Science Extension – Course Overview
Science Extension is a Year 12 course offered at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ôº for students who are passionate about scientific inquiry and independent research. It is available to students who are concurrently studying, or have completed, at least one other Stage 6 science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science, or Physics).
This advanced course challenges students to think deeply about the nature of science, its limitations, and its application to complex problems. Students explore how scientific knowledge is produced, evaluated, and communicated, while developing high-level skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and research design.
What Students Learn
Science Extension focuses on the Nature, Development, and Processes of Science, including:
How scientific knowledge is constructed, validated, and contested
The role of creativity, ethics, collaboration, and bias in scientific research
The strengths and limitations of different scientific methodologies
The use of models and theories to explain complex phenomena
Students analyse real scientific literature and case studies to evaluate how scientific investigations are conducted and how uncertainty is managed in cutting-edge research.
The Scientific Research Project
At the core of Science Extension is the independent Scientific Research Project, where students:
Pose an original, researchable scientific question
Design and conduct an investigation using valid scientific methodology
Collect and analyse data (first-hand and/or secondary-sourced)
Evaluate their methods and findings
Communicate their research in the form of a scientific report and presentation
Students are mentored by science teachers and may collaborate with external researchers or institutions to support their work. Projects are aligned to a scientific discipline and must meet the ethical and safety standards of authentic scientific practice.
Why Choose Science Extension?
Science Extension is ideal for students who:
Are considering tertiary pathways in science, engineering, or research
Enjoy scientific reading, problem-solving, and investigation
Want to experience science as it is practised by professionals
Seek to refine their scientific communication and critical analysis skills
The course provides valuable preparation for university study and research-focused careers, and it contributes to the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
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