NCEA L2 Biology - Mātauranga Koiora A
BIO2A Course Description Recommended Prior LearningWe recommend that you achieve 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. If you want advice on whether Biology is for you, see Mr M Anderson or Dr E Attridge
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 include: cell structure and function, ecology, genetics and evolution, plant and animal adaptations as well as practical biology and research skills. By the end of the course, you will know about the principles of genetics, cell reproduction, natural selection, evolutionary theory, plant and animal interactions, and more.
You will gain an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues, as well some of the ways in which the scientific community contributes to the success of the economy and society.
All students go to Rotoiti Lodge towards the start of term 2 to carry out practical investigations and learning about some of the wonderful flora and fauna of Te Wai Pounamu.
If you are interested in understanding how we evolved, finding out how cells – “little bags of water with things dissolved in them” – carry out so many different processes in a seemingly effortless fashion, tracking down natural resources, the true impacts of pollution on the natural world, or animal care and conservation programmes, to name a few, then this is your subject.
Course Overview
Semester A
In this Semester you will start exploring life processes - a topic that is assessed externally. You will learn about cell structures such as the mitochondria and plasma membrane and explain how they work. You will look in detail at respiration and photosynthesis.
As the Semester progresses, you will learn ecological sampling techniques to help prepare for Biocamp early in May. Biocamp is a full week-long field trip to Rotoiti Lodge to investigate the flora and fauna of the St Arnaud alpine region. The week is intense but will lead to you potentially completing two internal standards.
On return, you will go back to preparing for the external, learning about enzymes and the cell cycle.
If you are taking Semester A biology and not Semester B you will be entered into the Cells and Organelles external examination.
For students who choose to only study Semester A, these options would particularly go well with biology. OED2B, MAT2B
Year 12 (NCEA Level 2), Year 13 (NCEA Level 3), Science - Pūtaiao
Pathway
NCEA L2 Biology - Mātauranga Koiora B, NCEA L3 Biology - Mātauranga Koiora
Career PathwaysMassage Therapist, Ship's Master, Medical Laboratory Technician, Radiation Therapist, Nursery Grower/Worker, Occupational Therapist, Optometrist, Osteopath, Physiotherapist, Phlebotomist, Quarantine Officer, Radiation Oncologist, Brewer, Mechanical Engineer, Speech-Language Therapist, Sterilising Technician, Fishing Skipper, Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator, Clinical Physiologist, Physician, Pet Groomer, Surgeon, Midwife, Dental Assistant, Science Technician, Podiatrist, Chiropractor, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Coder, Dental Technician, Community Karitāne, Pharmacist, Dairy Farmer, Crop Worker, Crop Farmer/Manager, Oral Health Therapist, Acupuncturist, Dentist, Medical Imaging Technologist, Diagnostic Radiologist, Dietitian, Personal Trainer/Exercise Professional, Dispensing Optician, Registered Nurse, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Forensic Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, General Practitioner, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, Psychiatrist, Dog Trainer, Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Anaesthetic Technician, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Pathologist, Veterinary Nurse, Zoologist, Beekeeper, Chemist, Aquaculture Farmer, Zookeeper, Environmental/Public Health Officer, Marine Biologist, Arborist, Ranger, Medical Physicist, Food Technologist, Professional Sportsperson, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Forest Manager, Forestry Scientist, Pest Control Technician, Microbiologist, Landscaper, Gardener, Beauty Therapist, Farmer/Farm Manager, Agricultural/Horticultural Field Representative, Biochemist, Health and Safety Adviser, Biomedical Engineer, Health Promoter, Biomedical Technician, Biotechnologist, Biosecurity Officer, Health Care Assistant, Naturopath, Veterinarian
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryThis course will have a trip cost. The cost will cover the cost of food, transport and accommodation for the camp/trip. All curriculum costs will be covered by the school.