SACE 2023: Expert guide to Biology exam

Have you zoomed out? An expert tutor provides top tips for studying for the SACE Biology exam – and what not to do.

Dr Suzanne Mashtoub has been studying the potential for emu oil to treat bowel diseases. Picture: Noelle Bobrige

Senior tutor at Tutors SA, medical Professional, educator and researcher Dr Suzanne Mashtoub provides some advice on how biology students should tackle their SACE exam on Friday, November 10.

The Stage 2 Biology exam will be held in electronic format over a 130-minute period, comprising two sections; multiple choice (15 marks) and short answer (105 marks) questions.

Your science inquiry skills and understanding of all Stage 2 biology topics may be assessed, which include DNA and Proteins, Cells as the Basis of Life, Homeostasis and Evolution.

The recipe for exam success requires a balance of all the essential ingredients.

PLANNING

Familiarise yourself with the intricacies of the e-exam – this will ensure you eliminate as many unknowns as possible, allowing you to focus solely on knowledge application.

The SACE website provides tips specific to biology, a sneak peak of the cover sheet and short videos revealing key features of the e-exam format including spellcheck, scribble paper, navigation bar and more.

You are also encouraged to chat with your teachers regarding individualised tips; your teachers know you best.

Tutors SA tutor Dr Suzanne Mashtoub

PREPAREDNESS

If you are yet to meet the learning goals of your well-devised study schedule, do not fret – simply regain control by carefully (and realistically) managing your remaining time.

Prepare for all Biology topics equally; some commonly rejected areas include Biotechnology, Osmoregulation and The Origin of Life.

Prepare yourself in advance for the day of your exam; this includes what you might eat for breakfast, what time you will leave home and permitted items (approved calculators may be used for Biology).

PRACTICE

As Biology requires a balance of knowledge acquisition and application, tailor your study to allow time for practice questions with relevant content review.

Ensure you have grasped the context of each concept by routinely ‘zooming out’ to understand the bigger picture.

Access past Biology exams via the SACE website and sit each paper under simulated exam conditions at home; this will take the guess work out of timing, e-exam format and question style.

PASSION

Never cease to be in awe.

From microscopic to macroscopic, Biology is mind-blowing!

Remind yourself of this to put a spring in your step and keep you motivated.

POWER POSING

Stand like the superhero you are and allow your body language to guide your mind towards self-confidence.

With the right mindset before the exam, you are giving yourself the best opportunity for peak performance.

PERFORMANCE

Warm up those fingers for some quality typing, though resist the temptation to type too much.

As timing is everything in the exam, you want to avoid spending precious minutes providing detail beyond what is asked of you – be guided by the number of marks per question.

In addition, too much typing risks loss of marks as you may include something that is indeed incorrect.

Furthermore, to prevent the common mistake of question misinterpretation in Biology, read and re-read the question, highlighting key words.

The instructions ‘state, describe, explain, propose, use Source x to answer etc’ will help guide what to refer to and include in your response.

Use clear, concise, relevant and intentional biological terminology. For example, enzyme – specific, survivability – genetic biodiversity, homeostasis – positive/negative feedback.

Ethical considerations can often be missed when considering Science as a Human Endeavour, so be sure to elaborate if the appropriate question arises.

PERSISTENCE – You can do it! Keep your eye on the clock and keep going.

PAT ON THE BACK

You implemented all the right ingredients to the best of your ability – give yourself a pat on the back!

Dr Suzanne Mashtoub BSc (Biomed) Hons (First Class) PhD (Med) Grad Cert Ed (Higher Ed) MD (‘22)is a passionate educator, researcher and medical professional, with over 18 years’ experience in tutoring Australian Curriculum, Stage 1 and Stage 2 SACE subjects. The above article serves as a guide for Year 12 students preparing for examinations in 2023, derived from personal views and expertise. Suzanne has been a senior tutor with the leading Adelaide tutoring institute Tutors SA.