ATAR Notes: Forum
Archived Discussion => 2010 => Mid-year exams => Exam Discussion => Victoria => Biology => Topic started by: Hutchoo on July 15, 2010, 06:49:12 pm
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Sup VCE notes ;D
This week at school we had a thing called 'course councilling'.. Pretty much 1 hour and a bit getting informed about next years subject choices [Year 11]
I've definetly got these subjects in mind:
Mathematical Methods CAS
Advanced General mathematics (has a topics that will strongly help with specialist mathematics)
Physics
Chemistry
English Language.
Theres one problem though :F
I can either drop 3/4 Psych [Note: I will have completed 1/2 this year] and pick up 1/2 or 3/4 Biology.
I don't know if its the same at every school but you can skip straight ahead to 3/4 Biology. [I have the choice of doing 3/4 Bio in year 11]
I was just wondering, if I do choose 3/4 Biology, will I be in a major disadvantage and do poorly in the 3/4 unit? My teacher said if i did choose 3/4 Biology i'd have to do a lot of reading over the Christmas break [Thats fine with me :D]
I don't want to choose 1/2 Bio ( in year 11) because I'll have the biggest work load in year 12... Physics, Chem, Eng, Methods, Spec +Bio if i choose it.. Where as with Psychology I'd have a little more experience which might help with the 3/4 unit.
Ultimately, I can choose 1/2 Bio and ditch 3/4 psychology, or pick up 3/4 bio, without doing units 1/2 and ditch psychology, OR JUST KEEP PSYCHOLOGY.
Math methods, Advanced general, biology [3/4 or 1/2], chemistry, physics, English. [Spec in year 12]
OR
Math methods, Advanced general, Psychology 3/4, Chemistry physics, English. [Spec in year 12]
P.S I find that Biology is more interesting.
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Well 1/2 for Bio and Psychology aren't really crucial. So don't worry about not doing 1/2 for bio before 3/4.
I was in a similar situation last year choosing between Psych and Bio this year and I definitely made the right choice for me. I enjoy psychology so much more, btw bio in year 11 is sooooo crap. Just know that Bio will be harder to grasp whereas Psych will be easier to grasp however can be just as hard to get a great score in because its so competitive.
Can you do two 3/4s at your school? If you can you should do 3/4 psych and 3/4 bio.
I'd say go through some vcaa exams and look at the stuff you will be looking at so you can get a rough idea. I've heard year 12 bio is interesting.
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Units 3/4 bio is very interesting, i like psychology... but i'd much prefer Biology :P
If i did two 3/4's in year 11 I'd be screwed... Not only that but 7 subjects? I'd much prefer the 6 ~.~ Plus it will make me do a whole extra load of work for something that won't increase my enter by a lot.
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I would say do 3/4 psych in year 11 (I did this) and 3/4 Bio in year 12.
3/4 psych isn't related to the previous year's content, it's a more medical/biological approach with the different lobes of the brain, visual perception, memory etc.
If you enjoy psychology, think about doing bio the next year since it'll be similar but a step up (people call psych a "soft science" for this reason)
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If i could have done biology in year 10.. Id be so much happier >.> Shame my school doesn't offer it.
If i do 3/4 Bio in year 12... I'd have the biggest work load, I wouldn't be able to study properly.. Mass amounts of homework + Stress = Good game
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maybe cut out physics or another subject you were originally planning on having in year 12. Otherwise just go with Bio, it will be tough though.
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I could do that .. I want to get into medicine or engineering... To get into engineering don't you need to have completed Physics?
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If i do 3/4 Bio in year 12... I'd have the biggest work load, I wouldn't be able to study properly.. Mass amounts of homework + Stress = Good game
Oh right, sorry, i misinterpreted your post. Thought you were asking about which order to do them in.
If you could only do one, I would recommend biology, i love it a lot more than I do psych. Units 3/4 for biology are pretty interesting, especially unit 4 and it's a pretty good springboard into general science (you said you wanted to get into med). I prefer biology, but pick the one you best enjoy. They do have a bit of overlap, so you'll get a taste of them in each.
e, i think engineering is just maths, not physics as well, but don't quote me on that
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Hehe, I might actually be able to ditch Psychology unit 2 and jump into unit 2 bio >.> If its possible.
Im going to ask the teachers tomorrow.
WISH ME LUCK :D
I do prefer biology also >.>
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Unit 2 biology is ecosystems and environments...interesting if that's your thing, but it's nothing like 3/4. Talk to your teacher though, good luck!
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Hehe, I might actually be able to ditch Psychology unit 2 and jump into unit 2 bio >.> If its possible.
Im going to ask the teachers tomorrow.
