BIO1

Biology - NCEA Level 1

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mrs J. Healy.

Maa te whakaaro nui e hanga te whare (Big ideas create the house);

Maa te maatauranga e whakauu (Knowledge maintains it).


Are you interested in living things? Are you considering a career in Biology or Health Science?

This foundational Biology course is a great introduction to learning more about the diversity and interactions of life on Earth, with a specific focus on human biology, psychology, and health science.  While it leads directly to Level 2 Biology, it is also possible to enter Level 2 Chemistry and Physics from this course.

During this course, we will cover three key areas of biology and psychology:

  • Investigating Life on Earth
  • Investigating Microbes and their Effect(s) on Humans
  • Making Healthy Decisions

This course is largely internally assessed, with 14 credits available via internal assessments throughout the year, with another 5 credits available through an external assessment at the end of the year.

Biology is a literacy-rich subject and makes connections with a range of other curriculum areas, including English, Social Science, Mathematics, and Physical Education and Health. 

If you want to find out more about living things, how their bodies work, and how they can contribute to healthy ecosystems , this is the course for you!

Course Overview

Term 1
In Term 1, we start our learning journey into Investigating Life.

We will explore the diversity of life on Earth and investigate the similarities and differences between species, with a focus on common life functions and ecological niche adaptations.

This learning will lead into the physiology of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as into human biology.

Term 2
In Term 2, we narrow our focus to micro-organisms and their relationship with humans. We will carry out a range of investigations, including both research and practical tasks, to learn about the beneficial and pathogenic (disease-causing) role(s) of microrganisms in the human body.

This learning will be internally assessed with an investigation into the relationship between humans and pathogenic bacteria which have become resistant to antibiotics.

Term 3
In Term 3, we delve deeper into the human behaviours which have led to antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.

We will investigate the biological and social implications of antiobiotic resistance and explore the human behaviours which have contributed to this issue in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This learning will be internally assessed by conducting psychological research which can be used to investigate and explain human behaviour as well as developing a science-informed response to this issue in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Term 4
Throughout the year, we will be working on our skills for interpreting and analysing scientific information communicated through a range of media. This is a crucial skill for understanding scientific ideas or claims and using this information to make informed decisions for our lives and communities.

This learning will be externally assessed at the end of the year in a NZQA online examination.

If you successfully complete this course, you can gain up to 19 credits towards your NCEA Level 1 qualification. If you gain at least 14 at Achieved, Merit, or Excellence, including the externally assessed standard, you can also gain a course endorsement for Level 1 Biology.

Pathway

Science offers aakonga a platform for gaining and applying skills across a wide range of potential pathways. Science thinking is logical and creative, subject specific and transferable. Through Science, aakonga will learn skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, analysis, research, inquiry, peer review, and systems thinking.

Biology connects the complexity of how living things interact. Aakonga engaging in this subject will learn that details matter as much as the big picture. The skills required to analyse and apply, think critically, and interpret the world around them are transferrable to a wide range of pathways.

Through Biology, aakonga will learn skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, analysis, research, inquiry, peer review, and systems thinking. Learning in Biology may lead ākonga to a career in research and development, medicine, dentistry, food and nutrition, psychology, education, agriculture, viticulture, biosecurity, forestry, conservation, resource management, or politics.

There are many pathways for furthering biology studies at tertiary level. Aakonga may wish to study a general science course, or specialise in areas such as botany, neuroscience, zoology, medical laboratory science, forestry, forensic pathology, physiotherapy, veterinarian science, or psychology.

Biology fosters the ability to interpret and communicate information about complex issues which will help aakonga to make informed, responsible decisions related to themselves, their communities, and the world. Learning about different inquiry methods encourages looking at the world from multiple perspectives and seeking out evidence to support conclusions. These skills are valuable in every career pathway.

Career Pathways

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.

Total Credits Available: 19 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 5 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 14 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91846 v1
NZQA Info
Psychology 2.3 - Conduct psychological research with guidance

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 2023-11-07, Week: 2023-11-07

A.S. 91920 v4
NZQA Info
Science 1.1 - Demonstrate understanding of a science-informed response to a local issue

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

Level: 1
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 2023-11-07, Week: 2023-11-07

A.S. 91923 v4
NZQA Info
Science 1.4 - Demonstrate understanding of science-related claims in communicated information

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

Level: 1
Internal or External: External
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 3

A.S. 92020 v3
NZQA Info
Chemistry and Biology 1.1 - Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between a microorganism and the environment

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

Level: 1
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 2023-11-07, Week: 2023-11-07

Credit Summary
Total Credits: 19
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 10
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

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