BIOLOGY 31F - Full Year
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs S. Hanlon, Mr D. Williams.
This course explores life with particular emphasis on how individuals or populations respond to their environment including evolutionary change and adaptations.
This will include topics such as:
• plant and animal responses to the environment
• trends in human evolution
• carrying out a practical Biology investigation
• researching a contemporary issue in Biology
• how animals maintain a stable internal environment
It is academically challenging and has a balance of internally and externally assessed content that requires students to be focused on achievement in both areas in order to reach the 14 credit threshold for University Entrance in this subject.
Assessment
A total of 19 credits, all assessed at NCEA Level 3 and all are Achievement Standards. 9 credits are available from two external examinations and 10 from three internal assessment opportunities.
If a student achieves 14 Level 3 credits in this course it will be counted as an approved subject for University Entrance.
Future Possibilities
This course is good preparation for further study in Biological Sciences, Medicine, Health Sciences and Physical Education.
Recommended Prior Learning
One merit grade or 2 achieved grades in Level 2 Biology external examinations or equivalent. Credits from CAA in numeracy and literacy or equivalent.
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
Biology 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
NZQA Info
Biology 3.2 - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue
NZQA Info
Biology 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment
NZQA Info
Biology 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment
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: 19
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.