NCEA Level 2 Biology
Course Description
Head of Faculty - Kaihautuu: Miss M. Ashford, Ms M. Vale.
The Level 2 Biology course enables students to gain an understanding of fundamental living world concepts to prepare them for further biological study. This course builds on the genetics learning from Level 1 Science, with a more in depth look at inheritance and other factors that influence the phenotypes of organisms. It introduces the biological processes that affect the expression of genes and how life processes occur at the cellular level. Students will investigate through fieldwork patterns in an ecological community and present an internally assessed report upon this. Students will also have the opportunity to research how different organisms have adaptations for life processes that allow them to survive successfully in their habitats. Finally they will learn practically how best to use microscopes; preparing, viewing, and drawing biological material using higher definition.
Course Overview
Term 1
The year starts with the 4-credit BIO 2.6 Ecology internal introducing basic ecological terminology and concepts. Students will collect data during a field-trip which will then be processed and used to complete the standard as a written report.
All students will then study the basic concepts of cells; this includes the structure and function of key cellular components of plant and animal cells, the structure of cell membranes and the different transportation processes occurring through them. This learning will then be utilised to complete the BIO 2.8 Microscopes internal. Students will use microscopy techniques to prepare and visualise plant and animal tissues and cells, from which they will then prepare biological drawings.
Term 2
Students will complete BIO 2.3 - Adaptations internal (3 credits) researching the internal transport systems of insects, fish and mammals and comparing and contrasting these in a written report. This will conclude the internal credits available for the year.
BIO 2.5 - Genetic Variation is the first 4 credit external standard studied, covering the role of meiosis and mutations in producing variation in gametes as well as the influence of multiple alleles and dihybrid inheritance on variation in offspring, finishing with the effects of natural selection on the variation of characteristics in populations.
Term 3
Students will complete BIO 2.7 - Gene Expression, which is the second 4 credit external standard covered, which introduces the role of DNA and RNA in protein synthesis and how this enables a characteristic to be expressed in an organism. The influence of mutations and the environment on metabolic pathways are introduced and how these create different phenotypes.
Term 4
Revision for the end of year external examinations.
Recommended Prior Learning
Level 2 Biology is a vocabulary heavy, content rich course which is predominantly assessed via written reports or essay-based examination questions. High literacy and comprehension skills are a significant advantage. A personal device is highly recommended to support learning.
Pathway
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Biology 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life
NZQA Info
Biology 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change
NZQA Info
Biology 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision
NZQA Info
Biology 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of gene expression
NZQA Info
Biology 2.8 - Investigate biological material at the microscopic level
Pathway Tags
Pathologist, Marine Biologist, General Practitioner, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, Psychiatrist, Forestry Scientist, Ophthalmologist, Registered Nurse, Paramedic, Veterinary Nurse, Midwife, Community Karitane, Oral Health Therapist, Dietitian, Health Care Assistant, Veterinarian, Nursery Grower/Worker, Acupuncturist, Anaesthetic Technician, Clinical Physiologist, Podiatrist, Medical Radiation Technologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Speech-Language Therapist, Mining Engineer, Auditor, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Zoologist, Barrister, Microbiologist, Chemical Engineer, Biosecurity Officer, Mechanical Engineer, Urban/Regional Planner, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Energy/Carbon Auditor, Environmental Engineer, Environmental/Public Health Officer, Ranger, Fishery Officer, Health and Safety Inspector, Health and Safety Adviser, Health Promoter, Epidemiologist,