Guide to selecting your HSC Courses (2 Viewers)

[Ragerunner]

Guide to selecting your HSC courses

This is intended to be a guide based on what I feel should be approached. It's up to you to decide whether to follow my advice.

First of all, a few things to mention before I go in-depth.

(1) You can still change subjects during year 11. Even year 12 if you are very desparate.

(2) The year 11 preliminary course is not tested in the HSC. The only exception is Mathematics where approximately 30% of the HSC exam is based on preliminary knowledge. So, for example if you failed Physics in year 11 and feel that your HSC is at stake, don't worry, nothing from year 11 is tested in the HSC exam. you can begin learning the HSC course and still do very well.

(3) If you plan on doing category B courses, make sure you only select one. This is because only 2 units of Category B courses can count towards your UAI.

<<<-------------------- What courses should I pick? -------------------->>

This is one of the hardest decision's you have to make, and it's always good to make sure you picked the right one now, and save stress worrying whether you really did pick what you want.

Here is a quick list that should help.

* Do not pick subjects just because they scale well.
* Do not pick subjects just because your friends are doing it.
* Do not avoid subjects that don't scale well.
* Pick subjects that you enjoy and know you will perform well in them, regardless of how poorly they scale.
* Pick subjects that best prepare you for when you enter University.




Do not pick subjects just because they scale well

This is ultimately one of the most common reason people don't attain the UAI they desire because they based their subject choice on how well the subject scales.

Doing a subject with very good scaling is pointless if you can't perform well enough. This is the result if a student for example decides to do Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 just because they scale well, yet have a poor understanding of the concepts of maths.

Now I'm sure a lot of people would think this is incorrect, because anyone can who can sit down and attempt to the learn the course will naturally be able to perform well. This is true, however can you do it? Don't base it on whether you think you can in the future discipline yourself and sit down and study. Base it on whether you know that you can sit down and study what is required.



Do not pick subjects just because your friends are doing it
Yes, it does sound a bit funny, but nevertheless it is common to go and ask your friend "hey man, what subjects are you picking?". He replies "Chemistry! because we get to learn all about acids and bases and play with dangerous chemicals and explosions".

Sounds tempting eh? Don't give in. Pick subjects you enjoy and know will perform well in.

Peer pressure plays a big part into deciding what course to pick, I personally know that myself. I made that mistake, and regreted it. Don't do the same. You don't want to put your entire 12 years of studying to get into your desired tertiary eduation straight down the sewer just so you could 'hang out' with your mates in class.



Do not avoid subjects that do not scale well[

There are a lot of subjects that do not scale well. This is one of the biggest discouragement to a student wanting to choose a subject.

e.g. you really liked visual arts, and you are really good at it. But looking at it's scaled mean, it is very poor.

Let me say that ANY subject combination can lead to 100 UAI. As long as you perform well in a poorly scaled subject, you are absolutely fine. Let me quote an official document "Students are encouraged to pick subjects that they will perform well at and will best prepare them for University study"

If you know you can do well in a subject, do not let it's poor scaling discourage you. There are numerous example of students scoring a UAI greater than 95 with all poorly scaled subjects.



Pick subjects that you enjoy and know you will perform well in them, regardless of how poorly they scale.

This has been pretty much explained in the question above this. Try not to put subject scaling into too much consideration. You do not want to end up in a subject you really hate learning, and as a result perform extremely bad. This could be extremely detrimental to your HSC. Correct subject choice is much more important that you think. There is a large variety of subjects available. Don't pick what everyone else of your friends are picking.

Pick the ones you enjoy!



Pick subjects that best prepare you for when you enter University

This is another important choice to consider. Typically you might have a career path set since you were small, the HSC is the best way to help discover whether you are really suited for it.

Of course not every HSC subjects has relation to University courses. Such as Psychology.

But there are a lot which are in relation. E.g. you think you would make a really good lawyer/barrister, typically you'd want to try legal studies in the HSC to help decide whether you really want to become a lawyer.

This goes for all other subjects. You should take this into consideration as well when selecting your courses. It could make University study a lot more easier.



The English Standard and Advanced dilemma

Deciding whether to take Standard or Advanced English is one of the hardest decision to make.

*English Standard AND Advanced are scaled in the exact same way. When someone says "Don't do standard because it has very poor scaling", it is ENTIRELY wrong.

If 2 identical RAW marks in Standard English and Advanced English will scale to the same scaled mark.

