Level 2 Biology

Course Description

What is the Living World? Life is incredibly varied, yet based on common processes. The Level 2 Living World course engages students in critical thinking and problem solving skills to explain the nature of living things and to understand where and how life is evolving. This academic course delves into the Living World concepts that life involves interactions at all levels of organisation from cellular level through to entire ecosystems. Students will develop an understanding of Biological theories and ideas relating to adaptations, evolution and inheritance. They will also be investigating organisms within their environment, communicating and participating through practical field studies and research presentations. For more information go to the Science Department Website.

Topics Covered

• Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level (EXT): Photosynthesis, respiration, cell division, diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, active transport, enzyme activity, factors that affect these life processes, similarities and differences between cells in size, shape and number of organelles present.

• Demonstrate understanding of gene expression (EXT - optional): Nucleic acid structure, protein synthesis, metabolic pathways, effect of mutations and the effect of the environment on expression of phenotypes.

• Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life (INT - optional): Explores how the environment has a direct effect on organism form and function. Students view how three species of animals from different groups have varying adaptations to carry out gas exchange within their environment.

• Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change (EXT): Sources of variation within a gene pool: mutations, meiosis, monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance, linked genes. Changes to gene pools: Natural Selection, Genetic Drift.

• Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision (INT): A collection of field data during a designated trip to identify a pattern seeking relationship.

• Carry out a practical investigation in a Biological context, with supervision (INT): Conduct an individual fair test relating to a biological concept by collecting relevant data and drawing conclusions on why such results have occurred.

Assessment

Assessment: This course has a minimum of 16 credits on offer, with 4 external credits and 3 internal credits as an additional option.  Two internal assessments (8 credits total) and two external assessments (8 credits total).

Recommendation for Subject Entry

10 Credits in Level 1 Science including 5 credits of CB1.1

-OR-

Level 1 Literacy

Course Contributions

$20 - Course contribution for Biology SCIPAD revision workbook.

Optional Field Trip to Tongariro - Approximate cost of $500 for 4 days.

Next Steps

Students who achieve Level 2 Biology are able to progress further along the Living World pathway into Level 3 and beyond.

Future career pathways through Senior Biology include Medicine and Health Science, Physiotherapy, Marine Biology, Zoologist, Environmental Scientist or Sport Scientist