NCEA Level 3 General Science
Course Description
Head of Faculty - Kaihautuu: Miss M. Ashford, Ms M. Vale.
Through a range of science investigations students will develop their self-management and ability to communicate with others. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they link observations to theory. Students will explore the use of a range of scientific symbols and vocabulary.
This course will allow students to learn aspects of Biology, Chemistry, and Earth and Space Science.
Students will develop understanding of spectroscopy and use spectra to identify different organic compounds. Students will use microscopes to carry out a biology investigation. Students will learn about human evolution and the development of biological features and culture. Students will learn about changes in the ocean and the impact this has on society and ocean chemistry.
This course provides a pathway for students who wish to continue a broad science learning. This course is not suitable for students wishing to progress into an engineering or medical pathway.
Course Overview
Term 1
Students will begin the year by conducting a practical investigation using microscopy techniques. Students will be using invertebrates to determine the impact of agricultural fertilisers on aquatic organisms. Their findings will be presented in an investigative report.
Term 2
Students will investigate the impacts the climate change has on ocean acidification. Students will analyse the impact from a socio-scientific perspective, as well as a chemistry one. Submission of a written report will be used to assess against two Achievement Standards (ESS 3.2 and CHEM 3.3).
Term 3
Students will learn about chemical spectra and apply these concepts to identifying unknown compounds.
Students will then prepare the external standard (BIO 3.6), which looks at human evolution. Students will become familiar with human ancestors, biological development, cultural development, and the migration of human populations around the world. This standard will be assessed externally in November.
Term 4
Preparation for the external examination.
Recommended Prior Learning
It is recommended that students have studied a science subject at NCEA Level 2.
A personal device is highly recommended to support learning.
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.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Chemistry 3.2 - Demonstrate understanding of spectroscopic data in chemistry
NZQA Info
Chemistry 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of chemical processes in the world around us
NZQA Info
Earth and Space Science 3.2 - Investigate a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space Science context
NZQA Info
Biology 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 18
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Pathway Tags
Registered Nurse, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Veterinary Nurse, Barrister, Biosecurity Officer, Midwife, Science Technician, Legal Executive, Solicitor, Oral Health Therapist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental/Public Health Officer, Fishery Officer, Pest Control Technician, Health Promoter, Health Care Assistant, Nursery Grower/Worker, Support Worker, Facilities Manager,