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Biology is at the centre of all life and ākonga explore the living world, its ecology, plant and animal life processes, evolution, and relationships between biology and technology. Through this study, ākonga gain an understanding of themselves, the world, and how organisms survive and live together. They also develop essential scientific knowledge, methods and techniques. From here, ākonga are able to analyse scientific information effectively and discuss the wide range of implications science has on our world, including medical and environmental issues. Biology is a broad interest subject and is important for careers and in a variety of areas, from health through to forestry and zoology.
This NCEA Level 2 course offers ākonga the opportunity to explore topics such as ecology, genetics and gene expression. Alongside these topics, ākonga study cell structure and processes and gain skills to analyse the increasing complexity of biological information that is presented to the public. They will also be able to carry out a practical investigation.
Not only is this course highly relevant, it is essential preparation for both the Level 3 Biology course and for ākonga intending to enter tertiary studies in nursing, medicine, veterinary or similar fields.
To be able to successfully start Level 3 Biology, ākonga should have studied AS91156, AS91159 and, if they want to carry out the Level 3 Biology practical investigation, they will need to complete AS91153.
A good understanding of Genetics is recommended.
| Standard | Description | Version | Credits | Assessment | L1 Lit/Num | UE Lit/Num | Vocational Pathways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91153 | Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision | 2 | 4 | Internal | MaManufacturing and technology recommended standard PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SSeService Industries sector-related standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |
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| 91154 | Analyse the biological validity of information presented to the public | 2 | 3 | Internal | PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |
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| 91155 | Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life | 2 | 3 | Internal | PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SSeService Industries sector-related standard SSoSocial and Community Services sector-related standard |
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| 91156 | Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level | 2 | 4 | External | UElwaUE literacy writing achievement standard |
PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |
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| 91157 | Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change | 2 | 4 | External | UElwaUE literacy writing achievement standard |
PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |
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| 91158 | Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision | 2 | 4 | Internal | PrPrimary Industries recommended standard |
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| 91159 | Demonstrate understanding of gene expression | 2 | 4 | External | PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |
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| 91160 | Investigate biological material at the microscopic level | 2 | 3 | Internal | PrPrimary Industries recommended standard SSeService Industries sector-related standard SoSocial and Community Services recommended standard |