L3BIO

Level 3 Biology

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Dr D. Pontin.

What will I learn?   You will investigate how species interact with each other and the environment. You will also apply your knowledge of genetics and ecology to evaluate modern biotechnology practices. You will learn how to gather data accurately and precisely, analyse it using mean values or graphical techniques and use scientific reasoning to explain a trend and learn to reference scientific material.  You will gain an understanding of human evolution and will investigate scientifically and write reports. 


Where does it lead This is a University Entrance approved course and provides a pathway to a range of tertiary qualifications in the health sciences, agriculture/horticulture, environmental and sustainability fields. 

Course Overview

Term 1
AS 91601 Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context with guidance
AS 91603 Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment.

Term 2
AS 91607 Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications
AS 91605 Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation

Term 3
AS 91606 Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution

What should I have already done?

Demonstrated a broad understanding of the concepts and investigative skills in Level 2 Biology.

Course Contribution

$40.00 Workbook

Pathway

Level 3 Biology is useful for careers in Marine Biology, Veterinary Science, Medical Sciences, Sports Science, Applied Biotechnology, Food Technology, Agriculture, Horticulture, Resource management and Forensic Science.

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.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 20 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 13 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 7 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91601 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91603 v3
NZQA Info
Biology 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 5r,5w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91605 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91606 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91607 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications
3
3
3
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 20
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 16
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 20

Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.

Disclaimer

Courses will only run based on minimum entries

Selecting a course does not guarantee entry into this course

You may apply for an exemption if you do not meet the prerequisite of a course or if the course requires this for entry

Standards offered can be altered at the discretion of the HOD of the Department

Some standards in NCEA courses might be optional depending on student strengths

Course contribution may vary slightly by the start of 2025