Biology
Module guides, sample programs, teaching activities, sample assessment tasks and exam questions and general resources assisting you in preparing programs, units of work and lesson plans.
Support materials for the Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
The Stage 6 module guides for Year 11 and 12 biology are high-quality curriculum resources that highlight best practices for science teaching. They were developed in collaboration with experienced science teachers.
The module guides:
- contain contemporary ideas about teaching and learning science in high school
- emphasise scientific inquiry
- are structured around the Big Ideas of Science
- equip classroom teachers with pedagogical content knowledge for the biology course.
The following support materials may be adapted by teachers to meet the individual needs of their schools.
This 2025 Biology Stage 6 Quick Reference Guide (465.5 KB) provides an overview of support available to implement the Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017).
Teaching activities
- Module 5 polypeptide synthesis lesson (DOCX 83 KB)
- Module 5 DNA replication (DOCX 278 KB)
- Module 5 pedigrees autosomal inheritance (DOCX 600 KB)
- Module 7 transmission of pathogens investigation (DOCX 69 KB)
- Module 7 Infectious disease and agriculture (DOCX 215 KB)
- Module 7 how diseases are transmitted (DOCX 331 KB)
- RNA and SARS-CoV-2 (DOCX 3020 KB)
- Black Death – using CER (DOCX 4757 KB)
- Module 8 obesity a non-infectious disease (DOCX 778 KB)
General resources
- Biology resource links (DOCX 74 KB)
- Evaluating scientific data Stage 4 to 6 (DOCX 259 KB)
- Evaluating scientific investigations abridged (DOCX 70 KB)
- Indigenous perspectives (DOCX 59 KB)
- Investigation planning sheet (DOCX 44 KB)
- Risk analysis table (DOCX 45 KB)
- Scientific thinking scaffold (DOCX 44 KB)
- Self assessment strategy met not met I noticed (DOCX 46 KB)
- Student reflection science investigations (DOCX 151 KB)
- Working scientifically skills checklist (DOCX 46 KB)
NESA resources
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) have support resources including sample units and assessment schedules for the Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)External link.
Resources available outside the department
All links are provided as a suggestion.
Although this page may contain links to third party websites and resources, the NSW Department of Education is not responsible for the condition or content of these sites or resources as they are not under the control of the department.
- sciencing.com – Storing energy during photosynthesisExternal link
- asknature.org – Converting solar energy into chemical energyExternal link
- nature.com/scitable – Cell energy and cell functionsExternal link
- ABC Education – How do cells get energy and what is photosynthesis?External link (Duration: 2:10)
- coursera.org – Origins – Formation of the Universe, Solar System, Earth and Life
- manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth – Further Investigations: Change Over TimeExternal link
- nytimes.com/section – Will it happen again? Examining mass extinctions on earthExternal link
- worldatlas.com – Timeline Of Mass Extinction Events On EarthExternal link
- Planet Doc Full documentaries – Sixth Mass Extinction (Full Documentary)External link (duration 50:17)
- Habitabilitylab – Major Life Extinctions EventsExternal link (duration 1:10)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries – Geologic 2. NSW karst environments – the treasure chest of timeExternal link
- eh-resources.org – Reconstructing past climatesExternal link
- Aboriginal Rock PaintingsExternal link
It is strongly suggested and advised to contact your local AECG for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and information.
- ghr.nlm.nih.gov – What are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)?External link
- SNPs – Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (Better Explained)External link (Duration 1:13)
- Single nucleotide polymorphism SNPExternal link (Duration 5:11)
- learn.genetics.utah.edu – Making SNPs Make SenseExternal link
- Define polymorphismExternal link
- Define SNPExternal link
- Gene Flow & Genetic Drift in EvolutionExternal link (duration 9:17)
- differencebetween.com – Difference Between Genetic Drift and Gene FlowExternal link
- Bozeman science – Genetic driftExternal link (duration 11:28)
- Genetic Drift, Gene Flow, and Types of Natural SelectionExternal link (duration 4:03)
- ck12.org/student – Disruption of Homeostasis – AdvancedExternal link
- Khan Academy – HomeostasisExternal link
- Bozeman science – Homeostatic DisruptionsExternal link (duration 8:05)
RACGPExternal link – An introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health cultural protocols and perspectivesExternal link outlines appropriate and respectful engagement with and teaching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander intellectual and cultural property.
It is strongly suggested and advised to contact your local AECG for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and information.
Syllabus
Please note:
Syllabus outcomes and content descriptors from Science Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)External link © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2021.