The key science skills are a core component of the study of VCE Biology and apply across Units 1 to 4 in all areas of study
- As the complexity of knowledge increases, students should aim to demonstrate the key science skills at a progressively higher level
Develop aims and questions, formulate hypotheses and make predictions
- Identify, research and construct aims and questions for investigation
- Identify independent, dependent and controlled variables in controlled experiments
- Formulate hypotheses to focus investigation and predict possible outcomes
Plan and conduct investigations
- Determine appropriate investigation methodology: case study; classification and identification; controlled experiment; correlational study; fieldwork; literature review; modelling; product, process or system development; simulation
- Design and conduct investigations; select and use methods appropriate to the investigation, including consideration of sampling technique and size, equipment and procedures, taking into account potential sources of error and uncertainty; determine the type and amount of qualitative and/or quantitative data to be generated or collated
- Work independently and collaboratively as appropriate and within identified research constraints, adapting or extending processes as required and recording such modifications
Comply with safety and ethical guidelines
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices when planning and conducting investigations by using risk assessments that are informed by safety data sheets (SDS), and accounting for risks
- Apply relevant occupational health and safety guidelines while undertaking practical investigations
- Demonstrate ethical conduct when undertaking and reporting investigations
Generate, collate and record data
- Systematically generate and record primary data, and collate secondary data, appropriate to the investigation, including use of databases and reputable online data sources
- Record and summarise both qualitative and quantitative data, including use of a logbook as an authentication of generated or collated data
- Organise and present data in useful and meaningful ways, including schematic diagrams, flow charts, tables, bar charts and line graphs
- Plot graphs involving two variables that show linear and non-linear relationships
Analyse and evaluate data and investigation methods
- Process quantitative data using appropriate mathematical relationships and units, including calculations of ratios, percentages, percentage change and mean
- Identify and analyse experimental data qualitatively, handing where appropriate concepts of: accuracy, precision, repeatability, reproducibility and validity of measurements; errors (random and systematic); and certainty in data, including effects of sample size in obtaining reliable data
- Identify outliers, and contradictory or provisional data
- Repeat experiments to ensure findings are robust
- Evaluate investigation methods and possible sources of personal errors/mistakes or bias, and suggest improvements to increase accuracy and precision, and to reduce the likelihood of errors
Construct evidence-based arguments and draw conclusions
- Distinguish between opinion, anecdote and evidence, and scientific and non-scientific ideas
- Evaluate data to determine the degree to which the evidence supports the aim of the investigation, and make recommendations, as appropriate, for modifying or extending the investigation
- Evaluate data to determine the degree to which the evidence supports or refutes the initial prediction or hypothesis
- Use reasoning to construct scientific arguments, and to draw and justify conclusions consistent with the evidence and relevant to the question under investigation
- Identify, describe and explain the limitations of conclusions, including identification of further evidence required
- Discuss the implications of research findings and proposals
Analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific ideas
- Use appropriate biological terminology, representations and conventions, including standard abbreviations, graphing conventions and units of measurement
- Discuss relevant biological information, ideas, concepts, theories and models and the connections between them
- Analyse and explain how models and theories are used to organise and understand observed phenomena and concepts related to biology, identifying limitations of selected models/theories
- Critically evaluate and interpret a range of scientific and media texts (including journal articles, mass media communications and opinions in the public domain), processes, claims and conclusions related to biology by considering the quality of available evidence
- Analyse and evaluate bioethical issues using relevant approaches to bioethics and ethical concepts, including the influence of social, economic, legal and political factors relevant to the selected issue
- Use clear, coherent and concise expression to communicate to specific audiences and for specific purposes in appropriate scientific genres, including scientific reports and posters
- Acknowledge sources of information and assistance, and use standard scientific referencing conventions