VCE Biology Revision Program

Date/Time: Saturday 14th September, 2013.
Location: Monash University – Caulfield campus [ Click here for Location Details ]

PART A: 9.30am - 12.45pm

Presentation 1: Molecules of Life

Part one of this lecture will cover the activities of cells at the molecular level; the synthesis of biomolecules that form components of cells and the role of enzymes in catalysing biochemical processes; the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration; the production of proteins and the relationship between changing the code and changing the molecular products of cells.

Part two of the lecture will focus on 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.

Presentation 2: Detecting and Responding   

Part one of this presentation will cover the different signaling molecules and signal transduction in both animals and plants; neurotransmitters, hormones, pheromones, plant growth regulators, signals, membrane receptors and responses.  

Part two will focus on the definition of a disease, differences between ‘self’ and ‘non self’ molecules, the barriers and mechanisms of organisms that protect them from invasion and infection by pathogenic organisms.  Mechanisms that control the effectiveness of pathogens, and specific and non-specific immune responses or organisms to antigens will also be covered.

Part three will cover different mechanisms for acquiring immunity, including natural and artificial including vaccines and antibody serums.  Preventing infections and disorders of the immune response; including autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, allergens and allergic responses will also be covered.

 

PART B 1.30pm - 5.00pm

Presentation 1: Heredity

Students will examine DNA - its structure and function; cell reproduction; molecular genetics: transcription and translation into proteins and tools and techniques of manipulating DNA.  The transmission of heritable characteristics - eukaryotes and prokaryotes; variation in offspring: influences of genotype and environmental factors, mutations in DNA and the relationship between alleles; patterns of inheritance in sexually reproducing organisms: monohybrid crosses will also be explored.

Presentation 2: Variation, Natural Selection & Evolution

This presentation will examine variation and natural selection, including, for example, the causes of variation between individuals; the genetic basis of natural selection; selective pressures, speciation and extinction. Evolution and diversity will also be explored including evidence for evolution; divergent, convergent and parallel evolution; homology; human evolution and human intervention in the process of evolution. Methods used to investigate variation, natural selection and evolution will be detailed.

Mr. Michael Wilton is the senior Biology teacher at Mentone Grammar.
Bree Pertzel is an experienced Biology teacher and Assessor and has made presentations to teachers and students in Biology over a number of years.