Biology

Biology is the study of life. It involves students investigating the variety and complexity of living organisms. Students will learn more about themselves, and how they fit into the wider world, as well as how other living organisms have evolved and changed to meet the demands of our modern environment.

 

Biology is an important subject as it helps students to understand the impact of human activities on their environment, and to help them make informed decisions on complex biological issues.

 

Biology is an important prerequisite for many careers and for further study at universities or polytechs. Our Careers Department can assist with more information about where this subject can lead.

 

At Aranui High School, we offer Biology at both Year 12 and Year 13. In Year 12, students work towards gaining credits for NCEA Level 2. At Year 13, students work towards gaining credits for NCEA Level 3, and University Entrance.

 

Both courses offer a mix of internally and externally assessed standards. There is not open entry for this subject. There are prerequisites for entry into each level of study. See the Curriculum Choice Book for more details.

  

The key topics for Year 12 are:

  1. Ecology – the study of the interrelationships between life on Earth, with an emphasis on New Zealand examples
  2. Comparative anatomy, and physiology of plants and animals – how plants and animals are similar and different in terms of their structures and their responses to their internal and external environments
  3. Genetics – explaining how genetic variety and evolutionary processes can lead to genetic change within populations
  4. Cells - comparing and contrasting the structure and function of organisms at a cellular level

 

The key topics for Year 13 are:

  1. Animal behaviour and plant responses in relation to environmental factors
  2. Genetics - the role that DNA plays in the determination of an organism’s genotype and phenotype, as well as Mendelian inheritance patterns and processes
  3. Biotechnological applications in response to human needs
  4. Human Evolution – both physical and cultural evolutionary trends
  5. The processes of evolution and how it occurs, based on Darwinian theory
  

Important Dates:

End of Term 3 - Year 12 Biology field trip to Diamond Harbour.  This is to complete fhe postponed fieldwork for Unit Standard 8930, 3 credits at Level 2.  Students will be studying the rocky shore community and the environmental and biological factors that affect the organisms that live there. There is a small cost of $10 for this trip as we have to travel to Lyttleton and across the harbour by boat. This is a beautiful day out and we always have a lot of fun (and ice cream).