Biology

About living things and how they interact with each other and the environment.

Students develop an understanding of the diversity of life and life processes, of where and how life has evolved, of evolution as the link between life processes and ecology, and of the impact of humans on all forms of life. As a result, they are able to make more informed decisions about significant biological issues. The emphasis is on the biology of New Zealand, including the sustainability of New Zealand’s unique fauna and flora and distinctive ecosystems.

Year 12 Biology NCEA Level 2

This course is a requirement for those students wishing to take Biology in Year 13. This course is made up of Achievement Standards both internally and externally assessed. The main areas of study include:

• Research skills
• Ecological investigations
• Animals’ adaptations
• Genetics and evolution
• Cell processes

Year 13 Biology NCEA Level 3

This is an academic programme comprising 5 Achievement Standards. Three of the standards are internally assessed and include a research essay and a written exam. The remaining standards are assessed externally at the end of the academic year as written exams. The main areas of study include:

• Evolution
• Human evolution
• Homeostasis
• Genetic manipulation
• Researching a socio-scientific issue