BIO2B

NCEA L2 Biology - Mātauranga Koiora B

Course Description

The study of life itself, level 2 Biology explores the theories and principles involved in living systems, in all their intricate beauty.  Topics you will learn about in the second semester include: genetic variation (which includes evolution and natural selection) as well as gene expression- how the genetic code in our genes gets converted into protein. 



Aotearoa has a unique evolutionary history, with many animals and plants, such as the Tuatara, being unique. Learning how our native flora and fauna come to be the way they are today is one of the goals of the course.


By the end of semester B, you will know about the principles of genetics, cell reproduction, natural selection, evolutionary theory, plant and animal interactions, and more.


Course Overview

Semester B
In this Semester you will start the genetic variation external standard. You will learn about genetic variation, more complex monohybrid crosses involving co-dominance, incomplete dominance, as well as lethal alleles. You will explore dihybrid crosses and then see how these mechanisms can lead to the variety of life we see today. You will be introduced to gene flow, genetic bottlenecks, and the founder effect to help to explain how native flora and fauna arose in Aotearoa.

After the derived grade exams in mid-August, you will move on to studying gene expression - how DNA leads to proteins and how those proteins work in metabolic pathways.

Students in Semester B will sit the two external examinations. There will be an opportunity for an internal standard analysing the validity of biological information presented to the public during the Semester if you are taking Semester B only.

For students who choose to only study Semester B, these options would particularly go well with biology as a first semester option: Chem1, Phys1, OED1

Recommended Prior Learning

We recommend that you have achieved 14 credits in Science at Level 1, or higher. However, if you are really keen and are willing to work hard, we will consider you. Studying Biology Semester A would be a good idea, although it is not essential.  

If you want advice on whether Biology is for you, see Mr M Anderson or Dr E Attridge

Pathway

Career Pathways

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.

Total Credits Available: 11 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 8 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 3 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91154 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 2.2 - Analyse the biological validity of information presented to the public
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91157 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4w
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91159 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of gene expression
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 11
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4
Total Numeracy Credits: 0