NCEA Level 2 Biology

Aims

To investigate and understand diversity, structure and function, including how living things interact with their environment
To better understand genetics and evolution

Course Content

The course adopts a contextual approach to understanding the living world. Contexts include the ecology of Blueskin Bay, Cellular Matters, Animal Gas Exchange, Genetic Change and Evolution. From New Zealand ecology to the hidden world of cells and cell chemistry to genetics, students develop a greater understanding of how living organisms survive.

Assessment

There are a variety of assessment tasks and school examinations. Externally assessed topics are examined nationally at the end of the year.

Qualification gained

Full course completion — 19 credits in NCEA Biology Level 2

This subject has links with

Health Sciences, Horticulture, Agriculture, Viticulture, Marine Sciences, Resource Management, Conservation, Forestry, Pharmacy and Nutrition.

Entry requirements

A satisfactory level of achievement in NCEA Level 1 Science

Next Step

NCEA Biology Level 3

Achievement Standard

91155 2.3 3 Credit Internal Demonstrate an understanding of the gas exchange systems of mammals, bivalve-molluscs, and fish

91156 2.4 4 Credit External Describe cellular life processes

91157 2.5 4 Credit External Demonstrate an understanding of genetic variation and change

91158 2.6 4 Credit Internal Investigate an interrelationship or pattern in an ecological population or community (Intertidal field study)

91159 2.7 4 Credit External Demonstrate an understanding of gene expression

Course contribution

Workbooks and field trip $ 73