Standard and Advanced English are scaled as one course despite what others say.

But now you will ask "Why is it on the list of scaled means, Advanced and Standard english are different when you said they are scaled the same?"

The answer to this is simple. They are reported separately. i.e. They combine the candidature of English Standard and Advanced and scale it as a single subject, they are then separated and the scaled mean is determined and reported. It just so happens the scaled mean of Standard is typically lower than Advanced. This doesn't mean it scaled any better or worse than Advanced.

Is it possible to get band 6 in Standard English?

Yes it is very much possible it. Most teachers and students would say the board of studies doesn't allow students to get band 6. This is untrue, and has been proved in 2003 where one student attained a band 6.

But why so little people? It just so happens the students undertaking Standard aren't as acedemically good enough to attain that band.

To summarise

Just to summarise I'd like to emphasise the importance of not picknig subjects just because they scale well. Statistically it has been shown any subject combination you can attain a high UAI.

Think through your choices deeply. It could make a difference between getting into University and wasting 12 years of your life.

Feel free to post any comments or criticism about this thread or anything you feel would be good to know when picking your subjects.

 

[xXmuffin0manXx]

Prelim Subject Selection Guide

Choosing Your Subjects

The decisions made abut which subjects to choose for the next two years are very important and have long lasting consequences. You should ensure that you research carefully and listen to the advice given to them by people qualified to assist in this important decision.

The following advice should be considered carefully:

1. Read the course outlines very carefully and seek clarification and further assistance if necessary.
2. Students with a genuine interest in a subject usually do better in that subject. They may have studied it in Years 7-10 and are keen to pursue further studies.
3. Discuss with class teachers the content of such courses.
4. Talk to the head teacher of the subject who can answer questions regarding the course.
5. Ask the careers advisor to check the final selection or see him to discuss choices.
6. Speak with the year adviser, the principal or the deputy principals who also have expertise in advising students regarding subject choices.
7. Choose the level of English and mathematics that best suits ability and interest, not because of supposed status or perceived mark advantage.

Some Sound Advice

Everyone wants to do as well as possible in the HSC. Students who wan to get into the tertiary course of their choice need to score good marks for their University entrance rank (UAI).

Some students choose courses that they think will earn them high marks. Yet they often end up with disappointing results or struggle for two years. This is usually because they did not choose a course for which they had an interest and an aptitude.

You are advised that the best way to gain a good HSC rank is to choose courses which you are good at and which they enjoy.
Never choose subjects because friends are doing them!

2 Unit Courses

Ancient History
Board developed course
Exclusions: Nil

Course description:
The preliminary ancient history course introduces students to the role of historians, archaeologists and scientists through the close study of ancient societies and case studies of the ancient world. The HSC builds on the knowledge and skills of the prelim course through an investigation a Core, a personality and ancient society and an historical period. Students must study at least two of the following areas in the HSC: Egypt, Near East, Greece or Rome. Ancient History students are eligible to study the 1 unit HSC History Extension course in Year 12.

Assessment: HSC Course Only
External Assessment
A three hour written examination in four parts consisting of:
1. Core
2. Ancient Society
3. Personality in Their Time
4. Historical Period

Biology
Board developed course
Exclusions: Senior Science (Prelim)

Course description:
Biology is the study of living organisms, life processes and interactions between organisms and their environment.

The prelim course incorporates the study of the mechanisms and systems living things use to obtain, transport and use material for their own growth and repair; biotic and abiotic features of the environment and the relationships between and interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem; the evolution of life on earth; and the effects of global changes on the diversity of Australian biota during the formation of the Australian continent.

The HSC course builds upon the prelim. It examines the processes and structures that plants and animals use to maintain a constant internal environment and the way in which the inheritance of characteristics are transmitted from generation to generation.

The options cover a wide variety of interest topics and draw on the development in technology to examine areas of current research.

Main topics covered:
Prelim: A local ecosystem, Patterns in nature, Life on Earth, Evolution of Australian biota
HSC Core: Maintaining a balance, Blueprint of life, Search for better health
Option: n/a

Particular course requirements:
The prelim course includes a field study related to local terrestrial and aquatic environments. Practical experience should occupy a minimum of eighty indicative hours across prelim and HSC course time with no less than thirty-five hours in the HSC Course.

