BROWSE SUBJECTS

In Focus Biology you will delve deeper into the science of living organisms. You will learn about the features of cells from the different kingdoms and the adaptations they have to aid in the survival of the organism. You will study DNA and learn about why it is so important in survival. You will then apply your understand of DNA to genetics and evaluate the evidence for scientific theories that explain the transmission of heritable characteristics from one generation to the next. To do this you will learn how to analyse and interpret inheritance patterns and pedigrees and predict the outcome of genetic crosses. The theory of evolution by natural selection will also be a focus, where you will discover how this explains the diversity of living things and is supported by a range of scientific evidence.

Biology studies living things and their relationship with the environment, including the processes that sustain life. This course covers cell biology, plant and animal systems, genetics, inheritance, and diversity. You will learn about the role of stem cells, homeostasis, and reproduction. You will explore inheritance patterns, genetic crosses, and adaptations for survival. The course also examines the interdependence between species, including the impact of top predators and keystone species on population size and distribution. You will analyse issues related to biological techniques and technologies and consider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on the survival of organisms in Australian ecosystems.

Unit 3 focuses on how cells maintain life through exploring nucleic acids and proteins' role, gene expression, and biochemical pathways. You will also examine the potential of biotechnologies to improve agricultural practices. Unit 4 investigates how life changes and responds to challenges, including the human immune system's functioning and bioethical issues related to disease. Evolutionary biology is studied through the impact of change events on a population's gene pool, species relatedness over time using evidence from various fields, and evidence for structural trends in the human fossil record. Practical investigation is also included.

Have you ever wondered what the human body needs to survive and what would need to happen in order for us to live in an environment completely different to Earth...Think Matt Damon in the movie 'The Martian'. Starting with the Big Bang, you will explore how the factors for life came to be and how they have been essential for life existing as it does today. You will also design a habitat that will explain how these factors could be replicated to allow human life to be sustained indefinitely on Mars, including experiments that explore plant growth.

In Focus Chemistry, you will analyse how the periodic table organises elements and uses it to make predictions about their properties. You will learn to explain how chemical reactions are used to produce particular products and how different factors influence the rate of reactions. Chemical bonding will be a focus and you will plan, select, and use appropriate investigation methods in the laboratory to solve problems. You will also further develop your scientific problem-solving skills as you explore how energy is produced by fuels.

This chemistry course explores the properties and structures of materials, including covalent compounds, metals, ionic compounds, and polymers. You will learn how chemical quantities are measured and how chemical principles can be applied to create a more sustainable future. You will analyse substances dissolved in water and gases produced in chemical reactions and explore the applications of acid-base and redox reactions in society. The course emphasises quantitative scientific investigations to develop a deeper understanding of chemical reactions. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to explain the diversity of materials and the ways chemical reactions shape the natural world.

In this course, you will compare and evaluate various chemical energy resources, including fossil fuels, biofuels, and different types of cells. You will learn about fuel combustion and energy transformations, stoichiometry, and energy calculations. The course also covers the design and principles of galvanic, fuel, and electrolytic cells. You will study organic structures, data processing from instrumental analysis, volumetric analysis, and reactions to predict products and design pathways.

Chemistry is part of everything we do, from the reactions that help us digest food to the elements that create colour in fireworks. In this subject, you'll build a strong foundation in atoms and the periodic table before exploring how chemical principles and laboratory techniques help scientists analyse materials and solve real-world problems. You'll investigate how reactions and experimental testing can verify the authenticity of artworks, and you'll examine how the conditions that influence pathogen growth connect to reaction rates and chemical behaviour. This understanding will help you develop evidence based strategies for reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Through hands-on investigations, you'll apply your knowledge to practical scenarios, using scientific thinking to test ideas, assess risks and create effective solutions grounded in chemistry.

A terrible crime has happened, and the authorities need you! Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of criminals and everyday people, or how investigators use evidence to solve crimes? What on earth is this fingerprinting business, and what do they do to find the bad guys? In CSI: Salesian, you'll learn about forensic testing and get inside the mind of the perpetrators to solve a mystery you can only unlock using your forensic skills and knowledge of human nature. *mature themes covered in this subject

In Focus Environmental Science there is a focus on human impact on the environment, particularly the sources and impacts of pollution in the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), and biosphere (living organisms). You will learn about the structure and components of these spheres and study pollution issues at local and global levels. The course includes a study of the importance of maintaining a diversity of living things on Earth. You will research how pollution can lead to declines of particular species. This course allows you to develop skills in field techniques. There is a large practical component completed in our school grounds and on local excursions. We practise environmental data collection techniques that include collecting and testing water samples, measuring air quality, counting and classifying living organisms, and monitoring local weather and climate using our Salesian Weather Station. This will help you develop skills in data analysis and communication.

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary subject that explores interactions between humans and the environment, analysing living and non-living elements that sustain Earth's systems. Unit 1 examines Earth's interconnected systems, ecosystem functioning, and management of environmental challenges. Unit 2 focuses on pollution, food and water security, pollutants' characteristics, impacts, and management, and factors enabling sustainable supply. The course includes excursions and practical activities using the farm and extensive grounds.

