Year 12 Biology: Genetic Change Depth Study

• The Year 12 Biology Research and Response Depth Study focuses on Module 6: Genetic Change.
• The type of task is a Research and Response Depth Study.
• Written responses are due in class on Monday 10 March 2025.
  • Miss Cork's 12BIOA class: Period 1, Lab 1
  • Miss Magnum's 12BIOB class: Period 1, Lab 1
  • Mrs. Jeffries' 12BIOC class: Period 2, S12
• A Research Component and Annotated Bibliography are due Monday 10 March 2025 at 9:00am via SEQTA and Google Classroom.
• The weighting for this task is 30%.
• The submission format is completed in class.
• The task assesses outcomes BIO11/12-1, BIO11/12-3, BIO11/12-4, BIO11/12-5, BIO11/12-7 and BIO12-13.
• BIO11/12-1 relates to developing and evaluating questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation.
• BIO11/12-3 pertains to conducting investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information.
• BIO11/12-4 involves selecting and processing appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media.
• BIO11/12-5 requires analysing and evaluating primary and secondary data and information.
• BIO11/12-7 focuses on communicating scientific understanding using suitable language and terminology for a specific audience or purpose.
• BIO12-13 addresses explaining natural genetic change and the use of genetic technologies to induce genetic change.
• The study explores biotechnology's uses, applications, and implications, focusing on genetic technologies and their impact on society and Earth's biodiversity.

Research Component Instructions:

• Each question response should be between 200-400 words.
• Include diagrams and references where useful.
• This prepares for Module 6 Inquiry Questions and to be documented within a Google Doc.
• Inquiry question 2: How do genetic techniques affect Earth's biodiversity?
• Inquiry question 3: Does artificial manipulation of DNA have the potential to change populations forever?

Question 1: Reproductive Technologies

• Complete pages 18-20 of the Module Booklet and use additional research.
• Compare the processes and outcomes of artificial insemination and artificial pollination.
• Discuss their significance in agriculture and any ethical concerns they might raise.

Question 2: Cloning and Gene Cloning

• Complete pages 21-22 of the Module Booklet and use additional research.
• Investigate and assess the effectiveness of cloning, focusing on whole organism cloning and gene cloning, including diagrams.
• Discuss the applications, benefits, and ethical dilemmas of these technologies.

Question 3: Biotechnology in Agriculture and Medicine

• Complete the table on page 25 of the Module Booklet and use additional research.
• Explore the development and application of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture.
• Analyse both the benefits and the controversies surrounding GMOs.
• Investigate the use of biotechnology in medicine, focusing on gene therapy and the production of pharmaceuticals, and the ethical concerns associated with genetic modification.

Question 4: Future Directions of Biotechnology

• Complete page 28-29 of your Module Booklet and use additional research.
• Research the potential future applications of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and synthetic biology.
• Discuss how these technologies could address current global challenges in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Question 5: Recombinant DNA Technology

• Describe the techniques and applications of recombinant DNA technology, specifically in developing transgenic organisms for agricultural and medical applications.
• Include a diagram in your research to highlight production of recombinant DNA and an example of a transgenic organism.
• Analyse the societal impacts of these applications.

Question 6: Biodiversity

• Evaluate how genetic techniques have changed and might continue to change Earth's biodiversity.
• Discuss both the positive impacts, such as conservation efforts, and the negative impacts, including concerns over GMOs and their effect on ecosystems.

Research Process

• Marked on research process at the end of every second lesson

Annotated Bibliography

• Answer the following question (200-400 words):
• Justify the validity and reliability of at least two examples from your research.
• Develop a bibliography (APA Referencing 7th Edition) of the selected sources.
• Recommended sites such as MyBib.

In-Class Response Component (Monday 10th March)

• Complete HSC style questions under timed conditions in class (30 minute session).
• Questions require analysis of information.
• You may bring 1 double sided A4 sheet of summarized research notes.

CRAAP Analysis

• Currency: The timeliness of the information
  • Consider when information was published/posted and if it has been revised/updated.
  • Determine if current or older sources are suitable and check link functionality.
• Relevance: The importance of information for your needs
  • Assess if the information relates to the topic/answers the question and its intended audience
  • Check the information level, variety of sources, and comfort level for citing.
• Authority: The source of the information
  • Ascertain the author/publisher/source/sponsor, credentials, and affiliations.
  • Confirm the author's qualifications, contact information, and URL details.
• Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content:
  • Verify the source and supporting evidence and whether the information has been reviewed.
  • Ensure the information can be verified from another source or personal knowledge.
  • Ensure the language is unbiased and free of emotion; check for errors.
• Purpose: The reason the information exists
  • Determine if the purpose is to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade.
  • Confirm if the intentions/purpose are clear; identify whether it is fact, opinion, or propaganda.
  • Review for objectivity, impartiality, and potential biases.