Assessment: HSC course only
External Assessment:
1. A three hour written examination
2. Core
3. Option

Business Studies
Board developed course
Exclusion: Nil

Course description:
Business Studies investigates the role, operation and management of businesses within our society. Factors in the establishment, operation and management of small business are integral to this course. You will investigate the role of global business and its impact on Australian business. You will develop research and independent learning skills in addition to analytical and problem solving competencies through studies.

Main topics covered:
Prelim: Nature of business, Key business functions, Establishing a business, Developing a business plan
HSC Course: Business management and change, Financial planning and management, Marketing, Employment relations, Global business.

Particular course requirements:
In the prelim course, there is a research project investigating the operation of a small business or planning the establishment of a small business.

Assessment: HSC Course Only
External Assessment:
A three hour written exam consisting of:
1. Multiple choice
2. Short answer
3. Business report
4. Extended response

Chemistry
Board developed course
Exclusions: Senior Science (Prelim)

Course description:
Chemistry is the study of the physical and chemical properties of substances, with a focus on substances and their interactions. Chemistry attempts to provide a chemical explanation and to predict events at the atomic and molecular level.

The prelim course develops a knowledge of atomic structure, chemical changes, rates of reaction and relationships between substances by focusing on increasing students’ understanding of the Earth’s resources, the development of ncreasingly sophisticated methods to extract and use metals, the importance of water on Earth and high energy carbon compounds.
The HSC course builds on the concepts developed in the prelim course expanding on areas such as the search for new sources of traditional materials, the design and production of new materials, the type and effect of chemicals that have been released as a result of human technological activity and the way in which environmental problems could be reversed or minimized. The options cover a wide variety of interest topics and draw on the increased information and understandings provided by improved technology to examine areas of current research.

Main topics covered:
Prelim: The Chemical Earth, Metals, Water, Energy
HSC Core: Production of Materials, The Acidic Environments, Chemical Monitoring and Management.
Option: n/a

Particular course requirements:
Practical experience should occupy a minimum of eighty indicative hours across prelim and HSC course time with no less than thirty-five hours in the HSC Course.

Assessment: HSC only
External:
A three hour written examination of
1. Core
2. Option

Design and Technology
Board developed course
Exclusions: Nil

Course description:
D&T has a unique focus on creativity, improvisation and the successful implementation of innovative ideas. Students will investigate the importance of evaluation, the role of computer based technologies, management, communication and collaborative design, as well as exploring current and emerging technologies. The course provides opportunities for students to develop design projects in areas of individual interest, to articulate arguments on issues ad consequences including environmental and social impact. Students will b well suited to consider careers in the fields of design and production.
Main topics covered:
Prelim: Designing and producing including the study of design theory, design processes, creativity, collaborative design, research, management using resources, communication manufacturing and production, computer-based technologies, safety, evaluation, environmental issues, analysis, marketing and manipulation of materials tools and techniques.
HSC course:
Innovation and emerging technologies including a case study of innovation, the study of designing and producing a major design project. The project folio includes a project proposal and management, project development and realization and project evaluation.

Assessment HSC Only
External:
Section I: The examination consists of a written paper, questions based on innovation and emerging technologies and designing and producing. These will provide opportunities for students to make reference to the Major Design Project and the Case Study.

Major Design Project – This will include submission of a folio documenting the project proposal and project management, project development and realisation and project evaluation and a product system or environment.

Section II: Major Design Project – Project proposal, folio, product, system or environment

Drama:
Board developed course
Exclusions: Nil

Course description: Students study the practices of making, performing, and critically studying in drama. Students engage with these components through collaborative and individual experiences.

Main topics covered:
Prelim: The content comprises an interaction between the components of improvisation, playbuilding and acting, elements of production in performance and theatrical traditions and performance styles. Learning is experiential in these areas.
HSC course: Australian drama and theatre and studies in drama and theatre involves the theoretical study through practical exploration of themes, issues, styles and movements of traditions of theatre exploring relevant acting techniques, performance styles and space. The group performance of between three and six students involves creating a piece of original theatre (eight to twelve minutes). It provides opportunity for each student to demonstrate his performance skills. For the individual project, students desmonstrate their expertise in a particular area. They choose one project from critical analysis or design or performance or script-writing or video drama.

