1 Choosing a Science Subject Knowledge is power

2 Introduction Science is a practically based set of subjects. These subjects can be interesting, enriching and fun but you MUST apply yourself to do well.

3 Science and the UAI Approximate mark in science ATAR mark ATAR = Australian Tertiary Admission Rank

ATAR The ATAR is a rank based on an aggregate of scaled marks of - the best two units of English - the best eight units from their remaining units Scaled marks are calculated the year the courses are completed. 4

5 Note All Science syllabi can be found on the Board of Studies Web Site ( All Science subjects are worth 2 units In Year 11 you can choose Senior Science by itself OR a maximum of 6 units from 1. Physics 2. Chemistry 3. Biology 4. Earth & Environmental science

6 Physics and Chemistry If you choose to do physics and/or chemistry you should 1. Be good at English 2. Achieve a band 5 or 6 in the School Certificate in Science 3. Be doing advanced Maths at a reasonable level 4. Be an independent worker

7 Biology Earth & Environmental Are not easy subjects Require you to be good at English Have concepts that are not as difficult as in chemistry and physics but still require in depth study and independent work.

8 Senior Science Is a more general science Is not easy Often attempted by students who are good at or like science but will not use science directly after leaving school. If chosen in Year 11 you cannot do another science subject. You cannot choose Senior Science in year 12 unless you have done at least one preliminary science course. You can change from say - physics to senior science in Year 12 or - from say ‘legal studies’ to senior science in Yr 12 (provided you have done at least oneYr 11 Science subject).

Chemistry Preliminary Course The Chemical Earth (30 hours) Metals (30 hours) Water (30 hours) Energy (30 hours) HSC Course (a) the core which constitutes 90 hours and includes: The Production Of Materials (30 hours) The Acidic Environment (30 hours) Chemical Monitoring and Management (30 hours) (b) ONE option, which constitutes 30 hours: Industrial Chemistry Shipwrecks, Corrosion and Conservation The Biochemistry of Movement The Chemistry of Art Forensic Chemistry

Physics Preliminary Course The World Communicates (30 hours) Electrical Energy in the Home (30 hours) Moving About (30 hours) The Cosmic Engine (30 hours) HSC Course (a)the core, which constitutes 90 hours and includes: Space (30 hours) Motors and Generators (30 hours) From Ideas to Implementation (30 hours) (b)ONE option, which constitutes 30 hours: Geophysics Medical Physics Astrophysics From Quanta to Quarks The Age of Silicon

Biology Preliminary Course A Local Ecosystem (25 hours) Patterns in Nature (35 hours) Life on Earth (30 hours) Evolution of Australian Biota (30 hours) The HSC course (a)the core, which constitutes 90 hours and includes: Maintaining a Balance (30 hours) Blueprint of Life (30 hours) The Search for Better Health (30 hours) (b)ONE option, which constitutes 30 hours: Communication Biotechnology Genetics: The Code Broken? The Human Story Biochemistry

EARTH and ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Preliminary Course Planet Earth and Its Environment (30 hours) The Local Environment (30 hours) Water Issues (30 hours) Dynamic Earth (30 hours). HSC Course (a)the core, which constitutes 90 hours and includes: Tectonic Impacts (30 indicative hours) Environments Through Time (30 indicative hours) Caring for the Country (30 indicative hours) (b)ONE option, which constitutes 30 hours Introduced Species and the Australian Environment Organic Geology – A Non-renewable Resource Mining and the Australian Environment Oceanography.

Senior Science Preliminary Course Water for Living (30 hours) Plants (30 hours) Humans at Work (30 hours) The Local Environment (30 hours) HSC Course (a)the core, which constitutes 90 hours and includes: Lifestyle Chemistry (30 hours) Medical Technology — Bionics (30 hours) Information Systems (30 hours) (b) ONE option, which constitutes 30 hours Polymers Preservatives and additives Pharmaceuticals Disasters Space science

Summary Courses offered by Carlingford High School Chemistry (2 unit) Physics (2 unit) Biology (2 unit) Earth & Environmental Science (2 unit) Senior Science (2 unit) (In Year 11 you can choose a maximum of 6 units from all except senior science)