Year 12 Biology (Level 2)
Subject Description
Head of Faculty: Mrs S. Boasman.
Biology is the scientific study of living things and their interactions within the ecosystem. In this course students study the bigger concepts of plant and animal relationships through ecology as well as the microconcepts.
Within the course the students will study:
• Cell processes investigations
• Comparison of the respiratory systems of animals such as a polar bear, snapper, weta etc
• Patterns of distribution of species in different ecosystems
• Cell processes
• Genetic variation
Subject Overview
Term 1
Ecology- Students learn how to recognise the pattern of distribution of species in species in different New Zealand ecosystems. This involves a trip to the beautiful Te Hāwere-a-Maki/Goat Island.
Animal diversity- Students explore the diversity among living things in how they ensure efficient respiration and then compare three animals of their choice (from the three groups of mammals, fish and insects).
Term 2
Cell processes- Students learn about the processes taking place inside all cells. They investigate the structure of animal and plant cells the students and thus get the opportunity to develop their laboratory practical skills as they use the senior microscopes.
Investigation- The students learn how to carry out a biology investigation on cell processes in the laboratory.
Term 3
Investigation – continued (assessment).
Gene Expression- Students learn how the chemical instructions inside our body get transformed into blood and bone to make us who we are.
Term 4
Revision and exams
Prerequisites
Recommended that students achieve a minimum of 16 credits from either the 11ASC or the 11GSC course. 8 of these need to have come from Biology.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
$20 - SciPad books and AME book(optional) +cost of field trip to Goat Island
Pathway
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Biology 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision
NZQA Info
Biology 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life
NZQA Info
Biology 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level
NZQA Info
Biology 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision
NZQA Info
Biology 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of gene expression
Possible Careers
Air Force Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Anaesthetic Technician, Chemist, Army Officer, Microbiologist, Zookeeper, Veterinarian, Zoologist, Conservator, Energy/Carbon Auditor, Agricultural Technician, Statistician, Science Technician, Health and Safety Adviser, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Farmer/Farm Manager, Biosecurity Officer, Forestry Scientist, Landscaper, Nursery Grower/Worker, Quarantine Officer, Orchard Farmer/Manager, Marine Biologist, Diver, Marine Engineer, Survey Technician, Registered Nurse, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Pathologist, Animal Care Attendant, Medical Physicist, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Technician, Biotechnologist, Phlebotomist, Fabrication Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Surveyor, Clinical Physiologist, Physician, Surgeon, Podiatrist, Civil Engineer, Civil Engineering Technician/Draughtsperson, Meteorologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Dentist, Diagnostic Radiologist, Forensic Scientist, General Practitioner, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Engineer, Food Technologist, Geophysicist, Naturopath, Medical Laboratory Technician, Winemaker, Geospatial Specialist, Ophthalmologist,