NCEA Level 1 Biology 2015

Introduction Level 1 Biology is a full year course, of five topics, that work towards gaining 18 Level One NCEA credits. Three of the standards are assessed internally (11 credits), the two remaining standards are externally assessed (7 credits). You will need to gain 12 credits at Level 1 to be eligible for entry into the Level 2 Biology and Level 2 Science courses. You are expected to attend class on a regular basis and complete all of the course and the associated assessment tasks.

Level 1 Biology Topics (in order covered) Standard Credits Lit Num

 The structure and life processes of micro-organisms Investigate biological  Culturing of micro-organisms ideas relating to  Factors that affect the life processes Science 1.11 4 interactions between N N of micro-organisms AS 90950 v3 Int humans and micro-  How humans use and are affected by organisms. micro-organisms e.g. Preparing food for a hangi, human diseases  Plan and carry out a biological Carry out a practical investigation investigation in a Biology 1.1 4  Collect and process quantitative data N Y biological context, AS 90925 v3 Int  Interpret the results and write a with direction report of your findings

 Collect and process data and/or Report on a biological information to report on a biological Biology 1.2 3 Y N issue. issue – Type 2 diabetes: An issue in AS 90926 v3 Int our community Demonstrate  Processing food understanding of  Transport of products of digestion biological ideas Biology 1.5 3 within the body (circulation) Y N relating to a AS 90929 v4 Ext  Use of food at the cell level mammal(s) as a (respiration). consumer(s)  The continuity of life based on the Demonstrate inheritable nature of DNA understanding of  Links between DNA and variation in Science 1.9 4 biological ideas Y N phenotypes AS 90948 v3 Ext relating to genetic  Variation in phenotypes as adaptive variation. features. Total 18 RESOURCES: You will be issued with two write on workbooks ‘NCEA 1.3 AND 1.9 workbooks’ at a cost of $8.50 each. You need to bring the workbook to class each day and it will be used at home for homework. Please take good care of these as they are is a valuable resource used throughout the year and for the final NCEA exams.

HOMEWORK: This will mainly consist of laboratory write ups and exercises set from your workbook (approximately 3 hours a week). It is important that you complete these as they form an integral part of your biology course. You should also spend time each week reviewing your work so that you are adequately prepared for tests. Tests and school exams are important opportunities to clarify your understanding of concepts as well as practise writing clear, accurate, detailed responses. If at any stage you feel you are having difficulty coping with your work, please see your teacher.

ASSESSMENTS: The biology course offers three internal achievement standards: AS 90925 (BIO 1.1) – Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with direction. AS 90926 (Bio 1.2) – Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life. AS 90950 (Sci.1.11) – Investigate biological ideas relating to interactions between humans and micro- organisms. There will be only one assessment opportunity offered for each internal standard therefore it is important that you follow instructions very carefully, complete formative work and take on board any feedback from your teacher. There is only one assessment opportunity for external Achievement Standards. These are in late November and will be examined by NZQA by an external exam. There will be practice assessment opportunities for these external standards during the year in the form of quizzes, end of topic tests and school exams. For internal assessments, it is important that you are not given an unfair advantage over others by being allowed to hand work in late or by submitting work which is not your own. Please read the Linwood College NCEA Information Booklet carefully as it provides additional guidance.

STATIONARY REQUIREMENTS: To ensure that you can access all your course work during the year, particularly for the external standards, all your notes and exercises are to be completed in a 1B8 Exercise book. It is essential that work for internal standards be organised separately from external topics. A twenty leaf clear file is adequate but your teacher may suggest alternatives. This body of work will be referred to as a biology ‘portfolio’ and will be used for authenticity purposes.

STUDENT OBLIGATIONS: 1 Ensure you understand the Level One Biology assessment programme and policy. 2 Ensure you understand the requirements of each assessment being completed. 3 Check thoroughly the accuracy of the assessment by your teacher when work is returned. 4 Discuss problems/concerns with your teacher /HOD Science.

Have an enjoyable year.