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary subject exploring interactions between humans and the environment, incorporating chemistry, biology, and geography. Unit 3 focuses on environmental management through sustainability principles, examining biodiversity, ecosystem services, biodiversity management, and environmental science case studies. Unit 4 explores factors contributing to climate variability and their impact on living things, human society, and the environment. You will evaluate renewable and non-renewable energy resources and responsible environmental decision-making, considering how science can inform climate change management and energy production impacts. Excursions, practical activities, and use of the farm and grounds are integrated into the subject.

Have you ever marvelled at the beauty of animals and plants in nature? Our planet and environments are changing quickly, and many living species are becoming extinct. Why is this happening? What can humans do to save species and make our planet a healthy place that supports all living things? In this subject you will learn about how animals and plants interact with each other and the outdoors. You will use the Salesian environment to build your fieldwork skills and learn how scientists monitor ecosystems. With the knowledge and skills that you develop in this subject, you will make a plan to help our native species avoid extinction.

Step into the captivating world of science! During these projects you will explore a diverse array of scientific disciplines, from biology to physics, chemistry to environmental science or even psychology. Through hands-on experimentation and immersive learning, you will learn the method that scientists use to conduct experiments and make discoveries, as well as build your skills of experimental design, learn how to safely use science equipment, and explore the many careers that science could lead to.

Ever wondered how parachutes work? Or how roller coasters and theme park rides work? Can you use the scientific method and design process? In this subject you will get the opportunity to answer all these questions, and along the way you will get to design and test different parachutes to find the best one to deliver a care package to a remote community in the outback. You will also work towards creating a 3D board game that incorporates the mechanics involved in theme park rides to demonstrate your new learning!

In Focus Physics you will undertake three main areas of study: Electricity, Motion, and Light and Waves. In the Electricity unit you will explore electric circuits and their real-world applications by investigating concepts such as current, voltage, resistance, and power. In the 'Motion' area of study, you will learn about concepts such as speed, velocity, distance, displacement, and acceleration, as well as forces and Newton's Laws. You will perform an extended practical investigation that allows you to develop problem solving and collaboration skills. In the 'Light and Waves' area of study, you will learn about light as a form of wave motion. You will investigate properties and characteristics of waves such as reflection, refraction, and polarisation in the context of light.

Physics is a theoretical and empirical science that helps us understand the physical universe. In this unit, you will study fundamental physics concepts related to energy, including light, thermal energy, radioactivity, nuclear processes, and electricity, and apply them to contemporary societal issues. You will also explore the power of experiments in developing theories and investigate a variety of phenomena through observation, questioning, and experimentation.

Physics helps us understand the physical universe, from tiny particles to the vastness of space. In this unit, you will focus on the importance of energy in describing the physical world, exploring field models to understand electricity transmission and particle accelerators. Newton's laws and Einstein's theories are used to investigate motion, and wave and particle theories are applied to model the properties of light and matter. You will design and conduct investigations with multiple variables.

Conventional fuels are polluting the environment and will also eventually run out, so the push to move to renewable green energy sources is increasing. In this project you will investigate these energy alternatives and potential future solutions. As you build your understanding of energy and how it is transferred, you will be tasked with designing an energy efficient house and developing plans and suggestions to support the wider Sunbury community in the move to green energy.

In Focus Psychology, you will study a variety of areas that provide grounding for VCE Psychology. You will consider Psychology as a Science and investigate the various types of observation and reporting techniques used, as well as learning about ethical considerations through case studies. You will study the role of the brain in controlling an individual's behaviour, memory, and cognitive skills, and the particular structural and functional role of the lobes of the cerebral cortex, including during sleep and dreaming.

Psychology studies mental processes and behavior using biological, behavioral, cognitive, and socio-cultural perspectives. Unit 1 explores the complexity of psychological development and its contribution to psychological models and theories, including brain structure and function. Unit 2 evaluates the role of social cognition and the influence of internal and external factors on behavior and mental processes, considering different cultural experiences and values, including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Psychology is the scientific study of human mental processes and behavior, using biological, behavioral, cognitive, and socio-cultural perspectives. This unit examines the nervous system and how biological, psychological, and social factors impact learning and memory. It also explores the importance of sleep and its effect on mental wellbeing, including the regulation of sleep, REM and NREM sleep, and the impact of changes in sleep hygiene on psychological functioning. Classical and contemporary research is used to explain these concepts.

This subject will help you develop your skills in designing, implementing, and analysing reliable and repeatable scientific investigations, which is an essential element of all VCE science subjects. You will identify a subject area you are passionate about and investigate to investigate thoroughly. You will develop planning skills by pioneering your own timeline and key benchmarks for your project. Through this process, you will develop a range of individual and collaborative science investigation skills through experimental and inquiry tasks both in the field and in the laboratory. You will also develop your skills in communicating science clearly and accurately using appropriate terminology, conventions, and formats. To enrol in this subject you will need to have completed a Focus science subject in the past or along side this subject.

Have you ever wondered what makes the human body tick? Well, in this subject you will learn all about the different body systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, endocrine) and how they work together to keep us alive. You will also sharpen your experimental design skills by investigating, designing, and performing your very own scientific practical investigation on the human body. You will have the opportunity to compare what you learn about human body systems to the systems found in other organisms.