L3 Biology

NCEA Level 3 Biology (3BIO) 

Level 3 Biology involves the study of genetics and inheritance, evolution and speciation, animal and plant responses to the environment, and biotechnology.

In this course you will study primate behaviours and hierarchies, and investigate the impacts of captivity on natural behaviours by observing different primate species at Auckland Zoo. You will then visit a local farm to analyse the impacts of selective breeding on the health of animals in our meat industry, and the use of genetic technologies such as CRISPR and GMOs.

You will learn about the body systems used to maintain a stable internal environment, the responses of plants and animals to their external environment, and then the processes of evolution, including the evolution of Humans and their direct ancestors.

Students will complete 5 compulsory standards, and then have the option of an extra internal assessment.

Curriculum Skills and Key Competencies

Students will:

• develop an understanding that scientists have an obligation to connect ideas to current and historical research.
• conduct investigations to extend scientific knowledge in areas such as primate behaviours, human thermoregulation, and selective breeding.
• consider the wider implications of scientific findings and how they could be used in the future to ensure ethical processes in genetic engineering and other socio-scientific issues.
• develop a coherent understanding of socio-scientific issues such as mandatory vaccines and animal testing, as well as the perspectives around these issues.

Careers and Pathways

Level 3 Biology is often a prerequisite or recommended subject for many university courses, especially in health sciences, medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, and environmental science.

It can contribute to University Entrance (UE) and is useful for competitive entry into courses like Health Sciences or pre-med pathways.