Level 3 Biology
Course Description
Year 13 Biology continues to develop independent research and investigation skills. There are no course prerequisites, however, this is a language dense topic and the ability to write reports is an advantage. During the year students research a socio-scientific issue (an social issue that has a scientific origin, eg: the diabetes epidemic), begin to understand concepts relative to biotechnology (including a possible field-trip), gain greater depth of knowledge of how genes and variation impact evolution, and learn how our body maintains homeostasis.
The study of Biology seeks to explain the nature of living things and their interrelationships, how evolution links life processes and ecology, and the impact that humans have on all forms of life. I In this course you will learn about how plants and animals respond to the living and non-living environment around them, the evolutionary processes leading to the formation of new species, and human biological and cultural evolution. As well you will learn about new advances in biotechnology, and carry out research into a socio-scientific issue. This course is an approved UE course.
Course Overview
Term 1
Week 1-5 AS91602 Research a Socio-Scientific Issue.
Week 6-10 AS91604 Demonstrate understanding of homeostasis.
Term 2
Week 1-5 AS91601 Practical Investigation runs concurrently with
Week 1-5 AS91607 Biotechnology
Week 6-10 AS91605 Processes that lead to speciation
Term 3
Week 1-5 AS91603 Animal Behaviour and Plant Responses
Week 6-10 AS91606 Human evolution
Term 4
Revision and exam practise followed by external exams.
Recommended Prior Learning
Year 11 Science, year 12 Biology, year 12 English or Maori or another language dense subject such as history.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
A write-on notes book will be required. A personal laptop or tablet is an advantage but not essential.
Level 3 Biology Externals sciPAD and the Level 3 Biology Internals sciPAD
Pathway
This course opens the pathway to a multitude of professions from farming (horticulture and agriculture) to a role in professional sports. A prerequisite for medical professions that require a university degree (including veterinary science).
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
Total Credits Available: 26 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 13 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 13 credits.
External
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
NZQA Info
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 26
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Pathway Tags
PATHWAYS / CAREER RELEVANCE: Medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, radiology, sports coaching and administration, optometry, veterinarian, agriculture, horticulture, environmental management, forestry, parks and recreation, education. It also opens up a wide range of career options from farming to a role in professional sports. It is usually a prerequisite for university courses for medical professions and veterinary science.,