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. What students learn is directly relevant to our species and environment.

• Biology is at the heart of many social and economic issues: By studying biology, you can learn to make more informed decisions about your own health and about significant biological issues such as genetically modified crops, the use of antibiotics, and the eradication of invasive species. Biologists help New Zealand maintain its position as a leading breeder of new varieties and more efficient/productive plants and animals. Biologists contribute to medical and biotechnological advances.

• Biology is at the forefront of ecological issues: Biologists are also at the cutting edge of ecological conservation research. By studying biology, you become much more aware of ecological issues, and better able to debate situations where exploitation of the environment (for example, for farming, mining, or energy production purposes) clashes with conservation objectives, or where we need to develop more sustainable ways of using our natural resources (for example, soil, land, or water).

• Learning in biology opens up career opportunities: The following non-exhaustive list suggests the diversity of careers into which graduates in biological science go: Agronomist, animal behaviour scientist, animal welfare officer, biochemist, biotechnologist, cheese production supervisor, conservation biologist, environmental analyst, environmental ecologist, environmental manager, environmental officer, fisheries scientist, food and drink technologist, forestry technician, genetics technician, marine biologist, meat biochemist, medical sciences technician, nursery grower, plant pathologist, plant physiologist, quarantine officer, research manager, secondary school science teacher, zoologist.

Level 3 Biology is the only Level 3 specialist science that can be started at Level 3. Students should have gained at least 60 level 2 credits, including 12 in Level 2 English and 12 external credits in a Level 2 Science (ie from Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

However, students with no prior science at Level 2 may gain entry at the discretion of the HOD – consultation is required. Students who took Year 12 Biology must gain a minimum of an Achieved grade in standard 91157 and one other external. Voided externals will be treated as Not Achieved.

Biology is the most literacy based of the three sciences, so you need to be prepared to learn new biological language and be prepared to write extended essay style answers.

Level 3 is currently assessed by three external exams and two internals.

NZQA Level 3 Subject Resources

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/biology/levels/

School Policy for NCEA Assessment

You should be aware of the school procedures for NCEA assessment. They can be found on the school website at this link. There you will find answers to frequently asked questions about how NCEA works as well as guidance about how to apply for extensions, reconsiderations or the process for withdrawing from a standard.