Level 2 Biology
L2BIOL01 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs M. Sinclair.
Recommended Prior LearningCompletion of the L1BIOL05 or L1SCIE01 courses at Whangaparāoa College.
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)
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)
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
Course Contribution and Equipment (this value is only indicative)$145 SciPAD Internal/External bundle, Tiri field trip (optional), AME revision Workbook, Education Perfect
- Tiritiri Matangi Is. field trip (optional). 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 cost was $85.
2B8 hardcover notebook recommended for each learner.