BI200

Level 2 Biology

This course requires 1 option.

Course Description

AIMS OF THE COURSE:
1) To increase knowledge and understanding, and foster the enjoyment of Biology.
2) To promote the relevance of Biology for informed decision-making in todays increasingly technological society.
3) To further develop students understanding and application of the scientific method in the study of living organisms by developing observational and experimental skills in the field and in the laboratory.
4) To equip students with the skills and knowedge to attain at their highest potential in NCEA Level 2 Biology
5) To prepare students for Biology 300 course.

COURSE OVERVIEW:
The course is divided into four main units of work, with students choosing from a range of achievement standards (as listed further down the page):

• Ecology
In this unit of work you will carry out practical work to investigate patterns in ecological communities and will have the opportunity to snorkel within a local marine reserve .You will carry out work both in groups and independently, collecting and interpreting data, identifying adaptations, recognising and discussing patterns and presenting the findings of your investigations in a biological report that will be assessed for evidence towards two internally assessed achievement standards.
• Cell Biology
Through practical work, we will investigate the life processes at a cellular level, including respiration, photosynthesis, DNA replication and cell division. We will also investigate how materials move in and out of cells, how enzymes work and compare and contrast different types of cells in terms of their size, shape, number of organelles present in them etc. In this unit of work you will also learn some important skills such as preparing slides and viewing them under a microscope.

• Gene Expression
In this unit we will be exploring the structure of DNA and the nature of the genetic code. Find out what proteins are, how they are made and the role that enzymes play in controlling this process. You will also learn about mutations and the effects that these can have on organisms.

• Evolution
You will extend your learning about DNA and genes from the Gene Expression unit by exploring the sources of variation in a gene pool and the factors that cause changes to allele frequencies in gene pools including natural selection, migration and genetic drift.

Teacher in Charge

Rebecca Rapira-Davies

Pathway

2019

Level 2 Biology

2020

Level 3 Biology

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Students have the option of purchasing a write-on workbook at a cost of approximately $25 which enables students to spend less time writing notes about what they have learned in class.

It is of benefit to students to bring a laptop to lessons although they will not be disadvantaged academically if they do not.

There are opportunities during the year for students to go on optional field trips that may have a cost associated with them.

Recommended Prior Learning

Students should have gained 12 credits or more in NCEA Level 1 Science, preferably including AS90948 (Demonstrate understanding of biological ideas relating to genetic variation).

Pathway Tags

There are a range of different jobs and careers that require the skills and knowledge you gain through studying Biology. You could find yourself working for: • Chemical, pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies • Companies in the agriculture, food, natural resource and utility industries • Environmental and engineering consulting firms • National and local government departments and agencies • Healthcare and education institutions, such as hospitals and universities • Medical and veterinary research organizations By studying Biology, you could find yourself in one of the following careers (some of them will require further study at a tertiary institution): • Agrologist • Anatomist • Audiologist • Beekeeper • Bio-Analyst • Biological Technologist • Biologist • Biomedical Engineer • Biomedical Ethics Researcher • Biophysicist • Biostatistician • Biotechnology Researcher • Blogger • Botanical Field Technician • Botanist • Cardiac Imaging Researcher • Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist • Cell Biologist • Chiropractor • Clinical Data Analyst • Clinical Research Associate • Clinical Research Coordinator • Clinical Technician • Conservation Officer • Crime Lab Assistant • Dentist • DNA Analyst • Doctor • Ecologist • Elementary School Teacher • Entomologist • Entrepreneur • Environmental Analyst • Environmental Lawyer • Epidemiologist • Food and Drug Inspector • Forensic Lab Analyst • Funeral Director • Genetic Counselor • Genetic Technologist • Geneticist • Health Educator • Herpetologist • High School Teacher • Horticulturalist • Ichthyologist • Immunologist • Industrial Hygienist • Laboratory Manager • Mammalogist • Marine Biologist • Medical Illustrator • Medical Laboratory Technologist • Medical Librarian • Medical Scientist • Medical Writer • Microbiologist • Military Officer • Molecular Biologist • Molecular Biophysicist • Mycologist • Nanotechnologist • Naturalist • Neurologist • Ornithologist • Orthopaedic Technician • Osteopathic Physician • Paleontologist • Pest Control Technician • Pharmacist • Physiologist • Plant Geneticist • Project Assistant • Public Health Director • Quality Control Specialist • Registered Nurse • Regulatory Affairs Manager • Regulatory Affairs Specialist • Research Assistant • Sales Representative • Science Advisor • Science Writer • Sensory Scientist • Sexual Health Educator • Soil Conservationist • Soil Scientist • Sports Medicine Physician • Technical Writer • Toxicologist • University Professor • Veterinarian • Wastewater Treatment Engineer • Water Quality Analyst • Wildlife Biologist • Wildlife Manager • Zoologist,

Credit Information

Assessment	Description	Level	Internal or External	Credits	L1 Literacy Credits	UE Literacy Credits	Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91157 v2	Biology 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change 4 4 Assessments: Term: 3, Week: 11	2	E	4	Y
A.S. 91159 v2	Biology 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of gene expression 4 4 Assessments: Term: 3, Week: 6	2	E	4	Y
A.S. 91160 v2	Biology 2.8 - Investigate biological material at the microscopic level 3 3 3 Assessments: Term: 1, Week: 10	2	I	3
A.S. 91156 v2	Biology 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level 4 4 Assessments: Term: 1, Week: 8	2	E	4	Y
A.S. 91158 v2	Biology 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision 4 Assessments: Term: 2, Week: 10	2	I	4	Y
A.S. 91153 v2	Biology 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision 4 4 4 4 Assessments: Term: 1, Week: 6	2	I	4			Y
Total Credits				23	16	0	4