WISH ME LUCK :D
I do prefer biology also >.>
yeah try out unit 2 biology and see which subject you like more, as 3/4 is not required for bio/psych as said. even if unit 2 biology is different, you can always read a bit of unit 1 bio during your unit 2 classes^^
i've heard they share equal amounts of work if not bio more.. but i personally would have loved bio more and probably done more work for it; so i think higher work load too. my friend thinks they are quite similar- everyone is different.
psych is very interesting but extreme perfect rote learning required! biology is more concept based, and has more room for mistakes. psych is not as lenient as it is more competitive in terms of marks needed.
fine which you prefer more and choose it for that, you can do well in either!
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Sweet, I would really like that :D I will talk to my teachers very soon [probably tomorrow] about it.
Thanks for your help everyone ~
I will be posting back on what happened :D
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Oh right, sorry, i misinterpreted your post. Thought you were asking about which order to do them in.
If you could only do one, I would recommend biology, i love it a lot more than I do psych. Units 3/4 for biology are pretty interesting, especially unit 4 and it's a pretty good springboard into general science (you said you wanted to get into med). I prefer biology, but pick the one you best enjoy. They do have a bit of overlap, so you'll get a taste of them in each.
e, i think engineering is just maths, not physics as well, but don't quote me on that
Engineering is maths AND definitely physics (I'm doing it for work experience this week lol). If you want to do engineering, I'd recommend doing maths and physics subjects for VCE (not sure if it's compulsory).
Yeah, I'd recommend biology too, the school will cover all the 1/2 material you need again in 3/4 to allow those who haven't done 1/2 to catch up. However, unit 1 AOS 1 and unit 2 AOS 1 are very relevant to yr 12 biology and they build your basic foundations - I'd suggest reading through a 1/2 textbook if you can gain access to one, to facilitate straight transition into 3/4. Good luck!
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Unit 2 biology is ecosystems and environments...interesting if that's your thing, but it's nothing like 3/4. Talk to your teacher though, good luck!
I think the start of unit 2 is like homeostasis and adaptations then in AOS2 it goes into environments which isn't really relevant. However, unit 1 AOS 1 is almost replicated in some part of unit 3 (cell structure, function, transport, enzymes, that kind of stuff). Unit 2 AOS1 is also relevant apparently. However, you don't need units 1/2 to do decently in biology, as they will most definitely cover it again.
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Engineering is maths AND definitely physics (I'm doing it for work experience this week lol). If you want to do engineering, I'd recommend doing maths and physics subjects for VCE (not sure if it's compulsory).
Meant in terms of prereqs, the course is obviously physics as well.
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bio 1/2 tends to be more helpful for 3/4 bio as opposed to 1/2 psych for 3/4 psych. i find anyway
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bio 1/2 tends to be more helpful for 3/4 bio as opposed to 1/2 psych for 3/4 psych. i find anyway
Yeah, that tends to be the case :)
But I reckon going over the textbook for 1/2 thoroughly (the sections relevant to the 3/4 study design, at least) will suffice, as there do exist many people who go straight to biology 3/4.
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Woah, thanks :D
I really want to do biology now.. I even talked to my sister/mum about it.. Psychology seems ... eh xD.
I prefer biology because its so interesting, SO MUCH TO LEARN !:D :D
Also, yes.. Now that I think about it 1/2 psych is easy as pie :D
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Woah, thanks :D
I really want to do biology now.. I even talked to my sister/mum about it.. Psychology seems ... eh xD.
I prefer biology because its so interesting, SO MUCH TO LEARN !:D :D
Also, yes.. Now that I think about it 1/2 psych is easy as pie :D
Good luck with it haha. it's weird how you don't seem to like psych, I thought everybody loved it haha.
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I really want to do biology now
One of us! One of us!
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Woah, thanks :D
I really want to do biology now.. I even talked to my sister/mum about it.. Psychology seems ... eh xD.
I prefer biology because its so interesting, SO MUCH TO LEARN !:D :D
That's right - I love biology because you learn so much interesting things in it but the subject is quite big; you have to grasp, remember and apply so many concepts and theory!
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i think bio unit 1 is essential because it's where you learn about cells and its structure, functions etc. which will definitely help for yr 12 bio. im only doing unit 1 bio this yr for a semester casue the teacher sed unit 2 was unecessary caseu it doesnt really blend in with units 3 4 bio. I personally think bio is a lot more hard work (rote learning) than psych but is way more interesting. It seems you like bio more so do it. However VCE is a one and only chance sorta thing so it may be risky.
i think you should do 7 subjects in case you might regret hadnt doing bio or vice versa, psych. hmms in yr 11, you have more time to spend on your 3 4 subjects but on the other hand, your brain isn't as developed to grasp teh complex concepts as to the competing yr 12s?
im plannign to do the same subjects as you, except normal english and not english language :)). im a mathy person and found bio really draining when i had this other teacher in normal science but wen i began doing bio as an individual vce subject i found it fun and interesting! bio usually relates to med too :) psych for me is even boringer but thats just my opinion. XD i did accounting unit 2 also, and i found the tables all confusing i prefer problemo solving type of math lol. But it was lucky that i did it or else i would have never known and even pickd it nxt yr! so mayb wen you do bio without 1 2 you mite not like it anymore and itll be too late to change?
anywhoo gd luck though.