Particular course requirements:
In the study of theoretical components, students engage in practical workshop activities and performances to assist their understanding, analysis and synthesis of material covered in areas of study. In preparing for the group performance, a published topic list is used as a starting point. The individual project is negotiated between the student and the teacher at the binning of the HSC Course. Students choosing individual project design or critical analysis should base their work on one of the texts listed in the published text list. Students are required to view at least three performances in each year, often at night.

Assessment: HSC only
External Assessment:
Group presentation (core) 30%
Individual Project 30%
A one and a half hour written examination comprising two compulsory sections: Australian drama and theatre(core) studies in drama and theatre 40%

Economics
Board developed course
Exclusions: Nil

Economics provides an understanding for students about many aspects of the economy and its operation that are frequently reported in the media. It investigates issues such as why unemployment or inflation rates change and how these changes will impact on individuals in society. Economics develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the operation of the global and Australian economy. It develops the analytical, problem solving and communication skills of students. There is a strong emphasis on the problems and issues in a contemporary Australian economic context within the course.

Main topics covered:
Preliminary course: Introduction to economics, consumers and business, markets, labour markets, financial markets, government in the economy.
HSC course: The global economy, Australia’s place in the global economy, economic issues, economic policies and management.

Assessment HSC Only
External:
A three hour written examination consisting of:
Section 1 – multiple choice 20%
Section 2 – short answers 40%
Section 3 – Extended response 20%
Section 4 – stimulus based 20%

Engineering Studies
Board developed course
Exclusions: Nil

Course description:
This course aims to develop the student’s understanding and appreciation of the nature and significance of engineering and its impact on society. There is an emphasis on the application of engineering methodology.
Students will develop:
 Understanding of the scope engineering and the role/responsibilities of an engineer
 Knowledge and understanding of engineering principles
 Communication and understanding of developments in technology appreciating their influence
 Management and problem solving skills in engineering context
 Skills in the application of engineering methodology

Main topics covered:
Prelim: Students undertake the study and develop an engineering report for each of the give modules:
 Three application modules (Based on engineered products). At least one product is studied from each of the following categories: household appliances, landscape products, and braking systems.
 One focus module relating to the field of bio-engineering
 One elective module
HSC: Students undertake the study an develop an engineering report for each of give modules
 Three application modules (based on engineered products are studied: civil structures, personal and public transport, lifting devices.
 Two focus modules relating to the fields of aeronautical engineering and telecommunications.

Engineering studies pathways
Experience in this subject leads you into many engineering vocations at various universities. Engineering graduates are independent and resourceful people who apply new technology to traditional and future problems, allowing tem to work in areas such as medicine, media, consulting, transport, finance, construction and information technology.

Assessment: HSC only
External:
A three hour written examination consisting of
Section I – Application modules 10%
Section II – Historical and societal influences. Scope of the profession, application and focus modules 70%
Section III – All modules. Engineering reports. 20%
Internal:
Each of the give modules
Engineering reports

English Advanced
Board developed course
Exclusions: ESL, Standard

Course description:
In the preliminary English Advanced course, students explore the ways events, experiences, ideas, values and processes are represented in and through texts and analyse the ways in which texts reflect different attitudes and values.
In the HSC English Advanced course, students analyse and evaluate the texts and the ways they are valued in their contexts. Approx. 30-35% of students in the state will study this course.

Main topics covered:
Preliminary course
 Content common to the standard and advanced courses is undertaken through a unit of work called an Area of Study. Students explore texts and develop skills in synthesis. The common content comprises 40% of the course content.
 Electives in which students explore, examine and analyse texts and analyse aspects of shaping meaning and the ways in which texts and contexts shape and are shaped by ifferent attitudes and values. The electives comprise 60% of the content.
HSC course
 The HSC common content consists of one Area of Study common to he HSC Standard and the Advanced courses where students analyse and explore texts and apply skills in synthesis.
 Modules which emphasise particular aspects of shaping meaning and representation, questions of textual integrity, and ways in which texts are valued.

Course requirements
Prelim:
 Study of Australian and other texts
 Exploration of a range of types of text drawn from prose fiction, drama, poetry, nonfiction, film, media and/or multimedia texts.
 Wide reading programs programs involving texts and textual forms composed in and for a wide variety of contexts
 Integreation of the modes:reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing and representing as appropriate
 Engagement in the ntegreated study and text.
HSC
 The close study of at least give types of prescribed text, on drawn from each of the following categories: Shakesperian drama; prose fiction; drama or film; poetry; non fiction or mdia or multimedia texts
 A wide range ofadditional related texts and textual

Assessment: HSC
External
A written exam paper consisting of
Paper 1 (2hours) 40%
Areas of study (common course content)
Paper 2 (2hours) 60%
Module A
Module B
Module C

Physics
Board developed Course
Exclusions: Senior Science

Course Description:
Physics investigates natural phenomena and identifies patterns and applies in a wide range of interesting contexts, models, principles and laws to explain their behaviour.

