Further Coursework Information

The Science teachers at Morley SHS believe the general purpose for all students should be scientific literacy.  Scientific Literacy is the capacity to use scientific knowledge to identify questions and to draw evidence base conclusions in order to understand our world. Students should be able to make decisions about the natural world and the changes made to the world through human activity. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of self-efficacy – learning with understanding in a caring environment.

Courses offered in Years 8, 9 and 10 cover compulsory units that emphasises the acquiring of scientific literacy through an integrated course involving both conceptual and investigative science.

Courses offered in Years 11 and 12 enable students to study one or more of the following five science Courses of Study:

• Physics, Chemistry, Biology Sciences.
• Human Biological Sciences and Integrated Science

Physics.  Physics is the science of physical phenomena. In this course of study, students investigate –

• the natural and built world around them,
• the harnessing of potential sources of energy such as wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear fission,
• the dream of electricity generated from nuclear fusion by 2050.

Chemistry:  Chemistry is a science of matter. In this course of study, students examine -

• living and non-living matter,
• how the different types of matter interact with energy and each other,
• study the application of chemistry in areas such as biochemistry, materials production, forensics and evironmental chemistry,
• learn how chemical knowledge is developed and used responsibly to enhance our quality of life.

Biological Sciences: In this course of study, students deal with biology at all levels –

• the sub-microscopic structure and processes of cells
• the interaction and interdependence of organisms in communities and ecosystems.

Human Biological Sciences.  This course of study gives students the opportunity to –

• explore what it is to be human - how the human body works,
• how technology is being used to treat disease,
• the origin of variations and the evolution of the human species.

Integrated Science (Senior Science).  This course of study applies

• science concepts from the traditional disciplines of biology, chemistry, geology and physics
• investigates the less traditional areas like forensic science and biotechnology.

The Science Faculty provides Morley SHS students with activities outside the traditional classroom learning.  Study excursions are arranged for students to –

• visits the Perth Zoo where students attend a lecture on Primatology,
• selected students attend a Biology Day - a Conference on Species Conservation at the Perth Zoo,
• students are nominated to attend the UWA Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Summer Camp,
• students also visit Alcoa's Huntley Mine in Pinjarra and the Forest Heritage Centre in Dwellingup.
• Year 10 students are involved in Yanchep National Park's School Recovery Project which involves working with CALM Officers and contributing to rehabilitation of the Australian Bush are.