Kaiapoi High School
Level 2 Biology
Course Description
Head of Faculty/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
Course Overview
What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
a) Ecology – the relationship of organisms to the things around them
This topic will identify a specific pattern found within the environment and how the adaptations of organisms in this environment have overcome the abiotic/biotic factors found using experimental techniques and a field trip
b) Behaviour of these organisms
With three different examples, this topic identifies how organisms overcome requirements for life through their own adaptations and interactions within an environment. There will be several opportunities for experiments and hands-on learning to discover this.
c) Genetics and Evolution
Expanding on teaching from Y11, we will be investigating the patterns found in the living world and how adaptations and new genes are formed and expressed.
d) Cell Biology
This topic focuses on the microscopic level, investigating the most basic structure of life and how these allow multicellular organisms to thrive as well as how each part of the cell is interconnected.
e) Plan and run a Biological investigation.
Students will plan an investigation based on the concept of osmosis. Students gather and process data and produce a report.
Recommended Prior Learning
To be accepted for this course, students must have:
- At least 10 or more Level 1 Science credits at the time of course selection (including achievement in derived grade exams).
- Be enrolled in the L1 Genetics topic (C&B 1.3).
- Achieved at the Merit or Excellence level in the Microbes assessment (C&B 1.1). See the HoF if you did not do the microbes topic.
- Achieved in Level 1 reading, writing, and numeracy co-requisites.
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
There is a write-on workbook on the stationary list.
Students will need stationery for note-taking and a computer.
Pathway
Assessment Information
L2 Biology uses only achievement standards.The 3 internal standards require research and a written report.
The 2 externals are a sit-down exam at the end of the year.
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.
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.
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 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change
NZQA Info
Biology 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision
Click on a career pathway tag to explore more....
Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Registered Nurse, Veterinary Nurse, Personal Trainer/Exercise Professional, Microbiologist, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, Zoologist, Acupuncturist, Pathologist, Marine Biologist, Beekeeper, Chemist, Aquaculture Farmer, Zookeeper, Arborist, Medical Physicist,
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 2025, 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.
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