Level 3 Science - Biology (BIO303)
BIO303 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Miss D. Holt.
Recommended Prior LearningStudents 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.
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.
1 x 2B8 exercise book, $30 sciPADs - can be purchased through the College
Zoo Trip - 3 days - costs tbc.