GTAC Biology Revision Series


GTAC has developed a series of free VCE Biology revision videos to support Victorian students. In these videos GTAC presenters unpack specific key learning areas of VCE Biology Units 3 and 4 and provide exam-type multiple choice and extended answer questions. Click links to view videos and download pdfs containing the exam-type questions.

Please note these resources were designed based on the 2016- 2021 VCE Biology study design and a small amount of content may not be relevant to the new study design. We have endeavoured to highlight where this occurs to assist students with their studies.

 

Study aid: Conducting a qualitative analysis of quantitative data

The following study aid was designed to help you practice skills in performing a qualitative analysis of quantitative experimental data. It covers the concepts of accuracy, precision, reliability and validity of measurements; and errors (random and systematic).

Click here to download the study aid.

 

DNA technologies

PCR and gel electrophoresis
Explore PCR and how it can be used to make copies of target DNA sequences that can be viewed using gel electrophoresis.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AudZWLdFjec
Click here to download the exam style questions document

Gene cloning - episode releasing soon
Explore how we use enzymes and vectors to introduce new genes into cells so they produce a new protein product.

GMOs and transgenic organisms
Explore how DNA technologies can be used to increase the productivity of crops and the biological and social implications of this use.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWnrXIhuyuI
Click here to download the exam style questions document

 

Biochemical pathways

Enzymes
Explore how enzymes get their shape and how different factors can impact their function.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLF-3Acgu4M
Click here to download the exam style questions document.

Cellular respiration 
Compare the pathways of aerobic and anaerobic respiration to discover the answer to the question “Why do we need oxygen to survive?”.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN5m6veA16Q
Click here to download the exam style questions document. The Qualitative analysis of quantitative experimental data study aid may assist with answering the exam style questions in this episode.

Photosynthesis
Unpack the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis and explore how they play their part in the synthesis of glucose.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txgaPzbpP8M
Click here to download the exam style questions document. The Qualitative analysis of quantitative experimental data study aid may assist with answering the exam style questions in this episode.

 

Immunology

Pathogens and the innate immune response
Meet the principal agents of disease and explore the innate immune response when the body's barriers are breached.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A83KoW7zEHE
Click here to download the exam style questions document

Active immunity: Humoral immunity
Introduce yourself to the key cells of the humoral immune response and examine how they interact so that antibodies are produced.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb_vD8-bYlY
Click here to download the exam style questions document

Active immunity: Cell-mediated immunity
Explore the body's immune response to disease causing organisms that invade your cells.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ephDllj8FoI
Click here to download the exam style questions document

Active immunity: Vaccination
Review vaccination strategies and compare their applications and benefits.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0Ux3szvnv8
Click here to download the exam style questions document

Strategies to deal with emerging diseases
Explore how biological knowledge and techniques can be utilised to identify and control emerging diseases.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM-m0CYnJnA
Click here to download the exam style questions document

 

Evolution

Changes in the genetic makeup of a population
Explore how new alleles are created and the circumstances that alter the proportions of alleles in a population.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkWenEMxXWQ
Click here to download the exam style questions document

Fossil evidence and classification schemes
Explore how evolution is inferred from fossil evidence and from classification schemes based on physical structures.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTv2Z4rhqPs
Click here to download the exam style questions document

Human evolution
Interpret the story of human evolution from DNA sequences, fossil evidence, and analysis of phylogenetic trees.
Episode link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B7qjGn5TAA
Click here to download the exam style questions document