Biology for VCE
Units 1–4
Everything you need for the new Study Design
Important information about the 2021–2025 VCE Biology Study Design


In response to the ongoing disruption caused by COVID-19, the VCAA has delayed the implementation of the new 2021–2025 VCE Biology Study Design by twelve months. The current Study Design is now accredited until the end of 2021.

As a result, Biology for VCE will now be published to support Units 1–4 early commencement in Term 4, 2021.

Jump to section:  Series details | Authors | Markbook | Digital resources   View sample pages

We’ve got you covered for the new Biology Study Design

VCE Biology is changing with a revised Study Design scheduled for implementation from January 2022.

Biology for VCE is a new series that provides everything you need for assessment success. The series includes Student books, Student workbooks and a suite of digital resources, assessment tools and exam preparation materials.

You can trust our expert Victorian authors and award-winning publishing team to support you with the tools needed to confidently implement the new Study Design, save time while lesson planning and ensure the best learning outcomes for your students.

Key features of the Student books

Biology for VCE Student books support understanding and progression, offering a pathway to assessment success for every VCE Biology student.

Each Student book:

provides a clear learning pathway mapped directly to the syllabus to ensure complete coverage

offers targeted support and resources for assessment (including SAC and exam preparation and practice)

presents key subject matter using clear language supported by engaging visual elements and detailed scientific diagrams

scaffolds student learning and aids navigation by sequencing key subject matter in 2- to 8- page sections

supports differentiation through a range of appropriately levelled questions and activities for each section

features Groundwork questions to assess prior knowledge and Challenge questions that provide opportunities for extension

includes a practical work section that outlines suggested methodologies for every mandatory practical

contains a stand-alone Biology toolkit reference section that explains the structure of the Study Design, supports the acquisition of key skills and provides practical tips for assessment success.

Available for Term 4, 2021 early commencement

Biology for VCE

Units 1 & 2

Biology for VCE Units 1 & 2 covers Study Design content from Unit 1: How do organisms regulate their functions? and Unit 2: How does inheritance impact on diversity?

The Student book features a simple, engaging design with targeted on-page features that support student understanding and progression and is backed by an extensive offering of digital resources for teachers and students via the obook assess platform.

Biology for VCE Units 1 & 2 Student book + obook assess Print student book with digital obook access for 27 months from the date of activation.
Biology for VCE Units 1 & 2 Student obook assess Digital student obook access for 27 months from the date of activation.
Biology for VCE Units 1 & 2 Teacher obook assess Digital teacher access for the life of the edition.
Institutional purchases
Please contact your Education Consultant if your school purchases resources on behalf of students and requires multi-year digital subscriptions. If your school has a different model, ask your Education Consultant about purchase options.
Chapter 1 Biology toolkit
UNIT 1 HOW DO ORGANISMS REGULATE THEIR FUNCTIONS?
Chapter 2 Cell structure and function
Chapter 3 The cell cycle
Chapter 4 Biological systems
Chapter 5 System regulations
Chapter 6 Chromosomes and genomes
Chapter 7 Genotypes and phenotypes
UNIT 1 Practice SACs
UNIT 2 HOW DOES INHERITANCE IMPACT ON DIVERSITY?
Chapter 8 Inheritance
Chapter 9 Reproduction
Chapter 10 Adaptation and diversity
Chapter 11 Practical work
UNIT 2 Practice SACs
UNITS 1 & 2 Practice exam questions
Glossary
Index
Appendix: Periodic table
Title Biology for VCE Units 1 & 2
Student book + obook assess
ISBN 9780190325527
Available For Term 4, 2021 early commencement
Price $79.95 Preorder now
Available for Term 4, 2021 early commencement

Biology for VCE

Units 3 & 4

Biology for VCE Units 3 & 4 covers Study Design content from Unit 3: How do cells maintain life? and Unit 2: How does life change and respond to challenges?

The Student book features a simple, engaging design with targeted on-page features that support student understanding and progression and is backed by an extensive offering of digital resources for teachers and students via the obook assess platform.

