Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/3BIO

What is this course about?
Biology is the study of living organisms. The level three Biology course will cover Ecology (interaction between organisms and their environment in terms biological issues), Life Processes (how these are carried out to maintain internal balance in humans), and Evolution (how humans manipulate the transfer of genetic information and human evolution). Students achieving at an excellence level in biology will be asked to consider entering for scholarship biology which requires them to integrate their understanding of ecology, genetics and evolution.

What will I learn?

 * How humans impact on the diversity and survival of living things
 * How humans investigate and apply biological concepts to the management of other species
 * How humans maintain constant internal conditions for survival
 * How humans are manipulating the transfer of genetic information and the implications of this to future evolution
 * Trends in human biological and cultural evolution

This course will provide opportunities for you to:


 * Nurture your interest and inspire your curiosity about the living world and the systems which sustain it,
 * Develop the ability to make links between your daily life and biological knowledge,
 * Develop an understanding of the knowledge, concepts and processes required for further study in this field.

What sorts of things will I do?

 * Carry out a range of investigations to experience and observe biological phenomena,
 * Carry out biological investigations to test hypotheses,
 * Use a wide range of specialist equipment during investigations,
 * Learn how to think as a biologist,
 * Apply understanding of biological concepts to a range of applications and issues,
 * Carry out studies in the laboratory and in the field.

What standards are included?
These are the standards offered for the 2014 course.

NO RE-ASSESSMENTS ARE OFFERED.

Formative assessment during each unit of work allows you teachers to provide feedback to support you to succeed.

Success is dependent on you managing youself to complete the required work on time and to use feedback to gain QUALITY CREDITS for each standard.

Internal achievement standards will have set deadlines across all level two courses. Students must be aware of these deadlines, and make arrangements prior to the due date if an extension is required.

Please note some dates may change during the year, please check with the teacher to confirm due dates.

Frequently asked questions:
What do I need to be able to successfully complete level 3 Biology?


 * It is highly recommended that students have quality level 2 biology credits;
 * Very good literacy skills as you need to be able to communicate ideas clearly through both written and visual means;
 * A desire to succeed, interest in biology, and the motivation to work hard!

What books are recommended?


 * You will be required to purchase the NCEA Level 3 Biology Biozone Workbooks ($25.95) which are write on workbooks, and have extensive notes. These workbooks will cover all of the material for the year as the internals are taught in the context of the externals.
 * Your teacher will also have a variety of texts you will be able to refer to in class as required.
 * It is highly recommended that you bring along your own device to access web based resources.
 * There are a variety of other textbooks and revision guides available at the school library.

What stationary, do I need?

The usual basic stationary:


 * at least 2 blue and or 2 black pens
 * an HB pencil, sharpener (if needed for your type of pencil) and good eraser for drawings
 * a ruler
 * a calulator
 * a marker pen to label beakers and test tubes
 * glue
 * scissors
 * a 2B8 hardcover notebook in which to record information and to keep handouts and worksheets.