Level 2 Biology / Mātauranga Koiora
2BIO Subject DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mr R. Baars.
Recommended Prior Learning14 credits at NCEA Level 1 in Science, including Achieved for Achievement Standard Science 1.9, OR Merit for Science 1.11, OR by consultation with Mr. Baars.
Biology is the study of living things, how they function, and how they are connected. Many of the big issues facing society today have a biological component; for example: antibiotic resistance, climate change, pandemics, extinction, management of both endangered species and invasive pests/weeds, food production, individual and population health, etc. In this course, you will refine the biological skills and knowledge you developed in Year 11 and build a foundation for further study in this subject.
Subject Overview
Term 1
Community patterns - exploring why things grow there they do and how they are adapted to grow there. This involves a 3-day trip to Temple Basin Ski Area, including time for data collection on plant distribution along an altitudinal gradient (B2.6 Community Patterns) and also for a second internally assessed Standard (B2.1 Investigation).
Term 2
Cells - linking form to function for these building blocks of life, as well as the life-sustaining processes that they carry out and the factors that affect them.
Term 3
Genetic variation and change - you know this as evolution.
Term 4
This is a combination of revision and there is also the possibility of completing an internally assessed option for those students who do not want to attempt two papers in the external exam.
Note that whichever option you choose, you will only be assessed using four standards, for a total of 15 credits.
Pathway
Level 3 Biology / Mātauranga Koiora
The concepts you learn at Level 2 will be developed further at Level 3. That is also where we explore some of the exceptions to the rules!
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, 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, Meat/Seafood Process Worker, 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, Orchard Farmer/Manager, Support Worker, Veterinarian, Ophthalmologist, Viticulturist
Approximate Costs and Equipment/StationeryVoluntary contribution of $240.00 for 3-day trip to Temple Basin - final cost TBC (depending on transport costs).