3BIO

L3 Biology

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr R. Limmer.

NCEA Level 3 Biology (3BIO) 

Students will learn about the use of biotechnology in medicine such as cloning, transgenesis, biochemistry, and the production of medicines such as insulin. They will also look at biotechnology in agriculture and the modification of plants to cope with poor growing conditions.

Students will then learn about the responses of plants and animals to their external environment, and the processes of evolution and the formation of different species due to isolation. 

Students will complete 3 compulsory standards, and then select 2 of the optional standards to build their personalised course.

Curriculum Skills:

  • Understanding that scientists have an obligation to connect ideas to current and historical research.
  • Conduct investigations to extend scientific knowledge of the effect of abiotic factors on plant growth.
  • Consider the wider implications of scientific findings and how they could be used in the future to prevent the impacts of a changing abiotic environment.
  • Develop a coherent understanding of socio-scientific issues such as mandatory vaccines and animal testing.

This course is designed for students who may continue to study Biology at a University level. It offers the achievement standards and credits required to enter Medical Sciences as well as Bachelor of Science courses.



Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

1B8 or refill and arch file for notes/diagrams
Scientific or graphics calculator
Ruler

Pathway

This course is designed for students who may continue to study Biology at a University level. It offers the achievement standards and credits required to enter Medical Sciences as well as Bachelor of Science courses.

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.

Total Credits Available: 21 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 8 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 13 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91601 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91602 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.2 - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue
3
3
3
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91604 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91605 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91606 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91607 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications
3
3
3
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 21
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 17
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 21

At least 14 Achieved credits are required in an approved subject for the subject to count as an approved University Entrance subject.

Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: Selection of a course does not guarantee entry into the course. Courses may not run due to low numbers, and timetable clashes may occur. Entry into a course may depend on prior performance in the subject area at the Dean and/or Head of Faculty's discretion. In any of the above listed situations, the student will be consulted about alternative courses during the course confirmation process.