Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/2BIO

What is this course about?
Biology is the study of living organisms. The level two Biology course will cover Ecology (the interaction between living and non-living factors in our environment), Life processes (the essential processes that all living organisms carry out), and Evolution (how living organisms code for differences using DNA, and why these differences are essential to survival).

What will I learn?

 * How living organisms are different, yet all carry out essential life processes
 * How living things interact with each other and the environment
 * How patterns in nature are determined by these interactions
 * How life processes (carried out at the cellular level) enable the survival of living things
 * How living things carry out life processes in different environments
 * How genetic variation is the basis for the survival and evolution of species
 * How biological information can be presented in different ways
 * How biological investigations occur

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,
 * Carry out studies in the laboratory and in the field.

What standards are covered by the course?
These are the standards offered for the 2014 course.

NO RE-ASSESSMENTS ARE OFFERED.


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


 * Success is dependent on you managing yourself to complete 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.


 * Note: None of the standards in Level 2 Biology contribute to the literacy requirements for university entrance from 2014. ==

Frequently asked questions?
What do I need to be able to successfully complete level 2 Biology?


 * It is highly recommended that students have quality level 1 science 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 motivation to work hard!

What books are recommended?


 * You will be required to purchase the Biozone book ($24.95) which is a write on work book, and has extensive notes. This book will cover all of the material for the year.
 * 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 OR folder in which to record information and to keep handouts and worksheets.