L2BIOL

Level 2 Biology

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr T. Hill.

The traditional view of Biology is that it studies the structure of plants and animals through observation of individual organisms and dissections. However, modern Biology is also concerned with: 

a) Ecology – the relationship of organisms to the things around them 

b) Behaviour of these organisms 

c) Genetics and Evolution 

d) Cell Biology 

This course includes experiments and there is at least one field trip per year.  A write-on workbook covers each of the topics taught and gives good practice questions for the Achievement Standards. 


Recommended Prior Learning

To be accepted for this course, students must have: 

  • At least 12 or more Level 1 Science credits at the time of course selection (including achievement in derived grade exams).
  • Be enrolled in the L1 Biology topic.
  • Achieved at the Merit or Excellence level in the Microbes assessment.

If students have not met the above requirements, they will need to receive approval from the HOF/TIC (Head of Faculty/Teacher In Charge).

Note - any student taking two or more courses that require significant time away from school (such as ODED, Dual Enrolment, or Gateway) may find it difficult to cope with the demands of this course. In this case, entry will be subject to an interview with the HOF Science.

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

The field trips and the write-on workbook are likely to incur some expenses.

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.

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

Please note that courses will go ahead only if student numbers, staffing, and timetabling allow it.  Where a subject is oversubscribed, and there are insufficient numbers or resources to create an extra class, a ballot system may be applied.  

Costs

The Board of Trustees has again asked to opt into the Ministry of Education donation scheme. Doing so resulted in the ability to waive student fee donations. Kaiapoi High School aims to deliver quality educational courses over and above those that which is funded by the Ministry. It is likely the School will opt into the donation scheme for 2024, however parental contribution for the costs of trips and activities where participation is optional, and/or components not covered by the Government grant, may be requested. We appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.