13BIO

Level 3 Biology

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms K. Hamilton.

The Year 13 Biology course consists of a mixture of internally and externally assessed NCEA Achievement Standards.  During the Level Three course, students will have the opportunity to participate in several experiences outside of the classroom.  Students will have the opportunity to visit the Physiology Department at the University of Otago for a laboratory experience investigating Homeostasis.  As part of the Human Evolution topic, students may visit the Otago Museum to have some expert guidance through trends in Human Evolution.  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 research and study skills while they investigate important Socio-Scientific issues affecting Pacific nations.  They also can refine their skills around planning and carrying out their own valid scientific research investigation.  The natural world around us is the focus of the plant and animal topic where students learn about responses to the environment and species interactions.

Course Overview

Term 1
91604 Homeostasis
- In class learning about the regulation of human body temperature, negative feedback systems in mammals
- Physiology trip
- Report writing
91601 Small Animal Investigation
- In class learning about animal responses to their environment; taxes and kinesis, adaptive advantages
- Carrying out own research and scientific investigation
- Report writing

Term 2
91602 Socio Scientific issue
- In class research about a given socio scientific issue eg vaccination use
- Research a scientific issue facing Pacific nations
- Report writing, identifying bias, reliability of information and discussing an opinion
91603 Plants and Animals
- In class learning; interspecific and intraspecific relationships, biological timing, orientation responses
- Practical learning opportunities

Term 3
91603 Plants and Animals, continued
- In class learning
- Practical learning opportunities
91606 Human Evolution
- In class learning about trends in human biological and cultural evolution
Museum fieldtrip

Term 4
91606 Human Evolution, continued
Revision and preparation for external NCEA Standards

Recommended Prior Learning

Level 2 Biology

Equipment/Stationery

Optional workbook scipad L3 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
Refill pad
Eraser, HB pencil, ruler
Highlighter
Glue stick

Career Pathways

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: 9 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 10 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91601 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91602 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.2 - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue
3
3
3
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91603 v3
NZQA Info
Biology 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 5r,5w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91604 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91606 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 19
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 15
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 19

Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.

Disclaimer

this information may vary