Health Science
Health Science provides students with the opportunities to inquire into fundamental questions about cells and tissues, and organisms at the microscopic level, as well as the macro systems that regulate and control the body, using scientific methodologies, including empirical and literature-based approaches. They will develop a basic and broad knowledge of the human body and medical science that will support further studies at the tertiary level. The fundamental scientific and information literacy developed will also support making informed decisions as a person and a citizen navigating a complex and constantly changing context.
In Health Science, students will investigate the major systems of the body and their functions. They will investigate malfunctions related to external and internal factors. They will examine the human body with the goal of understanding conditions and possible therapies for management and treatment using the latest evidence. Students will develop and understand the contested nature of human health and use their knowledge and understanding to evaluate claims in the popular media about maintaining the body and effective therapies. They will examine the ethical environment for Health Science and how to make ethical decisions about health. Students will apply the scientific method to develop empirically derived knowledge and understanding about health science and the human body.
Health Science provides students with the opportunities to inquire into fundamental questions about cells and tissues, and organisms at the microscopic level, as well as the macro systems that regulate and control the body, using scientific methodologies, including empirical and literature-based approaches. They will develop a basic and broad knowledge of the human body and medical science that will support further studies at the tertiary level. The fundamental scientific and information literacy developed will also support making informed decisions as a person and a citizen navigating a complex and constantly changing context.
This course supports students in pursuing pathways in health, medical, allied health and related fields of study and endeavour. These rapidly growing sectors provide many opportunities for meaningful employment. The knowledge and understanding developed will also support well-informed participation in personal and family life and citizenship.
The Health Science course is written under the BSSS SCIENCE Framework.
Achievement Standards for SCIENCE courses can be found within the Framework.
The study of Science is the unveiling of the mysteries of the universe in order to make sense of nature in all its wonder and complexity. Through knowledge, observation, questioning, experimentation, discussion, critical analysis and creative thinking in a scientific context, students develop their investigative, analytical and communication skills while cultivating an appreciation of the natural world.
Human Reproduction and Development
In this unit, students investigate the properties, functions and health of the reproductive system, including the role of their specialised cells and tissues, and their control by the endocrine system in regulating development. They apply this knowledge particularly to investigate the developmental sequence from fertilisation through implantation, embryonic and foetal development. Students explore selected diseases and claims around the efficacy of related therapies.
Cardiorespiratory Health
In this unit, students investigate properties, functions and health of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and elements of the musculoskeletal system including their specialised cells and tissues. They apply this knowledge to evaluate the impact of lifestyle choices, on the management and prevention of illness and diseases pertaining to these systems. Students explore selected conditions and claims around the efficacy of related therapies.
Human Digestive and Renal Systems
In this unit, students investigate properties, functions and health of the gastrointestinal and urinary systems, including their specialised cells and tissues and their control by the autonomic nervous system. They evaluate the impact of nutrition on health and explore nutrition related disease and conditions and claims around the efficacy of related therapies.
Concepts in Neuroscience
In this unit, students investigate properties, functions and health of the central and peripheral nervous systems including their specialised cells and tissues and their role in communication relevant to life experiences such as ageing, degenerative conditions, metal health and drugs. They conduct inquiries including an analysis of causation versus correlation in understanding environmental and genetic properties of these conditions. Students explore claims around the efficacy of related therapies, such as alternative and innovative therapies.
Independent Study
An Independent Study unit has an important place in senior secondary courses. It is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own learning. An Independent Study unit can be proposed by an individual student for their own independent study and negotiated with their teacher. The program of learning for an Independent Study unit must meet the unit goals and content descriptions as they appear in the course.
Independent Study units are only available to individual students in Year 12. A student can only study a maximum of one Independent Study unit in each course. Students must have studied at least three standard 1.0 units from this course. An Independent Study unit requires the principal’s written approval. Principal approval can also be sought by a student in Year 12 to enrol concurrently in an Independent Study unit and their third or fourth 1.0 unit in this course of study.
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