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 SciPAD Internal/External bundle, Zoo field trip (optional), AME revision Workbook, Education Perfect
Cost for Optional trip will be advised when 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 cost was $70.
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 3.2 - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue
Assessments:
Term: 3, Week: 5
NZQA Info
Biology 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 7
NZQA Info
Biology 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment
Assessments:
Term: 2, Week: 3
NZQA Info
Biology 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 7
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 7
NZQA Info
Biology 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications
Assessments:
Term: 3, Week: 5
NZQA Info
SCHL - Biology
Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 7
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 22
Applicants to New Zealand universities require 14 credits in three approved subjects. This course is an Approved Course for University Entrance
Disclaimer
Although we aim to enable every learner to have the course that they prefer, limited places or learning requirements may restrict learners' choices.