Year 13 Biology

The study of biology connects us to the world we are living in and reminds us of our interconnectedness with all other life forms. It develops awareness of the significance of New Zealand's unique fauna and flora and distinctive ecosystems. It provides opportunities to learn about the processes of all living things.  Biology is a useful subject for students looking at tertiary study in medicine, sports science, environmental science, horticulture, research, conservation, botany, forestry, zoology, genetics, forensics and many more.

In this course you will learn about the different ways that animals and plants respond to their environment and to each other. We also look at Biotechnologies like xenotransplantation and the ethics around stem cell research.  Students will learn about the biological and cultural evolution of humans.  There is also a human physiology internal assessment on the thermoregulatory system.

There are two field trips in year 13 biology.  One field involves students producing their own ethogram and investigating the intraspecific behaviour of a bird species.  The other trip involves experiential learning and workshopping at the Wellington Zoo for human evolution. 

Your work will be assessed through three internal achievement standards and two external achievement standards. 

• Standard AS91601 - Bird Practical Investigation (internal)

• Standard AS91602 - Bioethics; Stem cells/Xenotransplantation (internal) - UE Lit Reading

• Standard AS91603 - Animal and Plant Behaviour (external) - UE Lit Reading/Writing

• Standard AS91604 - Human Body Thermoregulation (internal) - UE Lit Reading

• Standard AS91606 - Human Evolution (external) - UE Lit Reading/Writing

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