Research
NSW HSC Senior Science
- 8.2 Water for Living
- 8.3 Plants
- 8.4 Humans at Work
- 9.2 Lifestyle Chemistry
- 9.3 Medical Technology - Bionics
- 9.4 Information Systems
- 9.5 Option - Polymers
- 9.6 Option- Preservatives and Additives
- 9.7 Option- Pharmaceuticals
- 9.9 Option - Space Science
8.2 Water for Living
Water is an important factor in the maintenance of Australian environments.
Australian scientists assess human impacts on the aquatic ecosystem and water sources in Australia and identify consequences of this impact, providing information on possible rehabilitation techniques.
- CSIRO- Water for a Healthy Country, National Research Flagship
- Australian Institute of Marine Science
Strategies to reduce water pollution can be a result of personal initiative or government legislation.
Australian scientists are involved in identifying causes and impacts of algal blooms in waterways in NSW as well as developing latest technologies to purify and treat water.
Water pollution at the local level impacts on global water quality.
Australian scientists study major disasters involving water pollution.
8.3 Plants
The end of the twentieth century witnessed an increased awareness of the need to maintain biodiversity and to preserve and maintain plants.
Asexual reproduction produces genetic clones of plants and can be used to increase the quantities of rare plants and plants that are in heavy demand.
Australian scientists participate in research involving cloning and tissue culture of plants.
The maintenance of diversity in plants is important for the genetic health of the planet.
Australian scientists develop strategies for the protection of rare Australian species and suggest methods to ensure biodiversity of crops and native flora.
8.4 Humans at Work
The human body is structurally well adapted to the tasks required of it. However, the body still needs to be protected from hazards that are part of the modern environment. Knowledge of the structure and function of the human body suggests appropriate safety measures that need to be considered and technologies that can be developed to protect the body.
The structure of the eye and its function dictate that eyes must be protected from foreign materials, intense light and deformation.
Australian scientists contribute to increases in scientific understanding, impacting on the development of protective eyewear.
Injury to the integrated system of muscles, joints and bones that allows movement of the human body can be reduced by using safe work practices.
Australian scientists suggest appropriate strengthening exercises to be employed in particular sports and occupations.
9.2 Lifestyle Chemistry
Many consumer products have been developed because of increased understanding of chemical substances, chemical reactions and the biochemistry of human body surfaces.
The nature of a solvent plays an important role in the application of a mixture.
Australian scientists research the uses of subdermal implants for releasing medication into the body.
The solubility of materials used in drugs has an effect on the way in which the body responds to them.
Australian scientists assess the solubility of different medications and the significance to its action on/in the body.
9.3 Medical Technology - Bionics
Increases in scientific understanding and technological advances have broadened options for maintaining humans as functioning organisms.
Australian scientists have been involved in research contributing to the development of implants such as cochlear implants and artificial valves.
The regular beating of the heart and continuity of the flow of blood through the heart and around the body is needed to maintain good health.
Australian scientists are involved in research relating to heart transplants and artifical hearts.
The use of noninvasive or minimally invasive medical techniques has greatly reduced risks to patients and has increased our understanding of how the body works.
Australian scientists are involved in technological developments that impact on the understanding of how the body works.
9.4 Information Systems
Transmission of information from place to place is advancing at a rapid pace. Many of the new communication technologies have become so commonplace that our perception is that they have always been a part of our everyday lives.
Information systems are many and varied and depend on the transfer of energy from place to place.
Australian scientists are involved in the development of future communication technologies.
9.5 Option - Polymers
With the isolation and synthesis of chemicals came synthetic polymers which heralded the 'Age of Plastics'. Plastics are highly versatile and can be made to imitate many natural materials, such as wood and metals. They can also be used to make new materials with new applications. Latest developments in polymer science include polymers to replace human tissues in the body, as well as some of the strongest and most resilient polymers yet developed, such as kevlar and spectra fibres.
Synthetic polymers have different uses based on their different properties.
Australian scientists are involved in research and applications of specialized polymers.
9.6 Option- Preservatives and Additives
Food preservation techniques like salting, storing in brine solutions and using vinegar have been used since ancient times. The growing concern surrounding the ingestion of chemicals and inclusive labelling of consumer products, combined with the allergic responses of some individuals, have initiated new directions in the food industry.
Australian scientists are involved in developing and monitoring preservatives and additives used in food.
9.7 Option- Pharmaceuticals
Natural remedies for a variety of illnesses have been used for centuries. Modern technology has enabled the extraction, purification and concentration of many of the active chemical compounds found in these natural remedies. One such product is the antibiotic, penicillin.
When penicillin is introduced into the circulatory system it can assist the body in fighting bacteria.
Australian scientists study the mode and action of antibiotics on bacteria.
9.8 Option - Disasters
The environment experiences all manner of disasters. Nature provides signals that forewarn us of many disasters.
Technological developments have allowed more precise monitoring and recording of warning signs.
Australian scientists are involved in research and the development of procedures to predict and manage natural distaters.
9.9 Option - Space Science
Except for visible light and some radio frequency ranges, the atmosphere absorbs many forms of energy very strongly. Serious astronomy at other wavelengths requires observations from orbiting platforms above the Earth's atmosphere. The ability to routinely put such observatories in orbit has led to entirely new fields of astronomy.
Australian scientists are involved in research and development of future space vehicles.
Australian scientists have been involved in space exploration and have contributed to our knowledge of our solar system and beyond.