L2BIO

L2 Biology

Subject Description

Teacher in Charge: Janine Carr, Kate Crews.

  • Dive deeper into the world of biology with our Level 2 Biology course at Onehunga High School! 
  • This course offers a comparative study of the circulatory systems of various animals, giving you insights into how different organisms function. You'll explore the intricate details of plant and animal cells and the essential processes they perform. 
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of genetics by studying molecular DNA, gene expression, and the inheritance of traits from one generation to the next.
  • Additionally, you'll conduct ecological investigations to learn about organisms and their interactions with their environments.
  • With a focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications, this course will enhance your critical thinking and scientific skills.
  • Pre-requisites include 4 credits in Level 1 Science and 5 literacy credits, or approval from the Head of Department.
  • Earn approximately 15 credits while expanding your knowledge and passion for biology.
  • Join us and uncover the complexities of the living world in an engaging and supportive learning environment!

Subject Overview

Term 1
Students get to experience the marine ecosystem firsthand through guided snorkeling, allowing them to observe and understand ecological patterns in a real-world context.

The field trip provides a platform for students to conduct supervised investigations, fostering skills in scientific inquiry, data collection, and analysis of ecological patterns.

By comprehensively investigating patterns within the ecological community, students gain deeper insights into species interactions, biodiversity, and the impact of environmental factors on marine life.

Students engage in critical thinking as they interpret their findings, identify patterns, and draw conclusions about the health and dynamics of the marine ecosystem.

The supervised nature of the investigation encourages collaboration among peers, enhancing teamwork and communication skills as students discuss their observations and share their results.
Through detailed descriptions of how adaptations help with gas exchange, students gain an understanding of the physiological and anatomical features that enable different species to survive in their environments.

The assessment encourages students to critically analyze and compare different gas exchange systems (lung, gill, tracheal), highlighting how these systems achieve efficient gas exchange through surface area to volume ratios, moisture, thin respiratory surfaces, and concentration gradients.

This is also an opportunity to participate in the dissection of aspects of the gas exchange systems.
Students gain hands-on experience in biological fieldwork by using quadrats and transects to study the rocky shore ecosystem, enhancing their understanding of ecological survey methods.

Term 2
Through supervised investigation, students learn to systematically collect data on species distribution and abundance, analyze the data, and draw meaningful conclusions about ecological patterns.

The comprehensive investigation process encourages students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they identify patterns, test hypotheses, and address challenges encountered during fieldwork.

Working in a supervised setting, students collaborate with peers, enhance teamwork skills, and develop their ability to communicate scientific findings effectively through reports and presentations.

We begin to learn about how life processes happen at a cellular level; as we prepare for our external assessments.


Term 3
In our last unit of work we will investigate what Demonstrate understanding of gene expression

Term 4
We will be studying the concepts of gene expression, looking at the nucleic acid structure, protein synthesis, and metabolic pathways.
We will prepare for our two external exams.

Pathway

Career Pathways

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

Total Credits Available: 19
Internal Assessed Credits: 11
External Assessed Credits: 8
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91153 v2
NZQA Info

Biology 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91155 v2
NZQA Info

Biology 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91156 v2
NZQA Info

Biology 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level


Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4w
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91158 v2
NZQA Info

Biology 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision


Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91159 v2
NZQA Info

Biology 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of gene expression


Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 19
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4
Total Numeracy Credits: 0