The Preliminary course develops a knowledge of waves, motion, forces, fields, electricity and magnetism by focusing on increasing students’ understanding of current communication technologies, the use of electricity in the home, interaction involving vehicles, such as car crashes and the mechanisms that maintain the physical conditions of planet Earth.

The HSC course builds on the concepts of the Preliminary course by expanding on areas such as relativity, the motor effect and solid state physics, by focusing on space fight, motors and generators and the scientific advances involved in the development of semi-conductors and electronics.

Main Tpics covered:
Prelim:
The World Communicates, Electrical Energy in the Home, Moving About, The Cosmic Engine

HSC Course
Core – Space, Motors and Generators, From Ideas to Implementation, Option (Astrophysics, From Quanta to Quarks)

Course Req.
80 indicative practial hours across Prelim and HSC

Assessment (HSC only)
External
A 3hour written examination consisting of
Core 75%
Option 25%

One Unit Courses

Maths Extension 1 – Preliminary
1 unit prelim course
Board endorsed
Prerequisites: The course is constructed on the assumption that students have achieved the outcomes in the core of advanced mathematics course or the School Certificate, along with the recommended options.

Course Description:
The content of this course, which includes the whole of the 2unit course, and its depth of treatment indicate that it is intended for students who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills offstage 5 maths and who are interested in the study of further skills and ideas in mathematics. The course is intended to give these students a thorough understanding of and competence in aspects of mathematics including many which are applicable to the real world. It has general educational merit and is also useful for concurrent studies of science, industrial arts and commerce. The course is a recommended minimum basis for further studies in mathematics as a major discipline at a tertiary level, and for study of mathematics in support of the physical and engineering sciences. Although in the extension course is sufficient for these purposes, students of outstanding mathematical ability should consider undertaking the extension 2 hsc course.
Main topics
 Other inequalities
 Circle geometry
 Further trigonometry
 Angles between two lines
 Internal an external division of lines into given ratios
 Parametric representation
 Permutations and combinations
 Polynomials
 Harder applications of the preliminary 2 unit course.

Maths Extension 1 HSC
Board developed course
Prerequisites: Extension 1 Prelim

Course Description:
The content of this course, which includes the whole of the 2unit course, and its depth of treatment indicate that it is intended for students who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills of stage 5 mathematics and who are interested in the study of further skills and ideas in mathematics. The course is intended to give these students a thorough understanding of and competence and aspects of mathematics including many which are applicable to the real world. It has general educational merit and is also useful for concurrent studies of science, industrial arts and commerce. The course is a recommended minimum basis for further studies in mathematics as a major discipline at a tertiary level, and for the study of mathematics in support of the physical and engineering sciences. Although the extension course is sufficient for these purposes, students of outstanding mathematical ability should consider taking the extension 2 maths HSC course.

Main topics
 Methods of integration
 Primitive of sin(^2) x and cos(^2 )x
 Equation of dN/dt = k(N-P)
 Velocity and acceleration as a function of x
 Projective motion
 Simple harmonic motion
 Inverse functions and inverse trigonometric functions
 Induction
 Binomial theorem
 Further probability
 Iterative methods for numerical estimation of the roots of a polynomial equation
 Harder applications of HSC 2unit topics

Assessment: HSC only
External
Two written examination papers. One paper is identical to the paper of three hours duration for the Mathematics 2unit course. The other paper, two hours duration is based on the Ext. 1 Maths Course and consists of seven questions of equal value.

No more tan the equivalent of two questions will be based on the Preliminary course. Questions from the preliminary course will be short and represent a minor part of a total question. Marks can be awarded for demonstration of knowledge and skills from the Prelim course or earlier when required for questions on the HSC curse. That is, questions based on the preliminary course can be asked when they lead in to questions based on topics from the HSC Course. Marks from these lead in questions will not be counted in the two-unit allowance from the Prelim course

Board approved calculators, geometrical instruments and approved geometrical templates may be used.

