DSE Biology is an elective subject in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exam, focusing on the basic principles, concepts, and applications of biology. The aim is to help students understand life phenomena and enhance their scientific inquiry skills related to the biological world. This subject not only covers foundational biological knowledge but also emphasizes biotechnology, environmental protection, and bioethics.

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Core Features

• Balance Between Scientific Principles and Application: Emphasizes understanding biological principles while also cultivating the ability to apply these principles in real-life situations and technological developments.
• Exploration and Discovery: Encourages students to explore the mysteries of the biological world, develop critical thinking, and learn how to conduct experiments and research using scientific methods.
• Environment and Human Health: Focuses on the application of biological knowledge in solving environmental issues and promoting human health, while also examining the impact of modern technology on biology.

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Course Structure

Fundamental Biological Knowledge:

1. Cells and Genetics:
   • Understand the structure and function of cells.
   • Learn the basic principles of genes, DNA, and how genetic inheritance works.
   • Explore how genes influence an individual’s traits.
2. Biological Systems and Organisms:
   • Explore the organs, systems, and their interactions within plants and animals.
   • Study how organisms maintain their life processes.
3. Metabolism and Energy Conversion:
   • Study cellular metabolic processes such as respiration and photosynthesis.
   • Understand how these processes support life activities.

Biology and the Environment:

1. Ecology:
   • Learn about the interactions between organisms and their environment, including food chains, energy flow, species competition, and symbiosis.
2. Human Activities and the Environment:
   • Analyze the impact of human activities on the environment, such as pollution, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss.
   • Explore sustainable development solutions.

Biotechnology and Applications:

1. Basics of Biotechnology:
   • Understand key biotechnology concepts like genetic engineering, cloning techniques, and vaccine development.
   • Learn about their applications in medicine, agriculture, and other fields.
2. Bioethical Issues:
   • Discuss ethical issues surrounding biotechnology, such as the moral and legal considerations in genetic editing technologies like CRISPR.

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Assessment Criteria and Methods

Public Exam (70%)

• Paper 1: Basic Biological Knowledge (Approx. 35%)
  • Question Types: Multiple choice, short-answer, and calculation questions.
  • Focus: Understanding fundamental biological principles, such as cell structure, genetics, metabolic processes, and the ability to explain biological phenomena and solve problems.
• Paper 2: Application and Analytical Questions (Approx. 35%)
  • Question Types: Applied questions, case studies, and research questions.
  • Focus: Applying biological knowledge to analyze specific issues, such as explaining biological processes or analyzing scientific phenomena and proposing viable solutions.

School-Based Assessment (SBA, 30%)

• Project Study (Approx. 2000 words)
  • Sample Topic: “Exploring the Applications and Ethical Issues of Gene Editing Technologies in Agriculture”
  • Requirements:
    • Technology Overview: Explain the principles of gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR) and their applications in agriculture.
    • Ethics and Social Impact: Discuss the ethical controversies and potential social and environmental impacts of gene editing technologies.
    • Scientific Data Support: Cite research data or case studies to support arguments and propose relevant policy recommendations.

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Effective Learning Strategies

4.1 Mastering Basic Knowledge

• Conceptual Memory: Learn fundamental biological concepts using diagrams or models to aid memory, such as the structure of cells and DNA. Develop a clear conceptual framework and understand the interrelationships between concepts.
• Data Analysis: Learn how to analyze biological data, such as experimental data, genetic maps, or ecological data, and how to derive conclusions from this data.

4.2 Improving Experimental Skills

• Experiment Design: Learn how to design biological experiments, master basic experimental techniques like microscope observation, liquid handling, and specimen preparation.
• Result Analysis: Learn how to analyze experimental results using scientific methods, draw conclusions, and perform statistical analysis on the data.

4.3 Application and Problem Solving

• Case Studies: Apply biological knowledge to real-world case studies (e.g., environmental pollution, ecological conservation) to improve practical application skills.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrate knowledge from other subjects (e.g., chemistry, physics) to solve complex biological problems, such as the relationship between biology and chemical reactions or the application of physics in biological contexts.

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Common Challenges and Solutions

6.1 Difficulty in Understanding Abstract Biological Concepts

• Solution: Use multimedia resources (e.g., animations, models) to help understand abstract concepts. Conduct experiments or field trips to connect theory with practice.

6.2 Analysis and Interpretation of Experimental Data

• Solution: Practice data analysis regularly, learn how to extract key information from data, and link it with biological principles.

6.3 Comprehensive Analysis of Environmental and Ethical Issues

• Solution: Engage in discussions and group work to deeply understand the relationship between environmental issues and biological knowledge. Develop the ability to think critically from multiple perspectives on ethical issues.

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University and Career Pathways

8.1 University Pathways

Biology is related to various university disciplines, including:

• Biology
• Medicine
• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Science
• Pharmacy
• Public Health

8.2 Career Paths

Studying biology opens up a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as:

• Biologist
• Medical Researcher
• Environmental Protection Specialist
• Doctor
• Pharmacist
• Genetic Engineer

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Exam Time Management

Time Distribution for Papers

• Paper 1: Approx. 45 minutes per question (including 5 minutes of thinking time).
• Paper 2: 60 minutes for applied questions + 60 minutes for data analysis.

Actionable Advice

• Regular Laboratory Practice: Combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiments to improve practical skills.
• Learn to Read Scientific Literature: Keep up with the latest developments in biology by reading scientific papers and articles.
• Strengthen Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrate knowledge from other disciplines, such as mathematics and physics, to address complex biological questions.

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Conclusion

By following this structured learning strategy and course framework, students can excel in DSE Biology, which will provide a solid foundation for future academic and career development.

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Note: This information is for reference only. For further details, please consult the official Hong Kong Education Bureau website: Hong Kong Education Bureau