Science

"From Lab to Life — Science Shapes Your Tomorrow."

Science Subject Flowchart

The Science Subject Flowchart helps you and your child explore the various pathways available within the field of Science. Whether it's Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or Psychology, the flowchart outlines how each subject develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are valuable for a wide range of future study and career options. It’s a simple, visual way to see how choosing Science subjects can lead to exciting and rewarding opportunities in health, engineering, research, technology, and beyond.

Please Note: All Year 10 Science subjects are offered as semester-based subjects rather than full-year subjects.

Year 10 Science

BIOLOGY:

This subject introduces key concepts in genetics and evolution to prepare students for VCE Biology. Students explore how traits are inherited through DNA, genes, and chromosomes, and apply Mendelian principles to predict inheritance patterns. Real-world examples such as genetic disorders and pedigree analysis are included.

The evolution unit focuses on natural selection, adaptation, and the evidence supporting the theory of evolution. Students investigate how species change over time and explore biodiversity, including the adaptations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Year 10 Biology can lead into: VCE Biology, VCE Environmental Science, VCE Psychology and VCE VET Laboratory Skills

Subject Duration: one semester

Lessons per fortnight:

biology factsheet

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE:

This subject introduces students to the science of ecosystems, sustainability, and human impact on the environment. Students investigate interactions within ecosystems, cycles of matter and energy, and how scientific understanding informs environmental management. Topics include climate change, biodiversity, renewable and non-renewable resources, and pollution.

Students explore real-world environmental issues such as land degradation, water scarcity, and energy production, and examine local and global efforts to protect and restore ecosystems. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are integrated through investigations of traditional land management practices and sustainable resource use.

Year 10 Environmental Science can lead into: VCE Environmental Science, VCE Biology, VCE Psychology and VCE VET Laboratory Skills

Subject Duration: one semester

Lessons per fortnight:

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE factsheet

CHEMISTRY:

This subject introduces students to atomic structure, the periodic table, and chemical reactions, forming a strong foundation for VCE Chemistry. Students explore how the arrangement of elements in the periodic table relates to atomic structure and reactivity, using models and practical investigations. They examine trends such as metallic properties, atomic size, and reactivity across groups and periods.

Students also study key types of chemical reactions, including synthesis, decomposition, and displacement, and explore how reactions are classified as exothermic or endothermic. Factors affecting reaction rates—such as temperature, concentration, and catalysts—are investigated through hands-on experiments.

Cultural perspectives are included by examining chemical practices used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, such as fermentation, detoxification, and pigment production.

Year 10 Chemistry can lead into: VCE Chemistry, Environmental Science, VCE Biology, VCE Psychology and VCE VET Laboratory Skills

Subject Duration: one semester

Lessons per fortnight:

CHEMISTRY factsheet

PHYSICS:

This subject explores the laws and forces that govern motion, energy, and the universe. Students investigate how energy is transferred and transformed in systems and assess energy efficiency in both natural and human-made processes. Newton’s Laws of Motion are applied to analyse real-world situations—from car safety features to sports performance—using mathematical models and data.

Students also examine space science, including the structure of the universe, the Big Bang theory, and the challenges of space travel.

Year 10 Physics can lead into: VCE Physics, VCE Psychology and VCE VET Laboratory Skills

Subject Duration: one semester

Lessons per fortnight:

PHYSICS factsheet

PSYCHOLOGY:

In Year 10 Psychology, students are introduced to key concepts that explore how and why humans think, feel and behave. They investigate brain structure and function, learning how different areas of the brain influence emotions, memory, and behaviour. Students examine psychological development across the lifespan and consider factors that shape individual and group behaviour, including the influence of culture and social context. Topics such as perception, learning, memory, mental health, and personality are explored using scientific research methods. Students develop skills in observation, data interpretation, and ethical research practices through investigations and practical activities, preparing them for further study in VCE Psychology.

Year 10 Psychology can lead into: VCE Psychology

Subject Duration: one semester

Lessons per fortnight:

PSYCHOLOGY factsheet

VCE VET LABORATORY SKILLS:
(*for students who have applied)

MSL30122 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills: Certificate III in Laboratory Skills provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills associated with the day-to-day operation of a laboratory and associated technical tasks following set procedures and recipes Units 1 and 2 of the program include recording and presenting data, planning and conducting laboratory/field work, maintaining the laboratory fit for purpose, with electives such as performing basic tests and assisting with fieldwork included. Units 3 and 4 offer scored assessment and incorporate units such as perform techniques that prevent cross contamination, contributing to the achievement of quality objectives, preparing working solutions and performing microscopic examinations.

Credit in the VCE (including VCE VM and VPC): recognition of up to four VCE VET units at Units 1 and 2 level, and a scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence.

To obtain your Certificate III in Laboratory Skills you will need to complete the course across two years.

Subject Duration: whole year

Lessons per fortnight:

LABORATORY SKILLS factsheet

VCE PSYCHOLOGY:
(*for students who have applied)

In Units 1 and 2 Psychology, students explore the development of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours through classical and contemporary psychological theories, including contributions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. They examine brain structure and function, brain plasticity, and the effects of brain damage on psychological functioning. Students investigate social cognition, perception, and the influence of individual, cultural, and societal factors on behaviour. They also analyse how people perceive and interpret stimuli and consider how these perceptions can be distorted.

In Units 3 and 4 Psychology, students explore how the nervous system enables interaction with the world, the effects of stress on psychological functioning, and how biological, psychological, and social factors influence learning and memory. They investigate memory models, brain regions involved in memory, and memory strategies including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mnemonic techniques. Students study the nature and function of sleep, its regulation, and its impact on mental wellbeing. They examine mental health through a biopsychosocial lens, exploring mental wellbeing as a continuum and considering cultural and protective factors, including the holistic SEWB framework relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Subject Duration: whole year

Lessons per fortnight:

VCE PSYCHOLOGY factsheet

VCE Science

Mickleham Secondary College will be undertaking VCE Science subjects from 2027. If you would like information on these subjects, please click the buttons below to be directed to the VCAA website.