Science

Science develops subject knowledge and practical skills that connect with further study, training and work.

Science Pathways

The Science Subject Flowchart helps you and your child explore the various pathways available within the field of Science. Whether it's Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or Psychology, the flowchart outlines how each subject develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are valuable for a wide range of future study and career options. It’s a simple, visual way to see how choosing Science subjects can lead to exciting and rewarding opportunities in health, engineering, research, technology, and beyond.

The school’s diagram shows possible progression and destinations across several years. For the current 2027 selection list, use Year 11 subjects. Discuss prerequisites and future availability with the Senior School team.

1. Years 7–8

   • Core Science

2. Year 9

   • Core Science

3. Year 10

   • Biology
   • Environmental Science
   • Chemistry
   • Physics
   • Psychology

4. Senior pathway possibilities

   • VCE Biology
   • Environmental Science
   • Chemistry
   • Physics
   • Psychology
   • VCE VET Laboratory Skills

Where These Skills Can Take You

Year 10 Science Courses

Biology

Duration: One semester · Lessons per fortnight: 8

This subject introduces key concepts in genetics and evolution to prepare students for VCE Biology. Students explore how traits are inherited through DNA, genes, and chromosomes, and apply Mendelian principles to predict inheritance patterns. Real-world examples such as genetic disorders and pedigree analysis are included.

The evolution unit focuses on natural selection, adaptation, and the evidence supporting the theory of evolution. Students investigate how species change over time and explore biodiversity, including the adaptations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Year 10 Biology can lead into: VCE Biology, VCE Environmental Science, VCE Psychology and VCE VET Laboratory Skills

Year 10 Biology factsheet (PDF)

Environmental Science

Duration: One semester · Lessons per fortnight: 8

This subject introduces students to the science of ecosystems, sustainability, and human impact on the environment. Students investigate interactions within ecosystems, cycles of matter and energy, and how scientific understanding informs environmental management. Topics include climate change, biodiversity, renewable and non-renewable resources, and pollution.

Students explore real-world environmental issues such as land degradation, water scarcity, and energy production, and examine local and global efforts to protect and restore ecosystems. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are integrated through investigations of traditional land management practices and sustainable resource use.

Year 10 Environmental Science can lead into: VCE Environmental Science, VCE Biology, VCE Psychology and VCE VET Laboratory Skills

Year 10 Environmental Science factsheet (PDF)

Chemistry

Duration: One semester · Lessons per fortnight: 8

This subject introduces students to atomic structure, the periodic table, and chemical reactions, forming a strong foundation for VCE Chemistry. Students explore how the arrangement of elements in the periodic table relates to atomic structure and reactivity, using models and practical investigations. They examine trends such as metallic properties, atomic size, and reactivity across groups and periods.

Students also study key types of chemical reactions, including synthesis, decomposition, and displacement, and explore how reactions are classified as exothermic or endothermic. Factors affecting reaction rates—such as temperature, concentration, and catalysts—are investigated through hands-on experiments.

Cultural perspectives are included by examining chemical practices used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, such as fermentation, detoxification, and pigment production.

Year 10 Chemistry can lead into: VCE Chemistry, Environmental Science, VCE Biology, VCE Psychology and VCE VET Laboratory Skills

Year 10 Chemistry factsheet (PDF)

Physics

Duration: One semester · Lessons per fortnight: 8

This subject explores the laws and forces that govern motion, energy, and the universe. Students investigate how energy is transferred and transformed in systems and assess energy efficiency in both natural and human-made processes. Newton’s Laws of Motion are applied to analyse real-world situations—from car safety features to sports performance—using mathematical models and data.

Students also examine space science, including the structure of the universe, the Big Bang theory, and the challenges of space travel.

Year 10 Physics can lead into: VCE Physics, VCE Psychology and VCE VET Laboratory Skills

Year 10 Physics factsheet (PDF)

Psychology

Duration: One semester · Lessons per fortnight: 8

In Year 10 Psychology, students are introduced to key concepts that explore how and why humans think, feel and behave. They investigate brain structure and function, learning how different areas of the brain influence emotions, memory, and behaviour. Students examine psychological development across the lifespan and consider factors that shape individual and group behaviour, including the influence of culture and social context. Topics such as perception, learning, memory, mental health, and personality are explored using scientific research methods. Students develop skills in observation, data interpretation, and ethical research practices through investigations and practical activities, preparing them for further study in VCE Psychology.

Year 10 Psychology can lead into: VCE Psychology

Year 10 Psychology factsheet (PDF)

VCE VET Laboratory Skills — by application

Duration: Whole year; qualification completed over two years · Lessons per fortnight: 8

MSL30122 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills: Certificate III in Laboratory Skills provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills associated with the day-to-day operation of a laboratory and associated technical tasks following set procedures and recipes Units 1 and 2 of the program include recording and presenting data, planning and conducting laboratory/field work, maintaining the laboratory fit for purpose, with electives such as performing basic tests and assisting with fieldwork included. Units 3 and 4 offer scored assessment and incorporate units such as perform techniques that prevent cross contamination, contributing to the achievement of quality objectives, preparing working solutions and performing microscopic examinations.

Credit in the VCE (including VCE VM and VPC): recognition of up to four VCE VET units at Units 1 and 2 level, and a scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence.

To obtain your Certificate III in Laboratory Skills you will need to complete the course across two years.

Year 10 VCE VET Laboratory Skills factsheet (PDF)

VCE Psychology — by application

Duration: Whole year · Lessons per fortnight: 8

In Units 1 and 2 Psychology, students explore the development of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours through classical and contemporary psychological theories, including contributions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. They examine brain structure and function, brain plasticity, and the effects of brain damage on psychological functioning. Students investigate social cognition, perception, and the influence of individual, cultural, and societal factors on behaviour. They also analyse how people perceive and interpret stimuli and consider how these perceptions can be distorted.

In Units 3 and 4 Psychology, students explore how the nervous system enables interaction with the world, the effects of stress on psychological functioning, and how biological, psychological, and social factors influence learning and memory. They investigate memory models, brain regions involved in memory, and memory strategies including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mnemonic techniques. Students study the nature and function of sleep, its regulation, and its impact on mental wellbeing. They examine mental health through a biopsychosocial lens, exploring mental wellbeing as a continuum and considering cultural and protective factors, including the holistic SEWB framework relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Year 10 VCE Psychology factsheet (PDF)

Senior Subject Resources

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Physics
• Psychology
• VCE VET Laboratory Skills

Discuss subject availability and the course that suits your goals with the Senior School team. Explore current VCAA study designs.

Questions About Science?

Sunita Badhwar — learning area leader. Contact the college for subject advice.

Published science subject enquiries: Tara Creek.

Year-level choices and selection rules · Careers advice