Kaiapoi High School Kaiapoi High School

Level 3 Biology

L3BIOL
Course Description

Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Mr T. Hill.

Recommended Prior Learning

To be accepted for this course students must have 12 or more credits in L2 Biology at the time of course selection. This must include at least Achieved in one Level 2 External Derived Grade Exam, or HOF/TIC (Head of Faculty/Teacher In Charge) approval.

Any student taking two or more courses that require significant time away from school (such as Outdoor Education, 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.

Year 13 Biology typically covers advanced topics that build upon the foundational knowledge gained in earlier years of Science and L2 Biology. This course covers a variety of topics, each designed to deepen students' understanding of living organisms and the processes that sustain life. 

Overall, Year 13 Biology is a valuable subject that opens up numerous academic, career, and personal development opportunities, making it a worthwhile choice for many students.

You will develop skills such as critical thinking, Laboratory methods, and research skills through the following topics:

• A practical Biological investigation.  

• Evolutionary processes leading to speciation.

• How humans maintain constant internal conditions, such as body temperature (Homeostasis).

• Human Evolution

• Investigating a biological issue that affects New Zealand society.


Course Overview

What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
• Investigating a biological issue that affects New Zealand society. This is a research topic looking at the issue of Type 2 Diabetes in New Zealand.

• How humans maintain constant internal conditions, such as blood sugar levels. This topic looks specifically at Blood sugar regulation in the human body and how the human body copes with sugar extremes .

• A practical Biological investigation. This Biological investigation looks at factors affecting seedling germination.

• Evolutionary processes leading to speciation. In this topic, we look at the range of processes that can lead to the formation of new species. We use New Zealand species for examples where possible.

• Human Evolution. This topic examines human ancestors' biological and cultural evolutionary changes that have led to today's human population.

Faculties:

Science


Assessment Information

A.S. 91601 v2: This requires students to plan and run a biological investigation and produce a report
A.S. 91602 v2: This is a research topic, and students write a report.
A.S. 91604 v2: Students learn about Blood sugar regulation in class and then use what they have learned to write a report.
A.S. 91605 v2: This topic is taught in class and assessed at the end of the year as an external. There will also be an end-of-topic test.
A.S. 91606 v2 This topic is taught in class and assessed at the end of the year as an external. There will also be an end-of-topic test.

Career Pathways

Zookeeper, Science Technician, Environmental Scientist, Ranger, Animal Care Attendant, Veterinary Nurse, Dog Trainer, Veterinarian, Pet Groomer, Dental Assistant, Dental Technician, Oral Health Therapist, Dentist, Diversional and Recreational Therapist, Personal Trainer/Exercise Professional, Outdoor Recreation Guide/Instructor, Sports Coach/Official, Professional Sportsperson, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Pathologist, Zoologist, Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Biochemist, Biotechnologist, Brewer, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Food Technologist, Forestry Scientist, Winemaker, Epidemiologist, Registered Nurse, Anaesthetist, Anaesthetic Technician, Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner



			
					
					Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
										
• Biozone workbook (stationery list)

• Computer

• Stationery for note-taking



A write-on workbook covers the external topics taught and gives good practice questions for the Achievement Standards.

										

								


				





    

        
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
KHS aims to deliver educational courses over and above that which is funded by the Ministry, 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, and we appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.