Biology

Year 12 Biology    (12BIO)

The following topics are covered:

• Cell Biology and Life Processes
• Genetics
• Taxonomy (classification)                                                     
• Evolution
• Microscope Use                                                                      
• Ecology
• Research in Pattern Seeking in Communities
• Biological Investigations

Students study six topics (standards) that count for 23 credits towards Level 2 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 91153 (2.1)  Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision  (4 credits)
• 91154 (2.2)  Analyse the biological validity of information presented to public  (3 credits)
• 91158 (2.6)  Investigate a pattern in an ecological community  (4 credits)           

External Standards (Exams)

• 91156 (2.4)  Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level  (4 credits)
• 91157 (2.5)  Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change  (4 credits)
• 91159 (2.7)  Demonstrate understanding of gene expression  (4 credits)

Year 13 Biology    (13BIO)

The topics covered in the year 13 biology course are:

• Organisms and their environment (Ecology)
• Socio-scientific issues
• Evolution
• Human Biological and Cultural Evolution
• Practical investigation

Students study five topics (standards) that count for 20 credits towards Level 3 NCEA.  

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 91601 (3.1)  Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance  (4 credits)
• 91602 (3.2)  Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue  (3 credits)
• 91607 (3.7)  Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications (Optional Internal)  (3 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 91603 (3.3)  Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment  (5 credits)
• 91605 (3.5)  Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation  (4 credits)
• 91606 (3.6)  Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution  (4 credits)