NCEA Level 2 Biology
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mr V. Pygott.
In this course, students will be learning biological concepts including; Genetics - which focuses on how genes are expressed and how the genetic codes produce the phenotypes seen in organisms. Ecology - the students will be learning about community organisation and dynamics. They will be going to the rocky shore to carry out detailed observations. Life processes - how organisms live in extreme environments. The students will be carrying out and reporting on a practical investigation. Some students will be given the opportunity to learn Cell Biology - looking at how cells function and stay alive. Those who get Excellence in Level 1 External Standards will be given the opportunity to start Scholarship Biology and do the Level 3 Human Evolution External standard.
Course Overview
Term 1
Bio 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community with supervision.
Sci 2.4 - Investigate how organisms survive in an extreme environment.
Term 2
Bio 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change.
Bio 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision.
Term 3
Bio 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of gene expression.
Bio 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level.
Revision of External Standards.
Term 4
Revision of External .
Recommended Prior Learning
14 Level 1 Biology or Level 1 Science credits. All Science courses can be accessed with the HOD Science permission, which will be subject to prior academic performance. A good level of English is recommended.
Pathway
Students who take biology typically go into:
Health-related careers - doctors, dentists, nurses, physiotherapy, medical or genetic research.
Animal-related careers - farming, aquaculture, fisheries, veterinary, veterinary assistants, and animal husbandry.
Plant-related careers - horticulture, arborist (working with trees), landscaping, and gardening.
Environment-related careers - conservation, environmental science, helping NZ to become predator-free, having clean waterways and oceans, improving marine reserves or local and national parks.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Biology 2.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biology context, with supervision
NZQA Info
Biology 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level
NZQA Info
Biology 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change
NZQA Info
Biology 2.6 - Investigate a pattern in an ecological community, with supervision
NZQA Info
Biology 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of gene expression
Disclaimer
Rosmini College's timetable is student-driven and a new timetable is generated each year based on student subject selection. Unfortunately, while we do our best to avoid them, timetabling clashes may still occur and a few students may be required to choose an alternative subject option.
The 2025 timetable, including the number of classes in each subject and staffing allocations, is created based on student selections made in 2024. Because of this, changing subjects at the beginning of 2025 may not be possible. Please, make your subject choices carefully.