Sacred Heart College (Lower Hutt) Sacred Heart College (Lower Hutt)

Level 3 Science - Biology (BIO303)

BIO303
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Miss D. Holt.

Recommended Prior Learning


Students are required to have passed at least one of the externally assessed Level 2 Biology papers.



Bio 303 course covers plant responses, animal behaviour and human biological and cultural evolution. Students will also research a socio-scientific issue of their choice. As part of their animal behaviour study students will carry out an investigation at the Wellington Zoo.




Course Overview

Term 1
Species Interactions - Students will explore aspects of animal interactions in class. They will then apply this knowledge to complete a field study at Wellington Zoo. Material covered in this unit will be assessed in both an internal assessment and the end of year NCEA exam.

Term 2
Timing and Orientation Responses - Students will learn how both plants and animals use biological clocks to synchronise life processes with the environment. They will also study orientation responses in plants and animals and how animals navigate during homing and migration.

Socio-Scientific Issue - Students select a biological issue of there choice and investigate the biological concepts involved, biological and social implications of the issue and suggest actions.

Term 3
Human Evolution - Students examine aspects of human biological and cultural evolution.

Term 4
Revision for NCEA exams.

Learning Areas:

Level 3 optional courses, Science


Assessment Policy & Procedures
Assessment Information

The course offers 2 internally assessed achievement standards and 2 externally assessed achievement standards. Students are able to gain up to 16 credits and endorsement with Merit or Excellence in Biology. These credits will count to many tertiary pathways.


Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

1 x 2B8 exercise book.
BYOD
sciPADs internal and external (recommended) $25 - can be purchased through the College
Zoo Trip - 3 days - $55 costs tbc.


Disclaimer

POLICY
It is the policy of Sacred Heart College Lower Hutt to have school-wide policies that inform parents and students of the criteria for administering all Assessments for National Qualifications.