2017 Biology Level 3

COURSE OUTLINE 2017 Subject and Level: Year 13 Biology (NCEA Level 3) Course Prerequisites: Academic Requirements: 14 or more credits in Level 2 Biology, including 1 of the three external standards; AS91156 – Cells,
AS91157 – Genetics or
AS91159 – Gene expression; or HOD approval. 
This course has an extensive reading component. It is recommended that students have previously completed the literacy and reading requirements for University Entrance. Subject fees: A course book is a required purchase ($25, you will be invoiced for this at the start of course, teacher will issue) There are 3 Field days as part of the course in each of Terms 1, 2 and 3, with a projected total cost of $50. Aims: Life processes, ecology, and evolution  Understand the relationship between organisms and their environment.  Explore the evolutionary processes that have resulted in the diversity of life on Earth and appreciate the place and impact of humans within these processes.  Understand how humans manipulate the transfer of genetic information from one generation to the next and make informed judgments about the social, ethical, and biological implications relating to this manipulation. Course Content: The topics are: 
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Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio‐scientific issue. Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment. Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment. Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation. Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution. Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications. Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
Assessment: A mixture of internally and externally assessed Achievement Standards will be offered at Level 3. Internal Assessment will be carried out throughout the year and is used to assess research skills. There are a total of 26 credits available across both internal and external standards; 13 Internal and 13 External. Where can this take you? Knowledge of Biology is an important component in the intellectual arsenal of a well‐educated person. For those going on to careers in health‐related professions; biological and marine sciences, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fishing, regional planning and administration; journalism, tourism, Biology is important. Appeal procedures: Follows the approved LPHS Assessment Appeals Procedure. Contact for further inquiries: Mr Pirie (TIC Biology) [email protected] Ms Caulfield [email protected] Assessment chart: AS No 90601 Carry out a practical investigation in a
biological context, with guidance
91602 Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio‐
scientific issue 91607 91604 91603 91606 91605 Standard Title Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment. Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation Credits Internal / External 4 Internal Format Investigation Indicative Date Term 1 3 Internal Research report Term 2/3 June/July 3 Internal Research report Term 2; June 3 Internal Research report Term 1; March 5 External Exam November 4 External Exam November 4 External Exam November