Science>Year 10>Unit 1

Genetics and Evolutionary Change

This 20-lesson unit explores the molecular basis of inheritance, genetic technologies, and the processes that drive evolutionary change over time. You will investigate DNA structure, patterns of inheritance, natural selection, and the evidence that supports the theory of evolution.

20 Lessons4 Checkpoints1 Unit QuizStage 5 Science
🧬

Syllabus Outcomes

SC5-GEV-01

Students investigate how evidence from the fossil record, comparative anatomy and molecular biology supports the theory of evolution by natural selection.

SC5-GEV-02

Students explain how the structure and function of DNA, genes and chromosomes relate to inheritance, and describe how genetic technologies are used in society.

Lessons

Block A — DNA, Genes and Heredity (Lessons 1-5)
1Introduction to Genetics

DNA structure, genes, chromosomes and the code of life

 2DNA Replication and Cell Division

How DNA copies itself and how cells divide for growth and reproduction

 3Patterns of Inheritance

Mendelian genetics, dominant and recessive traits, Punnett squares

 4Variations and Mutations

Sources of genetic variation, types of mutations and their effects

 5Complex Inheritance

Incomplete dominance, codominance, multiple alleles, sex-linked traits
✓ Checkpoint 1

Cumulative assessment for Lessons 1-5
Block B — Genetic Technologies (Lessons 6-10)
6Selective Breeding

Artificial selection in agriculture and animal husbandry

 7Genetic Modification and Transgenic Organisms

GM crops, bacteria producing insulin, and applications

 8DNA Profiling and Forensics

How DNA fingerprinting works and its real-world uses

 9CRISPR and Gene Editing

The revolutionary gene-editing tool and its possibilities

 10Ethics of Genetic Technologies

Evaluating benefits, risks and ethical considerations
✓ Checkpoint 2

Cumulative assessment for Lessons 6-10
Block C — Evolution and Natural Selection (Lessons 11-15)
11Biodiversity and Classification

Levels of diversity, taxonomy and the tree of life

 12Natural Selection

Darwin's theory, selection pressures and adaptation

 13Fossil and Anatomical Evidence

What fossils tell us and how anatomy reveals relationships

 14Molecular Evidence for Evolution

DNA comparisons, molecular clocks and common ancestry

 15Speciation

How new species form through isolation and divergence
✓ Checkpoint 3

Cumulative assessment for Lessons 11-15
Block D — Evolution in Context and Synthesis (Lessons 16-20)
16Indigenous Knowledge of Biodiversity

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ecological expertise

 17Human Evolution

Shared ancestry with primates, fossil evidence, key trends

 18Investigating Genetics and Evolution

Designing and conducting secondary-source investigations

 19Evidence-Based Argumentation

Claim-evidence-reasoning and evaluating scientific claims

 20Unit Synthesis and Depth Study

Connecting concepts and preparing for depth study
✓ Checkpoint 4

Cumulative assessment for Lessons 16-20

 🏆 Unit Quiz

Comprehensive assessment covering all 20 lessons

Science subject page