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LOL sorry about my typing...im half asleep right now bahahahahaaaa. oh and then in that case, do bio :)))) but youll have to do a lot in the holidays. get a tutor or something or do bio exercises beforehand.
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i think bio unit 1 is essential because it's where you learn about cells and its structure, functions etc. which will definitely help for yr 12 bio. im only doing unit 1 bio this yr for a semester casue the teacher sed unit 2 was unecessary caseu it doesnt really blend in with units 3 4 bio.
Unit 2 is not completely irrelevant to 3/4 - apparently AOS1 of unit 3 (which is term 3) is relevant, whereas AOS2 of unit 3 is not. That's what I was told anyway...
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Well, my sister did really well in 3/4 Biology [48 SS from memory], also I have 2 friends [One goes to MHS, one goes to JMSS] who both have completed Biology 1/2 ..
I have a load of sources.. so if i ever need help i'll have them.
I'm going to do a lot of research (reading 1/2 notes/doing exercises) over the Christmas holidays... I still need to decide though, if I replace psychology 3/4 with Biology 3/4 everything will be perfect.
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That's great - good luck with your decision :)
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Eh, I had a look at the study design to decide if I want to tutor 1/2 at summer school and it's not that related. It'd probably help a bit, but by no means essential. If you've done it, it's a nice bonus but bio 3/4 is one of the more standalone subjects.
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Yeah, well thats what I plan to do.. I've got a pretty good name in my school so help is always available :D
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Okay even though I did 1/2, I am going to give you the short answer: No.
One of the Units is entirely unnecessary for 3/4, and it's the one where you study plants.
UNNECESSARY.
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So you're suggesting that I go straight for 3/4?
If I do that, with hard work over the Christmas holidays I will be up to date with everything :D
I really just want to skip 3/4 >.>
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I don't think you'd need "hard" work, just a consistent effort. Get familiar with the terms, get familiar with cell structure and function and you'll be pretty well prepared for unit 3. If you buy a second hand copy of a unit 1 textbook and read through that, you'll be well prepared. A lot of students do 3/4 biology without 1/2 (i nearly did!).
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This thread makes me sick >:(
Pysch > Bio
Why?
:: sexier subj
:: easier
:: is basically biology; esp the new study design
:: doesn't require tutor; economic benefit :P
:: much easier to score 50 in then biology
:: can be applied practically; how do we learn? how do we remember things? how do we sleep?
Join me in pyschology 8-)
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:: is basically biology;
Why settle for silver when you can get gold :P
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Ask yourself this. Would you rather study an arts subject or an actual science?
:P
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This thread makes me sick >:(
Pysch > Bio
Why?
:: sexier subj
:: easier
:: is basically biology; esp the new study design
:: doesn't require tutor; economic benefit :P
:: much easier to score 50 in then biology
:: can be applied practically; how do we learn? how do we remember things? how do we sleep?
Join me in pyschology 8-)
LMAOOOOOOOOOOO
WELL bio is better because:
*it is more relevant to life
*there are no psych-os who study it
*less people do bio
*the word bio means life and if you want to do soemthing med realated you need some bio because you ARE saving lives!
*psychology is just ghey and hardly has anything mathematical
BWAHAHAHAHAA
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This thread makes me sick >:(
Pysch > Bio
Why?
:: sexier subj
:: easier
:: is basically biology; esp the new study design
:: doesn't require tutor; economic benefit :P
:: much easier to score 50 in then biology
:: can be applied practically; how do we learn? how do we remember things? how do we sleep?
Join me in pyschology 8-)
LMAOOOOOOOOOOO
WELL bio is better because:
*it is more relevant to life
*there are no psych-os who study it
*less people do bio
*the word bio means life and if you want to do soemthing med realated you need some bio because you ARE saving lives!
