Year 13 Biology (Level 3)
Subject Description
Head of Faculty: Mrs S. Boasman.
Biology at this level introduces students to the new world that is opening up in this subject. It explores DNA and how it works, the new techniques associated with DNA editing and genetically modified organisms. Other areas studied include plant and animal behaviour, homeostasis and human evolution.
Subject Overview
Term 1
Homeostasis: Students learn how the body reacts to periods of extreme environmental conditions and how the endocrine and nervous systems work together to ensure that important internal factors are monitored and controlled so that they are kept within a specific range.
Animal behaviour and plant responses: Students learn about the responses plants make to their environment and the behaviour of individual and groups of animals.
Term 2
Animal behaviour and plant responses continued.
Investigation: Students plan and carry out an individual investigation into an aspect of plant responses or animal behaviour.
Term 3
Socio-scientific report: Students research and write a report on a current socio-scientific issue which involves the student to have a sound grasp of the biological concepts involved as well as an informed understanding of the reasons for it being a complex modern-day issue.
Human Evolution: Students discover the fascinating scientific story of how humans came to exist and the evidence behind it. They explore how our evolutionary history gives important insight into many contemporary human situations.
Term 4
Revision and preparation for examinations.
Prerequisites
Students should have passed 12 Level 2 credits in the Level 2 Biology course. (Merit in one of the externals and at least two of the three internal standards)
Students taking Level 3 Biology and intending to follow a science career should also take another science. Many biological courses at tertiary level require knowledge of Level 2 Chemistry and above and so students are advised to continue to Level 3 Chemistry or study Level 2 Chemistry if they have not already done so.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Biology 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
NZQA Info
Biology 3.2 - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue
NZQA Info
Biology 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment
NZQA Info
Biology 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
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.
Possible Careers
Survey Technician, Registered Nurse, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural Technician, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Anaesthetic Technician, Pathologist, Animal Care Attendant, Zoologist, Chemist, Zookeeper, Marine Biologist, Army Officer, Medical Physicist, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Microbiologist, Farmer/Farm Manager, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Technician, Biotechnologist, Biosecurity Officer, Phlebotomist, Fabrication Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Surveyor, Clinical Physiologist, Physician, Surgeon, Science Technician, Podiatrist, Civil Engineer, Civil Engineering Technician/Draughtsperson, Meteorologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Diver, Conservator, Dentist, Diagnostic Radiologist, Forensic Scientist, General Practitioner, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Energy/Carbon Auditor, Environmental Engineer, Marine Engineer, Food Technologist, Forestry Scientist, Landscaper, Geophysicist, Health and Safety Adviser, Naturopath, Veterinarian, Medical Laboratory Technician, Nursery Grower/Worker, Winemaker, Quarantine Officer, Geospatial Specialist, Orchard Farmer/Manager, Ophthalmologist,