Biology for VCE Units 3 & 4 Student book + obook assess Print student book with digital obook access for 27 months from the date of activation.
Biology for VCE Units 3 & 4 Student obook assess Digital student obook access for 27 months from the date of activation.
Biology for VCE Units 3 & 4 Teacher obook assess Digital teacher access for the life of the edition.
Institutional purchases
Please contact your Education Consultant if your school purchases resources on behalf of students and requires multi-year digital subscriptions. If your school has a different model, ask your Education Consultant about purchase options.
Chapter 1 Biology toolkit
UNIT 3 HOW DO CELLS MAINTAIN LIFE?
Chapter 2 Nucleic acids and proteins
Chapter 3 Manipulating DNA
Chapter 4 Biochemical pathway regulations
Chapter 5 Photosynthesis
Chapter 6 Cellular respiration
Chapter 7 Biochemical pathways and biotechnology
UNIT 3 Practice SACs
UNIT 4 HOW DOES LIFE CHANGE AND RESPOND TO CHALLENGES?
Chapter 8 Antigens
Chapter 9 Immunity
Chapter 10 Diseases
Chapter 11 Evolving population genetics
Chapter 12 Evolving species
Chapter 13 Species relatedness
Chapter 14 Evolution of humans
Chapter 15 Practical work
UNIT 4 Practice SACs
UNITS 3 & 4 Practice exam questions
Glossary
Index
Appendix: Periodic table
Title Biology for VCE Units 3 & 4
Student book + obook assess
ISBN 9780190325589
Available For Term 4, 2021 early commencement
Price $79.95 Preorder now
Available for Term 4, 2021 early commencement

Biology for VCE

Student workbooks (Units 1–4)

Biology for VCE Student workbooks are designed to help students succeed in VCE, providing activities and questions to support every internal and external assessment. With an engaging design, full-colour photos and relevant scientific diagrams throughout, these write-in workbooks help students to develop examinable science skills.

Chapter 1 Biology toolkit
UNIT 3 HOW DO CELLS MAINTAIN LIFE?
Chapter 2 Nucleic acids and proteins
Chapter 3 Manipulating DNA
Chapter 4 Biochemical pathway regulations
Chapter 5 Photosynthesis
Chapter 6 Cellular respiration
Chapter 7 Biochemical pathways and biotechnology
UNIT 4 HOW DOES LIFE CHANGE AND RESPOND TO CHALLENGES?
Chapter 8 Antigens
Chapter 9 Immunity
Chapter 10 Diseases
Chapter 11 Evolving population genetics
Chapter 12 Evolving species
Chapter 13 Species relatedness
Chapter 14 Evolution of humans
Chapter 15 Practical work
UNITS 3 & 4 Practice exam questions
Answers
Appendix: Periodic table
Chapter 1 Biology toolkit
UNIT 1 HOW DO ORGANISMS REGULATE THEIR FUNCTIONS?
Chapter 2 Cell structure and function
Chapter 3 The cell cycle
Chapter 4 Biological systems
Chapter 5 System regulations
Chapter 6 Chromosomes and genomes
Chapter 7 Genotypes and phenotypes
UNIT 2 HOW DOES INHERITANCE IMPACT ON DIVERSITY?
Chapter 8 Inheritance
Chapter 9 Reproduction
Chapter 10 Adaptation and diversity
Chapter 11 Practical work
UNITS 1 & 2 Practice exam questions
Answers
Appendix: Periodic table
Title Biology for VCE
Units 3 & 4

Student workbook
ISBN 9780190325633
Available For Term 4, 2021 early commencement
Price $29.95
Title Biology for VCE
Units 1 & 2

Student workbook
ISBN 9780190325572
Available For Term 4, 2021 early commencement
Price $29.95

Meet our expert
author team

You can trust our expert Victorian authors and award-winning publishing team to support you with the tools and resources you need to implement the new VCE Senior Biology Study Design.