*psychology is just ghey and hardly has anything mathematical
BWAHAHAHAHAA
Biology is not a pre-req for MBBS and hence irrelevant to my VCE. If i do get MBBS there's the compulsory bridging course, so to OP; don't be scared to do pyschology just because biology helps med. Also biology is relevant to life once you get into med; your not going 2go up2 your mate and say "omg ur mitochondria are malfunctioning"...but rather with pyschology you can say "you didn't sleep last night because of Stage 2 NREM sleep or whatever it is [ i have no clue lmao ] ...pysch isnt just "gay" what a shit point? as for maths; how th' hell is that relevant here?...and less ppl do bio that just helps my case; bio sucks :P
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take it from someone who's done biology and psychology...psych is essentially just a subset of bio. doesn't mean it's not interesting, but biology will offer far more practical advice than pysch will.
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take it from someone who's done biology and psychology...psych is essentially just a subset of bio. doesn't mean it's not interesting, but biology will offer far more practical advice than pysch will.
thats exactly the point; its a sub-set; easier; better; sexier; do it in your VCE; biology can be saved for uni when you can be stuffed working :P
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Psych is easier. Biology is harder.
Psych is harder to get a high study score. Biology is easier. (I'm going by the cut-off ranges for the exams)
I LOVE BOTH EQUALLY. DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE.
Neither of them require 1/2 to do well.
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Ask yourself this. Would you rather study an arts subject or an actual science?
:P
Ignore that, he wouldn't say that if he was studying arts.
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I prefer biology over psych because the content is definitely more interesting!! I like psych unit 4 now though but not unit 3 material.
There are heaps of people in my 3/4 class that haven't done bio 1/2 and they seem to be doing fairly well. My friend was annoyed because some people who went straight into 3/4 bio got better SAC scores than us so I don't think it makes any difference.
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ROFL, You guys make me laugh so much. I agree psychology is a 'pseudo-science' xD. THE ARTS ROFL.
Oh gosh, you literally brought tears to my eyes >.<
So, you guys suggesting I just do 3/4 :D?
I don't think you'd need "hard" work, just a consistent effort. Get familiar with the terms, get familiar with cell structure and function and you'll be pretty well prepared for unit 3. If you buy a second hand copy of a unit 1 textbook and read through that, you'll be well prepared. A lot of students do 3/4 biology without 1/2 (i nearly did!).
I've already borrowed a friends 1/2 CD from the textbook and copied it to my hard drive :D ~ Already started to get the basics down, organelles.. Cell structure of plants/animals etc.
Ask yourself this. Would you rather study an arts subject or an actual science?
:P
:: is basically biology;
Also, why the hatin'? -1 karma :'(
Why settle for silver when you can get gold :P
You two men, poah, the amount of lol's >.> <3 :angel:
and
I think I'm capable. My sister got a 48 in biology so .. *shrugs* it could be in our genes [heh geddit, biology = genes etc :D]
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So, you guys suggesting I just do 3/4
It's your decision, I'm just saying that 3/4 is pretty standalone in terms of the content.
And just as an aside, everyone mocks psychology for being a soft science but it's usually in good fun :)
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Yeah, I really want to do biology now >.> Even though my friends are doubting i'll do well..
I don't want to go into Biology 3/4 and get a SS of 20, I want something like a 40+ I suppose I'll just throw my computer games out the window and study then >..> XD
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Bio 3+4 and Bio 1+2 aren't strongly related. Doing it in year 11 is a huge advantage because it's a subject that if you put in the time (a lot of time) + aren't retarded, you'll get a 45+. Psych doesn't take heaps of work, and you can always pick it up in year 12 if you discover that you're a dud at physics or something.
edit: LOL I know you from Bored Aussies. Do psychology, you'd be more suited to that.
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HA~ You think because I'm a troll on BA that I have to do a dud subject :P
Heh, I already know what I'm doing. You're phenomenon or the guy that makes paint signatures?
I'm doing biology =.='', I'm not retarded.
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Just bumping along :D I got into 3/4 Biology, time to study over the Christmas break :D
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^^ Bumping again..
I didn't get it :'(
Clashes =@
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Hey Hutchoo, are you planning to do UMEP maths in year 12?. I heard its a great increment :D
Not in 2012... it becomes the avg of your primary 4 scaled scores :(
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Hey Hutchoo, are you planning to do UMEP maths in year 12?. I heard its a great increment :D
Not in 2012... it becomes the avg of your primary 4 scaled scores :(
..So what? Thats exactly y I took VET: Allied Health; an avg of my primary 4 will b approximately 4.5 [ if all goes well ]...which is equivalent to a 45 AS MY 6TH SUBJ...which is kinda HARD mate...i rekon this avg of yur primary 4 is sik as :)..then again yur' talking uni stuff which is more work, travel, harder and you dont get th 5.0 and 5.5 shit :P
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Lol? I don't know.
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I highly doubt that I'll be doing UMEP, or any uni math.. The work load will be hectic...
Physics, Chem, English, Meth, Spec +Uni math (travel, lack of sleep from traveling, stress from getting from school to the city etc).