12BIO

Level 2 Biology

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms K. Hamilton.

The Year 12 Biology course consists of a mixture of internally and externally assessed NCEA Achievement Standards.  During the Level Two course, students will have the opportunity to participate in an experience outside of the classroom where they can gather field data.   Students will have the opportunity to sample the marine environment to collect data that forms the basis of a written Ecology report.  As part of the Life Processes topic, students will have the opportunity to carry out several dissections during class while earning about gas exchange in different taxonomic organisms.  The Microscopes unit of work is a skills-based unit whereby students learn to use a microscope and to create biological drawings and annotations.  These opportunities enrich and reinforce the learning occurring at school as well as capturing and engaging students with a passion for Biology.   

Students in this course develop and learn new skills around planning and carrying out their own valid scientific investigation.  Students will work in small groups to investigate the process of Osmosis and to write up their results in the form of a valid scientific report.  The topic on Cell Biology also allows students to develop an understanding of cellular processes such as transport, photosynthesis, respiration and DNA replication.  The final topic of the year is a continuation and extension on the Level One Genetic Variation and Change topic whereby students further develop an understanding of inheritance and variation within populations.

Course Overview

Term 1
91158 Ecology
- In class learning about niche, biological relationships, data gathering, adaptations
- Warrington trip
- Report writing
91155 Gas Exchange
- In class learning about diversity in three different animal groups and how they carry out gas exchange to meet the needs of the organism within their own habitat.
- Carrying out dissections
- Report writing

Term 2
91160 Microscopes
- In class learning about parts of a microscope, biological drawings and biological annotations
- Practical use of microscopes
- Biological drawings and annotations
91153 Osmosis investigation
- In class learning about osmosis as a type of passive transport, concentration gradients, scientific method
- Practical learning opportunities
- Carrying out investigation
- Report writing

Term 3
91156 Cell Biology
- In class learning about cell processes such as transport, photosynthesis, respiration, DNA replication, enzymes
- Practical learning opportunities
91157 Genetic Variation and Change
- In class learning about inheritance using dihybrid punnet squares, sources of variation, mutation etc

Term 4
91157 Genetic Variation and Change, continued
- In class learning
Revision and preparation for external NCEA Standards

Recommended Prior Learning

A minimum of 8 Level 1 Science credits, which should include the 4 credits from the external Achievement Standard 90948 (Genetics) and four from Achievement Standard 90925 (Microbiology) and/or Achievement Standard 90930 (practical investigation).

Equipment/Stationery

Optional workbook scipad L2 Biology bundle (internal and external workbooks) (cost approximately $26). This is highly recommended as it is a valuable resource to supplement classwork.
1 x 2B8 exercise book
1 x 14K8 (graph paper)
Refill pad
Eraser, HB pencil, ruler
Highlighter
Glue stick

Pathway

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.

Total Credits Available: 19 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 8 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 11 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91153 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision
4
4
4
4
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91155 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life
3
3
3
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91156 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4w
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91157 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4w
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91158 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 19
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 8
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Disclaimer

this information may vary