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A student will be withdrawn from a standard if the teacher is not confident that the achievement of the standard is within the reach of the student or there is no evidence of the student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
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
Assessment Policy & Procedures 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.