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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)

 

Year 13 Biology Scholarship    (13BIX)

This class is designed to prepare students for Biology at a tertiary level by developing key critical thinking skills and building on key biological concepts.  The class also aims to increase students’ Merit and Excellence endorsement at Level 3 Biology. 

Through this class, students will gain the skills of abstraction and generalisation, and the ability to integrate, synthesize and apply knowledge.  By the end of the school year, students will be equipped with comprehensive content knowledge, effective communication skills, critical evaluation and flexible thinking in unfamiliar contexts. 

The achievement standards for this class are similar to those in Year 13 Biology, however students are also encouraged to participate in the Scholarship Biology examination at the end of the year in addition to their other external examinations.  Biology scholarship workshops are also included in the scholarship programme throughout the year.

Achievement Standards:

  • B3.1 (AS91601)  Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context with guidance (4 credits)
  • B3.2 (AS91602)  Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue (3 credits)
  • B3.7 (AS91607)  Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications (3 credits)
  • B3.3 (AS91603)  Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants & animals to their external environment (5 credits)
  • B3.5 (AS91605)  Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation (4 credits)
  • B3.6 (AS91606)  Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution (4 credits)

 

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