Tauranga Boys’ College Tauranga Boys’ College

Biology 2

BIO2
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Brent Salmon.

Prerequisites

If you did not take a pathway course at Level 1, or achieved fewer than 8 credits externally in that course, you will need HOD approval.

Biology is the study of living things and their interactions with each other and their environment.

  • Biochemistry experiments
  • Comparison of the nutrition of wild animals such as the crocodile, great white shark, blue whale etc
  • Ecology, falconry and pest control
  • Cell processes
  • Genetic variation
  • Gene expression


Course Overview

Term 1
Animal diversity. Students explore the diversity among living things in how they obtain nutrition and then compare animals of their choice which may include sharks, crocodiles, whales, humans, elephants, giraffes, turtles.

Biological experiment. Students learn how to carry out a biochemical experiment on osmosis in the laboratory.



Term 2
Ecology. Students learn how New Zealand's unique flora and fauna interact. Students get to experience some of New Zealand's rare taonga including the kokako and the karearea from the $50 and $20 notes respectively. They also get to see the ancient art of falconry in their own backyard.

Cell processes. Students learn about the processes happening in cells that keep all animals and plants alive. Students use microscope to examine our own cells and to investigate the myriad of microscopic life that is in our everyday life, but too small to see. Students examine their own DNA from inside their cells. Students will find out why they cannot sprint for 1500 metres.

Term 3
Genetic variation. Students learn how biodiversity is created and how the combination of our parents can lead to what makes us similar but different from either of them.

Gene expression. Students learn how the chemical instructions inside our body get transformed into blood and bone to make us who we are.

Term 4
Genetic expression continued.

Learning Areas:

Science


Pathway

Biology 3, Science 3 (Internally Assessed)

Career pathways include those in the sciences, medicine and sports.

Career Pathways

Medical Laboratory Scientist, Zoologist, Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Biochemist, Biotechnologist


Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

$24 Course Materials 

$40 Field Trip Fee