VCE Biology Unit 4

This VCE Biology Unit 4 program enables your students to develop their observation, data collection and analysis skills while investigating anatomical, behavioural and molecular evidence. At Melbourne Zoo, they will explore the science of human's closest living and extinct relatives. At Werribee Open Range Zoo, they will explore the science of a virus that affects both wild and captive populations of elephants.

Students will learn

At Melbourne Zoo:

• Anatomical and behavioural characteristics that define mammals, primates, hominoids and
  hominins
• Processes that underpin speciation of primates
• Construction and use of phylogenetic trees as evidence for the relatedness between species
• How to collect and analyse behavioural observation data

At Werribee Open Range Zoo:

• Mechanisms that organisms can use to prevent and fight off infection by pathogens
• How PCR is used as a DNA manipulation technique in diagnosing and monitoring disease
• Different kinds of immunity and the use of vaccination
• Application of scientific and social strategies in controlling the spread of pathogens and maintaining herd immunity
• How they can contribute to improving the welfare of captive elephant populations

Support for teachers

• Great day at the zoo - access to trails and scheduled keeper talks 
• Teacher resources with classroom and excursion activities
• Pre-visit information to support planning and preparation
• Opportunity to celebrate learning and become a Fighting Extinction School

Choose your zoo experience

This program is delivered at Melbourne Zoo or Werribee Open Range Zoo, with each offering a different focus and experience.

VCE teaching guides are password protected, with access details sent to you before your excursion or on request at booking. To ensure students get the most out of their zoo experience, please bring printed copies of the workbook.