Helen Silvester has been an educator for over 20 years and has held Head of Science positions in a number of schools. She was shortlisted for the 2014 and 2017 Prime Minister’s Secondary Science Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools and was Victoria's representative for the BHP Billiton Science Teachers Awards. Helen has a wealth of experience writing and reviewing and is an active participant in the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA), Australian School Science Information Support for Teachers and Technicians (ASSIST) and Science Teachers Association Victoria (STAV). Helen has also worked as a researcher at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the Royal Children’s Hospital. Currently Helen is Head of Programs at STEAM-focused Casey Tech School and a current reviewer and moderator of VCE Biology exams.

Anna Hawthorne has been an educator for five years and has a wide range of experience teaching Science 7–10, Maths 7–10 and VCE Biology at Mentone Girls' Grammar. She is currently designing a Science and Enterprise elective for Year 10 students.

Sarah Edwards has been an educator for ten years and has taught at Mentone Girls' Grammar. Sarah has a wealth of experience teaching Science 7–10 and Biology, and was a previous Head of Science in New Zealand. Sarah currently works as a STEAM educator at Casey Tech School.

Jess Sautner has been an educator for 8 years and has taught VCE Biology, Psychology and Junior Science at Bacchus Marsh Grammar. She is an experienced Biochemist and works as a STEM Outreach Coordinator at Deakin University, supporting VCE Science students entering University. Jess has also worked as a VCAA Panel Member, developing teacher’s professional development resources. Previous to her work in Science education and communication she worked at CSIRO, CSL and as a microbiologist and virologist in industry.

Michelle Moore is an extremely respected and highly experienced laboratory technician with 40 years of experience in various areas of research and education. Michelle has an Associate Diploma in Applied Science and worked in high school laboratories for over 20 years. Michelle currently works alongside Helen Silvester and Sarah Edwards at Casey Tech School.

Dr. Gary Simpson has a wealth of experience teaching VCE Biology, Environmental Science and Geography. He currently teaches Junior Science 9–10 at Woodleigh High School and was previously Head of Science. Gary received ACEL’s inaugural Teacher Leader Award in 2007 and was inducted into the Zoos Victoria Hall of Fame in 2015.

Dr. Kyi Muller is a highly-trained biology researcher and educator with over 8 years teaching experience. She has a doctorate in marine biology and has taught biology in both the UK and Australia. Kyi has worked at Haileybury for the last four years as Head of Science and more recently as the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, working across all year levels and campuses. She is extremely passionate about science education and was previously the Program Director for Curious Minds – an Australian Government initiative to increase girls’ access to STEM education. Kyi was also awarded the 2019 Graeme Clarke Science Innovation in Schools Award.

Digital resources

Markbook: Coming to Biology for VCE

Assess

Every chapter of Biology for VCE is supported by quizzes that assess students' level of understanding, monitor progress and track engagement.



Track

The new Markbook feature enables teachers to:

  • filter online test and quiz results by class or group
  • add results from self-administered tests
  • add comments
  • focus on teaching – administration is taken care of!

Report

New enhanced reporting features include HTML or PDF student progress reports containing all test results, quiz results and comments.






Biology for VCE is supported by a range of engaging and relevant digital resources via obook assess.

Resources for students

Students receive:

  • a complete digital version of the Student book with note-taking and bookmarking functionality
  • free Oxford Dictionary look-up feature
  • targeted instructional videos filmed at Casey Tech School featuring some of Victoria’s most experienced Biology teachers, designed to help students complete practical investigations and optimise their study score
  • quizzes featuring interactive, auto-correcting, multiple-choice questions
  • scaffolded worksheets and practice exams to ensure exam excellence.

Resources for teachers

In addition to the student resources, each Teacher obook offers:

  • detailed teacher notes for lesson planning
  • answers to all questions, assessment tasks and practicals
  • lab tech notes and risk assessment documents to accompany all practical investigations
  • printable and editable practice exams, practical investigations, area of study tests and unit tests (all with answers).
  • Teachers can also set up classes, assign work, monitor student progress and generate reports.

Complete the form below to register and download your sample pages. By registering, you will also receive updates about this series.

To arrange a consultation and qualify for a FREE Biology for VCE Student book*, please tick the "Yes, I would like to be contacted by my local Education Consultant" box at the bottom of the form.

Free Student book terms and conditions: Free Student book available upon publication. One free Student book per consultation, with no more than three free books available per school.