Level 3 Biology
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs M. Sinclair.
This course is for those learners who wish to continue on from Level 2 Biology, with a view to studying Biology at tertiary level e.g. ecology, medical science. This is a FOUR period a week academic course (full course) focusing on responses of animals and plants, human evolution, and a socio-scientific issue and/or GMOs, with an optional external standard on speciation. Note: there is very little human biology in this course.
Good literacy is ESSENTIAL to succeed in Level 3 Biology due to the research, extended answers and report writing involved.
Course Overview
Term 1
Weeks 1-9: Animal and plant responses
Rest of term: Introduction to Homeostasis
Term 2
Weeks 1-5: Homeostasis
Weeks 6-10: Human evolution
Term 3
Weeks 1-2: Finish Human Evolution, Zoo trip
Weeks 3-8, 10: One or both of Socio-Scientific Issue and Gene Transfer
Term 4
Revision for external exams
Recommended Prior Learning
Passing grade in AS91157, Level 1 literacy
Course Contribution and Equipment (this value is only indicative)
$135 Total
Contributions include...
- SciPAD workbook set ($30)
- AME revision Workbook ($20)
- Zoo field trip (optional) ($70 estimate) Field trip to Auckland Zoo will have an additional cost. This will be advised when trip details are finalised and sent to parents from the Schoolbridge platform. Field trip costs are to be paid via the Kindo app. In 2024 this fee was $70.
- Education Perfect ($20).This is subject to change dependent upon the type of EP access license applicable to the learner and whether they are enrolling in multiple Sciences. There is one EP license for access to all Science courses. If the learner is enrolling for multiple Science courses then this course contribution only needs to be paid once
2B8 hardcover notebook recommended for each learner.
Assessment Information
Two compulsory externally assessed standards (AS91603 and AS91606)Two or three compulsory internally assessed standards (AS91602, AS91604 and AS91607)
One optional externally assessed standard (AS91605)
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
Biology 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 7
NZQA Info
Biology 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
Assessments:
Term: 2, Week: 3
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 7
Optional Assessments
This course offers the following optional standards, which will be agreed upon in consultation with your teacher.
External
NZQA Info
Biology 3.2 - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
Assessments:
Term: 3, Week: 5
NZQA Info
Biology 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 7
NZQA Info
Biology 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
Assessments:
Term: 3, Week: 5
NZQA Info
SCHL - Biology
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 7
Disclaimer
Although we aim to enable every learner to have the course that they prefer, limited places or learning requirements may restrict learners' choices.