Level 2 Biology
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs M. Sinclair.
This course is for those learners who wish to continue on from Level 1 Biology or Level 1 General Science with a view to studying Biology at tertiary level e.g. BSc Biology, Biomedical science, Veterinary study or Medicine.
This is an academic course focusing on interactions between genes, cell processes and interactions with the environment. It includes cell organelles and processes, enzyme activity and manipulation thereof, gene expression and population genetics including ecology and evolutionary processes. The content and skills here are important if carrying on with future study in Biology.
Good literacy is essential to succeed in Level 2 Biology due to the research and report writing expected and in the extended written response format in the NCEA examinations. Please note that this course requires learners to complete all teaching and learning in the course and does not advise picking and choosing learning around assessment standards as content and skills within topics of study are applicable to multiple Achievement Standards and important for future study in this subject.
Course Overview
Term 1
Weeks 1-8: Enzyme theory and kinetics, followed by internally assessed practical investigation
Rest of term: Gene Expression standard
Ongoing from about Week 5: optional Cells external tutorials once a week
Term 2
Weeks 1-5: finish Gene Expression standard
Rest of term: Genetic Variation and Change standard
Ongoing: optional Cells external tutorials
Term 3
Weeks 1-2: Finish Genetic Variation and Change standard
Weeks 3-8: Ecology internal
Ongoing: optional Cells external tutorials
Week 10: optional Animal Adaptations internal for those learners who would like additional credits and/or are not doing external exam(s)
Term 4
Revision for the external exams
Ongoing: optional Animal Adaptations internal for those learners who would like additional credits and/or are not doing external exam(s)
Recommended Prior Learning
Completion of the L1BIOL05 or L1SCIE01 courses at Whangaparāoa College.
Course Contribution and Equipment (this value is only indicative)
$145 Total
Contributions include...
- SciPAD Workbook set ($30)
- AME revision Workbook ($20)
- Tiritiri Matangi Is. field trip (optional) ($90 estimate). Field trip cost 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 $85.
- 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.
Pathway
Assessment Information
Two compulsory externally assessed standards (AS91157 and AS91159)Two compulsory internally assessed standards (AS91153 and AS91158)
One optional externally assessed standard (AS91156)
One optional internally assessed standard (AS91155)
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.
External
NZQA Info
Biology 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
Assessments:
Term: 1, Week: 12
NZQA Info
Biology 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
NZQA Info
Biology 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
NZQA Info
Biology 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
NZQA Info
Biology 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of gene expression
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
Optional Assessments
This course offers the following optional standards, which will be agreed upon in consultation with your teacher.
External
NZQA Info
Biology 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life
Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines
Assessments:
Term: 2023-05-30, Week: 2023-05-30
Pathway Tags
Biotechnologist, Mechanical Engineer, Chemical Production Operator, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, Dentist, Medical Imaging Technologist, Diagnostic Radiologist, General Practitioner, Naturopath, Acupuncturist, Personal Trainer/Exercise Professional, Registered Nurse, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Pathologist, Veterinary Nurse, Zoologist, Beekeeper, Chemist, Aquaculture Farmer, Zookeeper, Marine Biologist, Arborist, Medical Physicist, Meat/Seafood Process Worker, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Microbiologist,
Disclaimer
Although we aim to enable every learner to have the course that they prefer, limited places or learning requirements may restrict learners' choices.