NCEA Level 3 Biology
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs L. Brown.
This course is aimed at students who wish to study biology in greater depth, and also wish to develop skills which will be important in studying biology at tertiary level.
The course could include:
- Animal and plant behaviour
- Human evolution
- Patterns of speciation
- Biological investigation
- Maintaining a constant internal environment
- Socio-scientific research report
A student will be withdrawn from a standard if the teacher is not confident that the achievement of the standard is within the reach of the student or there is no evidence of the student attempting the assessment.
Course Overview
Term 1
Homeostasis - how organisms maintain a constant internal environment.
Plants and Animals - how organisms respond to the external environment
Practical Investigation - individual investigation into plant growth in response to environmental factors
Term 2
Plants and Animals - how organisms respond to the external environment
Speciation and/or Evolution - patterns of natural selection leading the formation of a new species with a focus on human evolution.
Term 3
Speciation and/or Evolution - patterns of natural selection leading the formation of a new species with a focus on human evolution.
Socio-scientific issue - students report on a current biological issue relevant to New Zealand (combined assessment with Health).
Term 4
Revision and exam preparation
Recommended Prior Learning
12 credits from level 2 achievement standard biology with at least 4 credits from external achievement standards.
12 credits from level 2 English 1 or English 2.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Computer or 1B8 punched, ringbinder,1B5 or 1B8 ex. Book pencil, 30cm ruler, blue & black pens, highlighter
It is recommended that students purchase a SCIPAD learning workbook at approximately $20.00.
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.
External
NZQA Info
Health 3.4 - Analyse a contemporary ethical issue in relation to well-being
NZQA Info
Biology 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
Assessments:
Term: 2, Week: 2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.2 - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue
Assessments:
Term: 3, Week: 10
NZQA Info
Biology 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 5
NZQA Info
Biology 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment
Assessments:
Term: 1, Week: 5
NZQA Info
Biology 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 5
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 5
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 27
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
Biology: Medicine, Nursing Technician, Technologist, Teaching, Marine Biologist, Zoologist, Veterinarian/Vet, Nurse,
Disclaimer
POLICY
It is the policy of Taupo-nui-a-Tia College to have school-wide policies that inform parents and students of the criteria for administering all Assessments for National Qualifications.
Credits listed may change.