Biology Level 2
L2BIO Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs K. Jom.
Recommended Prior LearningAchievement of any of the following is recommended:
- Excellence grade in the Year 10 Genetics end of year exam.
- Level 1 AS90948 Genetics and Inheritance external,
- or 14 credits from Level 1 Physical Science,
- or 14 credits from either Level 1 English, Geography or History endorsed with Merit or Excellence.
Helpful Accompanying Subjects:
- Geography
- Physics
- Statistics
- Chemistry
Students who take this course will building on those ideas from Level 1 Genetics and Inheritance. They will increase their understanding of cell structure and functioning in life processes, inheritance patterns in individuals and populations.
The study of an ecological community, how animals have adapted to their way of life, and identifying the biological validity of information provided to the public are internally assessed topics. A total of 14 achievement standard credits are offered as internal assessments.
You will be offered 19-26 achievement standard credits in this course. This course offers both literacy and numeracy credits.
Topics covered are: Ecology, Cell Biology, Plant and Animal Diversity, Genetic Variation and Gene Expression
Course Overview
Term 1
AS 91155 Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life.
The study of this standard involves showing understanding by linking several biological ideas on the adaptation of living things.
AS 91158 Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision.
The study of this standard involves using an environmental factor and the biology of interrelated organisms of different species to explain the pattern in an ecological community.
AS 91154 Analyse the biological validity of the information presented to the public.
This internal is optional and the written report may run into the term holidays. The study of this standard involves describing biological features and evaluating their overall impact of the article on the public.
Term 2
AS 91156 Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level.
The study of this standard involves linking biological ideas about life processes at the cellular level.
AS 91157 Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change.
The study of this standard involves linking biological ideas about genetic variation and change.
Term 3
AS 91159 Demonstrate understanding of gene expression.
The study of this standard involves linking biological ideas and processes about gene expression.
Revision of externals to prepare for Senior Exam Week.
Term 4
Revision to prepare for external examinations.
Assessment Information
There are three internal standards offered to the L2 Biology student of which AS 91154 (Socio-scientific Issue) is an optional internal. All three internal standards are assessed in class during the year and offer literacy credits.
The external standards are assessed by NZQA at the end of the year.