Human Biology
Human Biology learning area contacts:
- Julie Weber : +61 8 9273 6381 | Julie.Weber@scsa.wa.edu.au
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ATAR
The Human Biology ATAR course gives students a chance to explore what it is to be human—how the human body works, the origins of human variation, inheritance in humans, the evolution of the human species and population genetics. Through their investigations, students research new discoveries that increase our understanding of human dysfunction, treatments and preventative measures. Practical tasks are an integral part of this course and develop a range of laboratory skills; for example, biotechnology techniques. Students learn to evaluate risks and benefits to make informed decisions about lifestyle and health topics, such as diet, alternative medical treatments, use of chemical substances and the manipulation of fertility.
- Types of science inquiry investigations
- Also available in Word Format
SyllabusWhat's changing- ATAR Year 11 Syllabus – For teaching from 2026 (632.6 KB)Last updated: 04 Aug 2026 1:57pmAlso available in Word Format (406.8 KB)
- ATAR Year 12 Syllabus – For teaching from 2024 (425.5 KB)Last updated: 04 Aug 2026 1:58pmAlso available in Word Format (188.4 KB)
Grading Support Materials- ATAR Year 12 What's changing - General capabilities (412.6 KB)Last updated: 20 Oct 2025 10:38amAlso available in Word Format (316.6 KB)
- ATAR Year 12 What's changing - Rationale and Aims (393.3 KB)Last updated: 20 Oct 2025 10:38amAlso available in Word Format (315.7 KB)
Examination Materials- Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions (381.7 KB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (212.3 KB)
- ATAR Year 11 sample assessment outline (408.9 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2024 1:36pmAlso available in Word Format (354.6 KB)
- ATAR Year 11 sample assessment tasks (740.2 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2024 11:48amAlso available in Word Format (677.2 KB)
- ATAR Year 11 sample course outline (478.6 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2024 10:08amAlso available in Word Format (369.1 KB)
- ATAR Year 12 sample assessment outline (409.4 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2024 11:49amAlso available in Word Format (356.3 KB)
- ATAR Year 12 sample assessment tasks (637.4 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2024 11:49amAlso available in Word Format (680.0 KB)
- ATAR Year 12 sample course outline (491.0 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2024 10:32amAlso available in Word Format (368.3 KB)
- 2025 Summary examination report for candidates (302.2 KB)Last updated: 19 Mar 2026 2:28pm
- 2025 Examination (1.8 MB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 10:04am
- 2025 Marking Key (934.5 KB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 10:04am
- Additional Past ATAR Course Examinations
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General
An understanding of Human Biology is essential for making good life decisions and contributing effectively to discussions related to health issues in the community. In the Human Biology General course, students engage in activities and investigations to explore the interdependence of body systems for maintaining life and how personal decisions can affect a human body’s functions and their quality of life. Practical activities are an integral part of this course and students develop a range of laboratory skills. Practical activities will be used to explore the body systems through practical examination of cells, organs and systems and model processes. Students will learn to evaluate risks and benefits to make informed decisions about lifestyle and health topics, such as diet, alternative medical treatments, use of chemical substances, vaccination and the manipulation of fertility. Students will be encouraged to use digital technologies to interpret and communicate their findings in a variety of ways.
- Types of science inquiry investigations
- Also available in Word Format
SyllabusWhat's changing- General Year 11 Syllabus – For teaching from 2026 (608.3 KB)Last updated: 04 Aug 2026 1:59pmAlso available in Word Format (336.9 KB)
- General Year 12 Syllabus – For teaching from 2025 (580.1 KB)Last updated: 04 Aug 2026 1:58pmAlso available in Word Format (340.7 KB)
Grading Support Materials- General Year 12 What's changing - General capabilities (412.5 KB)Last updated: 20 Oct 2025 10:42amAlso available in Word Format (316.4 KB)
- General Year 12 What's changing - Rationale and Aims (392.1 KB)Last updated: 20 Oct 2025 10:42amAlso available in Word Format (315.4 KB)
Sample Externally Set Task Materials- Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions (381.7 KB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (212.3 KB)
- General Year 11 sample course outline (456.8 KB)Last updated: 09 Feb 2026 9:27amAlso available in Word Format (361.0 KB)
- General Year 11 sample assessment outline (411.7 KB)Last updated: 09 Feb 2026 9:33amAlso available in Word Format (352.6 KB)
- General Year 12 sample assessment outline (413.2 KB)Last updated: 12 May 2025 11:53amAlso available in Word Format (353.3 KB)
- General Year 12 sample course outline (424.0 KB)Last updated: 12 May 2025 11:49amAlso available in Word Format (359.2 KB)
Externally Set Tark Materials 2026- Sample Externally Set Task (838.5 KB)Last updated: 17 Mar 2026 8:05am
- Sample Externally Set Task Marking Key (823.6 KB)Last updated: 17 Mar 2026 8:05am
- Sample Externally Set Task Marks Collection Form (562.4 KB)Last updated: 17 Mar 2026 8:05am
Externally Set Task Materials 2025- 2026 General EST Unit 3 content (249.4 KB)Last updated: 25 Sep 2025 2:07pm
Externally Set Task Materials 2023- 2025 General EST Unit 3 content (218.6 KB)Last updated: 25 Sep 2024 1:32pm
Externally Set Task Materials 2022- 2023 General EST Unit 3 Content (206.6 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:10pm
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Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.
Externally Set Task Materials 2021- 2022 General EST Unit 3 Content (325.2 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:32pm
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Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.
Externally Set Task Materials 2020- 2021 HBY General EST Unit 3 content (322.5 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:22pm
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Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.
Externally Set Task Materials 2019- 2020 General EST Unit 3 Content (321.0 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:10pm
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Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.
Externally Set Task Materials 2018- 2019 General EST Unit 3 content (193.4 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:50pm
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Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.
Externally Set Task Materials 2017- 2018 General EST Unit 3 content (163.8 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:34pm
Externally Set Task Materials 2016- 2017 General EST Unit 3 content (186.8 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:23pmAlso available in Word Format (160.5 KB)
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Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.
- General sample EST marking key (188.0 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:40pmAlso available in Word Format (307.2 KB)
- General sample EST (762.3 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:40pmAlso available in Word Format (815.6 KB)
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Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.