 

[lyounamu]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

I am quite impressed with few stuff that you got on introduction. But the rest can be easily acquired from the syllabi.

Nevertheless, good work.

Have a look at this:
http://community.boredofstudies.org...icate/172620/what-you-going-do-next-year.html


This might help you fix your improve your stuff.

BTW, please note that "average scaling" should actually be called average scaled mark.

 

[Aquawhite]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

This is coming along nicely. I do hope that this becomes a sticky topic, it is something that needs to be addressed because so many people are posting threads about it! This topic would also be awfully helpful in the School Certificate (Year 10) Board, maybe even better than here.

 

[jiyeonPARKK]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

Nice work!

 

[xXmuffin0manXx]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

This is coming along nicely. I do hope that this becomes a sticky topic, it is something that needs to be addressed because so many people are posting threads about it! This topic would also be awfully helpful in the School Certificate (Year 10) Board, maybe even better than here.

Nice work!

Thanks

 

[suzlee]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

woah, nice
did you type all that? or did you find it on the other BOS site?

 

[lyounamu]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

woah, nice
did you type all that? or did you find it on the other BOS site?

Most is prob copy & paste from the syllabi.

 

[dp624]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

not bad
could probably use a better layout/formatting
but good effort =D

 

[xXmuffin0manXx]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

Most is prob copy & paste from the syllabi.

Nope..all typed up from my school subject selection guide



Lol..the reaction to taht will now be "He has no life"

 

[lyounamu]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

Nope..all typed up from my school subject selection guide



Lol..the reaction to taht will now be "He has no life"

lol are you serious?

 

[xXmuffin0manXx]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

lol are you serious?

Yep!

no lies

I should be able to finish it by tonight coz I'm gonna stay up
for the speech

I'm not really painting a good image of myself here am I? HAHA

 

[lyounamu]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

Yep!

no lies

I should be able to finish it by tonight coz I'm gonna stay up
for the speech

I'm not really painting a good image of myself here am I? HAHA

Well I cannot say because I have done the similar stuffs myself.

But I would have just copied and pasted from the syllabus, saves a lot of effort.

 

[Schoey93]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

Hi everyone. I did ask about this in another thread but I thought I may as well ask about it here. What are the prerequisite subjects for MB BS (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery)? Is Mathematics General 2 enough? It does contain a focus study called "Mathematics and Health", which relates to medicine as you learn things such as how to calculate doses of medication, taken body measurements and make calculations relating to blood.

So, to summarise, does the MB BS double degree require Mathematics General 2 (the updated version of the current General Mathematics course), Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1? What science is required or would any two units of science suffice? (I doubt Senior Science or Earth and Environmental Science would suffice, but what I mean is would any of the other three sciences on offer be enough alone ... I only want to do one science in Year 12.)

 

[Kamal15]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

Hi everyone. I did ask about this in another thread but I thought I may as well ask about it here. What are the prerequisite subjects for MB BS (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery)? Is Mathematics General 2 enough? It does contain a focus study called "Mathematics and Health", which relates to medicine as you learn things such as how to calculate doses of medication, taken body measurements and make calculations relating to blood.

So, to summarise, does the MB BS double degree require Mathematics General 2 (the updated version of the current General Mathematics course), Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1? What science is required or would any two units of science suffice? (I doubt Senior Science or Earth and Environmental Science would suffice, but what I mean is would any of the other three sciences on offer be enough alone ... I only want to do one science in Year 12.)

mmmmm of all our teachers they recommend chem for med
any other sciences is ur choice
umm u do relias ur UAI has to be veeryhigh for med
general maths prolly aint the way
u mite wanna do maths or maybe 3u

k

 

[Schoey93]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

naaaaahhhhh

not doing math at all. doing Bachelor of Veterinary Science. need 98.30 + UAI. I'm sick of the mundane, boring, soul-crushing subject that is high school maths. Oh how I long to study pure interesting math. too bad so sad, I guess. and no I'm not doing 4-unit math, not a chance.

I'm doing eng adv, eng ext, sor1, chem, drama, Italian, modern.

 

[Aquawhite]

Re: Prelim Subject Selection Guide

naaaaahhhhh

not doing math at all. doing Bachelor of Veterinary Science. need 98.30 + UAI. I'm sick of the mundane, boring, soul-crushing subject that is high school maths. Oh how I long to study pure interesting math. too bad so sad, I guess. and no I'm not doing 4-unit math, not a chance.

