Does the study design cover everything?

[the girl at the rock show]

Okay, so I'm trying to start my notes for area of study 1 now. I'm basing it all around the 'key knowledge' bit of the study design, but I'm finding quite a bit of the information in the textbook (nature of biology) doesn't really relate to it. Like, in chapter 2, they've got loads of information about the cytoskeleton and how the cell's held together, but there's nothing about that in the SD.

Am I supposed to know all this random stuff in the textbook? Or does the study design cover everything we need to know?

[Charmz]

The study design covers everything you need to know. You don't need to know anything that isn't on it. All that extra information is helpful but you will not be directly examined on it.

[the girl at the rock show]

All right, thanks 

[alondouek]

It is far better for you to learn as much as you possibly can from your textbook. Nature of Biology is arguably the best biology textbook, as it approaches all relevant topics with both great detail and simplicity.

Questions in a biology exam are often based on your understanding of a topic, and you're not going to get the necessary insight into the subject matter by only following the study design. The textbook and all the information therein is the key to success in VCE biology.

The study design only gives a rough outline of the course. For example, the previous VCE chemistry study design did not mention a number of topics that were, however, considered examinable.

[michak]

It is far better for you to learn as much as you possibly can from your textbook. Nature of Biology is arguably the best biology textbook, as it approaches all relevant topics with both great detail and simplicity.

Questions in a biology exam are often based on your understanding of a topic, and you're not going to get the necessary insight into the subject matter by only following the study design. The textbook and all the information therein is the key to success in VCE biology.

The study design only gives a rough outline of the course. For example, the previous VCE chemistry study design did not mention a number of topics that were, however, considered examinable.

This is true, sometimes the study design can be a bit vague. If you are unsure about a specific topic ask on here or your teacher whether you need to know it.
With bio though the nature of biology textbook would be the best resource because i think the chief assessor writes it.

[the girl at the rock show]

Yeah, one of the writers used to be chief assessor.

I'm just loath to go through the whole textbook and make notes on everything...  but I probably should. Thanks guys.

[Yacoubb]

Yeah, one of the writers used to be chief assessor.

I'm just loath to go through the whole textbook and make notes on everything...  but I probably should. Thanks guys.

An effective strategy I use is instead of looking at topics as a whole chapter with ample information, break it up into sub-topics and use your textbook to expand on a particular topic. For example, instead of looking at Macromolecules as a single topic, divide it into Carbohydrates (polysaccharides), Proteins, Lipids and Nucleic Acids. Once you have taken note of various characteristics of each under these sub-topics, you'll find it easier to comprehend and you will be able to build up confidence regarding requirements of the study design

[pi]

The textbooks are just an interpretation of the study design.