Year 13 Biology
Although next year timetables are yet to be finalised, course selection is now finished. Any changes to student courses will now take place in January.
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs A. McManaway.
Learning Biology will give students more meaning and relevance to the world around them. Biology is a fascinating subject that will open student minds to new ideas in genetics, genetic engineering, homeostasis, plant and animal Biology, evolution and human evolution. Doing Biology in the senior school will give students a broad knowledge base that will lead them into Health Sciences, agricultural science, conservation and many more areas.
Course Overview
Term 1
Homeostasis (AS91604)
An investigation into how humans maintain a constant body temperature, despite changes in the external environment. Students learn about how this equilibrium can be disrupted and hypothermia can result.
Evolution (AS91605)
A focus on how natural selection and other evolutionary processes results in new species forming. A special lens is placed on New Zealand flora and fauna and this is reinforced by a two day field trip to Auckland Zoo, Kelly Tarlton Aquarium and Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki gulf.
Socio-scientific Issues (AS91602)
Students investigate an issue important to society looking at both sides of the debate and propose an action that might bring about change.
Term 2
Biotechnology (AS91607)
This is an OPTIONAL investigation into the ways that humans manipulate genetic material and a focus on how this can impact outcomes - especially for human health.
Plant and Animal Responses (AS91603)
How do plants and animals respond to the living and non-living things around them. From Migration to hibernation, group living to going it alone, biological clocks to courtship and mating - this topic has something to interest everyone.
Term 3
Human Evolution (AS91606)
Join the class on a journey back to the dawn of humanity, using fossil and molecular evidence to piece together the complex human lineage. Meet our extinct ancestors and find out why it might be that Homo sapiens are the only living survivors of our genus.
Term 4
NCEA Exam focus
Students learn strategies to help them read and understand exam questions. Develop exam techniques to scaffold their success in the NCEA external examinations.
Students are provided with a range of new activities that allow them to revise the topic material covered in Terms One – Three whilst practicing exam strategies.
Recommended Prior Learning
It is recommended that students gain an Achieved grade or better in AS91157 (Genetics).
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 3.2 - 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 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
NZQA Info
Biology 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 22
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
Acupuncturist, Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor, Registered Nurse, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Anaesthetic Technician, Pathologist, Veterinary Nurse, Zoologist, Beekeeper, Chemist, Aquaculture Farmer, Zookeeper, Marine Biologist, Arborist, Medical Physicist, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Microbiologist, Beauty Therapist, Farmer/Farm Manager, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Technician, Biotechnologist, Biosecurity Officer, Phlebotomist, Brewer, Mechanical Engineer, Fishing Skipper, Cardiac Physiologist, Physician, Surgeon, Midwife, Dental Assistant, Science Technician, Podiatrist, Chiropractor, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Coder, Dental Technician, Community Karitane, Pharmacist, Dairy Farmer, Crop Worker, Crop Farmer/Crop Manager, Oral Health Therapist, Dentist, Medical Radiation Technologist, Diagnostic Radiologist, Dietitian, Dispensing Optician, Forensic Scientist, General Practitioner, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, Psychiatrist, Dog Trainer, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental/Public Health Officer, Food Technologist, Forest Manager, Forestry Scientist, Pest Control Technician, Gardener, Agricultural Field Representative, Health and Safety Adviser, Health Promoter, Nursing Support and Care Worker, Naturopath, Veterinarian, Medical Laboratory Technician, Radiation Therapist, Nursery Grower/Worker, Occupational Therapist, Optometrist, Osteopath, Physiotherapist, Quarantine Officer, Radiation Oncologist, Speech-Language Therapist, Sterilising Technician, Water/Waste Water Treatment Operator,
Disclaimer
Note that picking a course doesn't guarantee entry.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the year level dean or the Future Pathways team for support and guidance.