I'm doing eng adv, eng ext, sor1, chem, drama, Italian, modern.

You would be at quite a rather large disadvantage not selecting at least some form of mathematics if you choose Veterinary Science as your university course. There is actually a little bit of math in the course. Take a read of the course when you are next on the USYD website

 

[Schoey93]

How NOT to pick HSC Subjects

OK. There are a lot of threads on what you SHOULD do when picking HSC (NSW and ACT) subjects ... but none on what not to do, the big, big NO-NO's.

So, here they are, printed on the paper before you nice and clear. (I am currently considering HSC subjects by the way, I am in Year 10 this year - 2009...and am most likely continuing to get my HSC.)

How NOT to Pick HSC Subjects

• There is much hear-say about SCALING. Scaling does not impact adversely upon any student who achieves a Band 6 in any subject. A raw mark of 90 above will usually stay that way after scaling (by the way, RAW, not aligned HSC marks are the ones that actually get scaled).
• Do not choose mathematics is you do not like it. Do NOT choose General Mathematics "just for the sake of having some maths". Let me say that NO UNI COURSE requires that course (General Math) as a prerequisiste, and it is AWFUL preparation for any mathematical/scientific course.
• Only choose General Mathematics as a "everyday life skills" course. Do NOT choose it as a "strong foundation for university study of mathematics" like all the subject guides say... it simply isn't a strong foundation... it's about as strong a a sheet of plywood under a tonne of bricks! Seriously. My girlfriend did Yr 11 General... and I do Stage 5.3 Math... and I could do EVERYTHING in the General course when she asked for help.
• Do not listen to teachers who say "Senior Science is for less gifted students" ... if you like Science and none of the other courses interest you... choose EARTH AND ENVIORNMENTAL SCIENCE (includes global warming issues, is basically "Geology" ... with a smart sounding name)... or if you're not up to that/don't like rocks (hahahahahaha ) just choose SNR SCIENCE... if you get 90-100 in it (band 6) ... you will do fine in regards to scaling.
• Senior Science has almost exactly the same scaling as General Mathematics (low - very low... meaning that it is a reasonably popular course and STACKS of people get 85+ raw on the externals exam).
• DRAMA is an awesome course (has terrible scaling as 1000's of people end up with B5's and hundreds get B6... it's quite popular too). But! jennieTalia (ie Jennifer Duke) went to my school for HSC 2008 and ended up with UAI 96.20, the course she wanted: BA in Communication (Journalism) @ UTS AND she did no mathematics and Drama (admittedly she did get 92-93ish, Band 6)...and she got Band 6 for 8 units, with Band 5 in Modern History... go Jennie!
• Lastly, to make myself crystal clear and state what I, as a School Certificate (Yr 10) student and future 2011 HSC Student, Prelim '10 intend to do when choosing my subjects in early May 2009 THIS YEAR...

CHOOSE WHAT YOU LOVE: Whether that be cars Industrial Technology (Automotive)... cooking Hospitality and/or Food Technology, languages/communicating/talking till you're blue in the face - SPANISH (Second most spoken language in the world after Chinese, has recently over taken English due to second language speakers becoming increasingly fluent) OR any other language you're "good at".

N.B: IN THE HSC, there are no bludge subjects. For example, Chemistry is deemed "one of the hardest HSC subjects you could do" ... but there are people who love science and pull 95's in it "no sweat"... so DON'T WORRY... you will be FINE!

DO NOT STUFF UP LIKE so many Year 10's before you have and make the next two years a complete torture by choosing boring, uninteresting subjects irrelevant to your future career paths.

Thanks for reading. If you're interested in me personally, I'm (most likely, 75% sure of these subjects):

SOR1U, English Advanced, English Extension 1, Food Technology, Italian Continuers, Spanish Beginners (Open High School - distance education ... Google it pls! ), Biology and Economics.

Ciao ciao a tutti! (Bye bye everyone!) A presto!

James

 

[-may-cat-]

Re: How NOT to pick HSC Subjects

To those about to post "what do you know, your only in year 10", the advice is good so what does it matter.

 

[Kiim2507]

Re: How NOT to pick HSC Subjects

I agree.
Just do want you want to do because if you love it you will do well in it.
If you pick subjects just because they scale well you're gonna get a shit mark and get scaled down anyway.