetic technologies are explored in the light of their uses in the treatment, prevention and control of infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Students who have shown an achievement in, and/or aptitude for, any of the Stage 6 Science courses: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science or Physics, in Year 11 may choose to study Science Extension in Year 12.

What students learn

Year 11 course

The Year 11 course consists of four modules:

Module 1 Cells as the Basis of Life
Module 2 Organisation of Living Things
Module 3 Biological Diversity
Module 4 Ecosystem Dynamics

Year 12 course

The Year 12 course consists of four modules:

Module 5 Heredity
Module 6 Genetic Change
Module 7 Infectious Disease
Module 8 Non-infectious Disease and Disorders

Course numbers and exclusions

Board Developed Course

Course number(s):

11030 Biology (2 units – Year 11)
15030 Biology (2 units – Year 12)

Prerequisites: Nil

Corequisites: Nil

Pattern of study: A student may count up to:

Year 11: Six units of Science
Year 12: Seven units of Science

to satisfy pattern of study requirements for the HSC.

Eligibility: Nil

Study via self-tuition: No

Exclusions:

16644 Living World Science Life Skills (2 units – Year 11)
16644 Living World Science Life Skills (2 units – Year 12)

Course requirements

Students are provided with 15 hours of course time for depth studies in both Year 11 and Year 12. During this time students may undertake an investigation/activity that allows for the further development of one or more scientific concepts.

A depth study may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities. Depth studies may be included in one module or across several modules.

Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11 and Year 12 courses and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time each year.

Fieldwork is also mandated in Year 11 and is an integral part of the learning process.

Related industries

The knowledge and skills developed in this course can be applied across a range of career pathways.

Industries related to this course include, but are not limited to, the following outlined on the Your Career website: