Head of Department - Brian Amedee - bamed2@eq.edu.auAgricultural Science
Agricultural Science provides opportunities for students to engage with agricultural production systems as they constantly adapt to meet the changing needs of society. As human activities and resource demands increase and diversify, agricultural scientists, managers and producers encounter opportunities and challenges associated with the sustainable management of resources and production of food and fibre. In Unit 1, students examine the plant and animal science required to understand agricultural systems, their interactions and their components. In Unit 2, students examine resources and their use and management in agricultural enterprises, the implications of using and consuming these resources, and associated management approaches. In Unit 3, students investigate how agricultural production systems are managed through an understanding of plant and animal physiology, and how they can be manipulated to ensure productivity and sustainability. In Unit 4, students consider how environmental, social and financial factors can be used to evaluate production systems, and how research and innovation can be used and managed to improve food and fibre production.
The primary industries sector of the Australian economy is facing many challenges, and the ability of Australia to meet these challenges depends on a well-informed community and highly skilled people working in all sectors of primary industries.
Biology
Biology provides opportunities for students to engage with living systems. In Unit 1, students develop their understanding of cells and multicellular organisms. In Unit 2, they engage with the concept of maintaining the internal environment. In Unit 3, students study biodiversity and the interconnectedness of life. This knowledge is linked in Unit 4 with the concepts of heredity and the continuity of life.
Students will learn valuable skills required for the scientific investigation of questions. In addition, they will become citizens who are better informed about the world around them and who have the critical skills to evaluate and make evidence-based decisions about current scientific issues.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of materials and their properties and structure. In Unit 1, students study atomic theory, chemical bonding, and the structure and properties of elements and compounds. In Unit 2, students explore intermolecular forces, gases, aqueous solutions, acidity and rates of reaction. In Unit 3, students study equilibrium processes and redox reactions. In Unit 4, students explore organic chemistry, synthesis and design to examine the characteristic chemical properties and chemical reactions displayed by different classes of organic compounds.
Chemistry aims to develop students’ interest in and appreciation of chemistry and its usefulness in helping to explain phenomena and solve problems encountered in their ever-changing world.
General Mathematics
The major domains of mathematics in General Mathematics are Number and algebra, Measurement and geometry, Statistics and Networks and matrices, building on the content of the P–10 Australian Curriculum. Learning reinforces prior knowledge and further develops key mathematical ideas, including rates and percentages, concepts from financial mathematics, linear and non-linear expressions, sequences, the use of matrices and networks to model and solve authentic problems, the use of trigonometry to find solutions to practical problems, and the exploration of real-world phenomena in statistics.
General Mathematics is designed for students who want to extend their mathematical skills beyond Year 10 but whose future studies or employment pathways do not require calculus. It incorporates a practical approach that equips learners for their needs as future citizens. Students will learn to ask appropriate questions, map out pathways, reason about complex solutions, set up models and communicate in different forms. They will experience the relevance of mathematics to their daily lives, communities and cultural backgrounds. They will develop the ability to understand, analyse and take action regarding social issues in their world. When students gain skill and self-assurance, when they understand the content and when they evaluate their success by using and transferring their knowledge, they develop a mathematical mindset.
Mathematical Methods
The major domains of mathematics in Mathematical Methods are Algebra, Functions, relations and their graphs, Calculus and Statistics. Topics are developed systematically, with increasing levels of sophistication, complexity and connection, and build on algebra, functions and their graphs, and probability from the P–10 Australian Curriculum. Calculus is essential for developing an understanding of the physical world. The domain Statistics is used to describe and analyse phenomena involving uncertainty and variation. Both are the basis for developing effective models of the world and solving complex and abstract mathematical problems. The ability to translate written, numerical, algebraic, symbolic and graphical information from one representation to another is a vital part of learning in Mathematical Methods.
Students who undertake Mathematical Methods will see the connections between mathematics and other areas of the curriculum and apply their mathematical skills to real-world problems, becoming critical thinkers, innovators and problem-solvers. Through solving problems and developing models, they will appreciate that mathematics and statistics are dynamic tools that are critically important in the 21st century.
Physics
Physics provides opportunities for students to engage with the classical and modern understandings of the universe. In Unit 1, students learn about the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, electricity and nuclear processes. In Unit 2, students learn about the concepts and theories that predict and describe the linear motion of objects. Further, they will explore how scientists explain some phenomena using an understanding of waves. In Unit 3, students engage with the concept of gravitational and electromagnetic fields, and the relevant forces associated with them. Finally, in Unit 4, students study modern physics theories and models that, despite being counterintuitive, are fundamental to our understanding of many common observable phenomena.
Students will learn valuable skills required for the scientific investigation of questions. In addition, they will become citizens who are better informed about the world around them, and who have the critical skills to evaluate and make evidence-based decisions about current scientific issues.
Specialist Mathematics
Specialist Mathematics’ major domains are Vectors and matrices, Real and complex numbers, Trigonometry, Statistics and Calculus.
Specialist Mathematics is designed for students who develop confidence in their mathematical knowledge and ability and gain a positive view of themselves as mathematics learners. They will gain an appreciation of the true nature of mathematics, its beauty and its power.
Students learn topics that are developed systematically, with increasing levels of sophistication, complexity and connection, building on functions, calculus, statistics from Mathematical Methods, while vectors, complex numbers and matrices are introduced. Functions and calculus are essential for creating models of the physical world. Statistics are used to describe and analyse phenomena involving probability, uncertainty and variation. Matrices, complex numbers and vectors are essential tools for explaining abstract or complex relationships that occur in scientific and technological endeavours.
Essential Mathematics
Essential Mathematics is a unique and powerful intellectual discipline that is used to investigate patterns, order, generality and uncertainty. It is a way of thinking in which problems are explored and solved through observation, reflection and logical reasoning. It uses a concise system of communication, with written, symbolic, spoken and visual components. Mathematics is creative, requires initiative and promotes curiosity in an increasingly complex and data-driven world. It is the foundation of all quantitative disciplines.
To prepare students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate effectively in the community and the economy requires the development of skills that reflect the demands of the 21st century. Students undertaking Mathematics will develop their critical and creative thinking, oral and written communication, information & communication technologies (ICT) capability, ability to collaborate, and sense of personal and social responsibility — ultimately becoming lifelong learners who demonstrate initiative when facing a challenge. The use of technology to make connections between mathematical theory, practice and application has a positive effect on the development of conceptual understanding and student disposition towards mathematics.
The major domains in Essential Mathematics are Number, Data, Location and time, Measurement and Finance. Teaching and learning builds on the proficiency strands of the P–10 Australian Curriculum. Students develop their conceptual understanding when they undertake tasks that require them to connect mathematical concepts, operations and relations. They will learn to recognise definitions, rules and facts from everyday mathematics and data, and to calculate using appropriate mathematical processes.
Students will benefit from studies in Essential Mathematics because they will develop skills that go beyond the traditional ideas of numeracy. This is achieved through a greater emphasis on estimation, problem-solving and reasoning, which develops students into thinking citizens who interpret and use mathematics to make informed predictions and decisions about personal and financial priorities. Students will see mathematics as applicable to their employability and lifestyles and develop leadership skills through self-direction and productive engagement in their learning. They will show curiosity and imagination and appreciate the benefits of technology. Students will gain an appreciation that there is rarely one way of doing things and that real-world mathematics requires adaptability and flexibility.