NCEA Level 3 Biology
13BIO Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs L. Brown.
Recommended Prior Learning12 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.
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A student will be withdrawn from a standard if the teacher is not confident that the achievement of the standard is within the reach of the student or there is no evidence of the student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
91603 - Plants and animals responding to the environment
(External - 5 credits)
Derived grade test - term 2, week 2
End of year exam - Tuesday 17 November 2026
91601 - Practical Investigation (long term)
(Internal - 4 credits)
Assessment: Practical investigation report - term 1, week 8
Note: this assessment is based on primary data collected over an extended period of time.
Term 2
Finish 91603 - Plants and Animals Respond to the Environment
Derived grade test - term 2, week 3
End of year exam - Tuesday 17 November 2026
91604 - Homeostasis
(Internal - 3 credits)
Assessment:
In class written report - term 2, week 8
91605 - Speciation and Evolution
(External - 4 credits)
Assessment:
Derived grade test - term 3, week 3
End of year exam - Tuesday 17 November 2026
Term 3
Finish 91605 - Speciation and Evolution
(External - 4 credits)
Assessment:
Derived grade test - term 3, week 3
End of year exam - Tuesday 17 November 2026
91605 - Patterns of Human Evolution
(External - 4 credits)
Assessment:
Derived grade test - term 3, week 10 (school exams)
End of year exam - Tuesday 17 November 2026
91602 - Socio-scientific issues in New Zealand
(Internal - 3 credits)
Assessment:
Written report on a current issue in New Zealand
(week 10 - term 3)
Term 4
Finish all internals
Revision and exam preparation
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.