NCEA Level 2 Biology
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Zev Fishman.
We will focus predominantly on the processes which occur within living cells, specifically the structure and role of DNA as the blueprint for life and how it works to produce such a wide range of characteristics.
We will also investigate how the structure of tissues and organs work to provide animals with the energy they need to survive in their environment and how populations change over time.
Course Overview
Term 1
We will start the year by taking part in a Field Trip to the Waitakere Rainforest to study the different layers of the forest. This will lead to a report worth 4 credits (AS91158 - Internal).
For the rest of the term we will be studying genetic variation and change, looking at how variation within a population occurs and how this leads to changes within a population (AS91157 - External, 4 credits).
Term 2
We will be spending the term working towards two internal assessments. Having learnt about processes that are important for cell function, we will undertake a biological investigation into the effect of salt concentration on cells (AS91153 - Internal, 4 credits). We will then be investigating how different types of animals (insects, fish and mammals) get their oxygen so that they can perform respiration. This will lead onto the completion of another internal assessment (AS91155 - Internal, 3 credits).
Term 3
We will be studying the concepts of gene expression, looking at the nucleic acid structure, protein synthesis, and metabolic pathways (AS91159 - External, 4 credits).
Recommended Prior Learning
Students will need to have passed two Level 1 Science externals.
Students coming from Academic Science must have passed the Biology external at Merit or above. Students coming from General Science will be subject to teacher approval.
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.
External
NZQA Info
Biology 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision
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
NZQA Info
Biology 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of gene expression
Disclaimer
Course availability is dependent on numbers and staffing, and course entry cannot be confirmed until the beginning of the 2025 school year.