Level 3 - Biology
Course Description
The universe is vast. It has billions of galaxies, countless planets, and stars. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, has over a trillion other worlds but in one small corner of this vast and lonely space, lies a precious and amazing world. It contains something that, in all of our searching, we have found nowhere else: life!
If you love learning about living things and how they relate to each other, studying biology might be the right fit for you. Biology helps us to understand the living world and the ways in which the species function, evolve and interact. What is life? How did Earth get so many species? When did life on Earth begin? How is all life on Earth related? Why are humans so special? What is DNA? How does it all work? What is the biochemistry of life?
Advancements in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and may other areas of biology have brought improvements in the quality of life and the exciting part is that there is still so much to discover. Our technologies have meant we have only just started to understand, so join us in the biology department at St Peter's to study the science of life.
This course focuses on how plants and animals respond to their ever-changing environment, the evolution of humans, how humans maintain a constant physiological balance and integrate their knowledge to discuss current socio-scientific issues evaluating the various viewpoints. In addition to this, students continue to build on their scientific investigative skills.
Course objectives:
- To develop an understanding of more complex biological concepts
- To develop the skills required to solve more complex problems and carry out more complex biology experiments
- To apply biological concepts to more complex applications
- To prepare students for study at tertiary levels
Pre-requisites
Level 2 biology with minimum Achieved and preferably Merit grades in all achievement standards. If a student voids (SNA) a Level 2 biology external examination, they will not be given entry to this course. Course entry can be discussed with the Head of Faculty: science.
Course Specific Costs
$50 - photocopying and consumables
Pathway
Careers opportunities are plentiful for example, health sciences, animal trainer, animal breeder, marine biologist, zoologist, veterinarian, athletic trainer, pharmacist, environmental scientist, genetic counsellor and many more.
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.
External
NZQA Info
Biology 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
NZQA Info
Biology 3.2 - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue
NZQA Info
Biology 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 16
Disclaimer
Specific course content may change from what has been advertised in order to remain current and meet students' needs.
The school has the right to make the best decision based on both staffing, and overall student interest, when preparing the final timetable.