L3BIO

NCEA Level 3 Biology

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr S. Godfrey, Mrs J. Shannon.

Biology is a subject for those anticipating a career in Life Sciences.

Level 3 Biology continues the themes of Level 2, focusing understanding of genetic change towards Speciation, and Evolution. 

In addition, students are introduced to the behaviours and responses of both plants and animals which allow species continuation and change.  

Students are actively encouraged through teaching and assessment to develop research and reporting skills transferable to many other disciplines.  

A practical investigation will be conducted during terms 1 and 2 involving analysis of physiological changes in homeostasis.


Recommended Prior Learning

Entry Criteria

For entry into L3 Biology the student will have achieved in at least 14 credits at NCEA Level 2 Biology.  The following 8 credits must be included in these 14 credits - passed at least at Achieved level.

AS 91157 “Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change” 4 credits, externally assessed, and

AS91153” Practical Investigation in a Biological Context" 4 credits, internally assessed.

 

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

• 1 x Binder and Refill
• Pens and pencils

Career Pathways

Assessment Information

Internal Standards include Biology 3.1 (4 crd); Biology 3.2 (3 crd); Biology 3.4 (3 crd); Biology 3.7 (3 crd) are assessed using a mixture of open book and closed book assessments. There is no provision for reassessments.

External Standards include a selection from: Biology 3.3 (5 crd); Biology 3.5 (4 crd). External Standards assessed in November by way of formal written exam.

Students can request entry for Scholarship Biology and will be given access to resources to follow a self-teaching programme.

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.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 17 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 4 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 13 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91601 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 2022-03-19, Week: 2022-03-19

A.S. 91602 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.2 - Integrate biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue
3
3
3
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 2022-03-19, Week: 2022-03-19

A.S. 91604 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 2022-03-19, Week: 2022-03-19

A.S. 91606 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91607 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications
3
3
3
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 2022-03-19, Week: 2022-03-19

Credit Summary
Total Credits: 17
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 13
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 17

Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.

Disclaimer

Southland Boys' High School endeavours to timetable courses depending on students' needs, interests and future plans.  Many factors can influence whether a course is able to be offered in the following year.  These can include:

  • Student demand
  • Staff availability
  • Resourcing

These factors can also impact on timetabling, and as a result students will be asked for input about any clashes that may occur.

Where a course is not able to be run, students' back-up subjects will be used.  If there are issues with student selections and the timetabling process, students will have the opportunity to make a decision in conjunction with staff input on the best solution.