Resources for teaching VCE Biology Unit 3

GTAC developed the following resources to complement the key knowledge points and key science skills for Unit 4 in the VCE Biology Study Design. Many of the resources feature in our Overview of Unit 3 Biology professional learning event.

Sample timeline for teaching VCE Biology Unit 3

The GTAC team has created a sample timeline for teaching VCE Biology Unit 3 with reference to the 2022 - 2026 VCE Biology Study Design. The sample timeline covers all key knowledge points from the study design but orders them so that they can be explored within overarching narratives (as indicated). Opportunities to utilise GTAC resources are indicated and the are also available on this page. Click here to view the timeline.

Exploring the structure of DNA

A short online course in which students deconstruct the DNA molecule and examine its structure and components. Students can access this resource by clicking Students > Online courses on the GTAC homepage. Click here to view this resource.

Regulation of the trp operon

The trp operon in Escherichia coli comprises genes responsible for synthesizing the amino acid tryptophan.

These genes are activated when cellular tryptophan levels are low and repressed when levels are high. To explore this regulatory mechanism, GTAC offers resources including an origami model and instructional videos. These materials guide students through modeling the steps involved in trp operon regulation. Click here for more information and to view this resource.

Using biotechnology to diagnose Human Papillomavirus infections

Students apply their understanding of DNA structure to demonstrate the processes underpinning a restriction digest and gel electrophoresis.

Click here for more information and to view this resource.

Polymerase Chain Reaction

A short online course in which students use digital models and animations to explore the steps in the DNA manipulation technique Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Click here for more information about this resource.

Gel Electrophoresis

A short online course in which students use digital models and animations to explore the DNA manipulation technique gel electrophoresis. Click here for more information about this resource.

Approaches to analysing bioethical issues

A series of resources that introduce students to some approaches and basic concepts involved in ethical analysis of a bioethical issue. Students can access the online course featured in this resource by clicking Students > Online courses on the GTAC homepage. Click here to view this resource.

Transformation of energy in cells

A suite of activities in which students construct models of photosynthesis and respiration, then plan and conduct investigations to interrogate their models. Click here to view these activities.

The many colours of photosynthesis

An online course in which students identify and manipulate the key inputs and outputs of photosynthesis. Students can access this resource by clicking Students > Online courses on the GTAC homepage. Click here to view this resource.

Modelling respiration pathways

An online course in which students explore the process of respiration as animated molecules take them on a journey into the cell. Students can access this resource by clicking Students > Online courses on the GTAC homepage. Click here to view this resource.

A comparison and evaluation of three student practical activities

Explore a number of experiments that can be used in an approach for running the Unit 3 outcome 2 SAC task. Click here to view these experiments. It includes a student study aid that can be used across unit 1 – 4 (A qualitative analysis of quantitative data).

Modelling CRISPR-Cas-9 in bacteria

Explore the GTAC CRISPR-Cas-9 educational model to learn how this technology protects bacteria from viral invaders. Click here to view this resource.

Using CRISPR-Cas-9 to treat sickle cell anaemia

Students use problem based learning to investigate how CRISPR-Cas-9 can be used to manipulate and modify DNA sequences. Click here to view this resource.

It's a knockout! The impacts of CRISPR-Cas-9 modification of Rubisco

Can we use CRISPR-Cas-9 to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis and crop yields? In this online course students explore current research efforts by evaluating and analysing secondary data. Students can access this resource by clicking Students > Online courses on the GTAC homepage. Click here to view this course.

What is rubisco?

Investigate nature’s most essential enzyme and how it functions. Students can access this resource by clicking Students > Online courses on the GTAC homepage. Click here to view this resource.

Critically evaluating scientific posters

An online course in which students compare and contrast two scientific research posters on the same topic. Students critically evaluate each poster with the help of a scientific poster evaluation tool and make recommendations for improving the study and poster. Click here to view this resource.

Scientific poster templates

GTAC designed scientific poster templates for student investigations. Click here for more information on this resource.