Email: j.robson@kingscollege.school.nz

Why do Biology?

What is life?
How does it work?
How do we fit in?

These are some of the fundamental questions that biologists attempt to answer.

Biology is the study of living organisms and the interactions they have with their environment and with each other.
It provides young people with reasoning skills, an understanding of themselves and other living creatures, and the ability to use scientific methods of investigation.
It can also foster a lifelong interest.

Biology has provided much of the conceptual framework for other disciplines, and is highly relevant today with the rapid progress in medicine, genetics and environmental issues.
There are many stimulating options open for well-qualified individuals in the broad scope of biology.

So where does Biology lead?

A knowledge of Biological Science is very important in a wide range of careers. With the New Zealand economy placing a greater emphasis on the processing of biological materials,
prospects in this field are exceedingly high for those who take this subject (in tandem with Chemistry and, for some degrees, Physics/Maths).

Many Universities now offer Bachelor of Technology degrees in Biotechnology. Massey University also offers a degree in Bioprocess Engineering which carries IPENZ accreditation
as a professional engineering degree. Degrees in Food Science and Biotechnology, for instance, offer both excellent financial rewards and exciting work.
The study of ecology and especially molecular genetics could be very useful in aspects of law and commerce, as well as for those wishing to seek employment in NZ's extensive agriculture
and conservation sectors.

At the tertiary level, Biology beyond the first year separates into several distinct subject areas. These include Zoology, Anatomy, Botany, Genetics, Microbiology,
Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Physiology.

The following professions require a Biological background:

Medicine Agriculture Veterinary Science Food Technology Forensics Dentistry Biomedical Research Medical Laboratory Science Horticulture Psychology

Conservation Forestry Pharmacy Dietetics Physiotherapy Environmental Science Ecology MAF Biosecurity Viciculture Landscaping

CIE Biology - Year 11

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Y11 Biology

1. AS step up course ­ the IGCSE topics that appear in the AS level
2. A2 step up course ­ the IGCSE topics that appear in the A2 level
3. IGCSE exam course ­ the IGCSE topics that do not appear in the A level

In years 9 & 10, students have built a foundation for Year 11 through the new junior curriculum program. In year 11 the key focus is for students to start their
preparation for the Y12/13 A level syllabus by covering AS & A2 bridging courses. In addition, over the Easter & winter holidays, students self learn the IGCSE exam
topics that do not appear in the A level.

Scheme of Assessment:
Students sit weekly common tests that are used to calculate term orders.

There are mid year exams for each step up courses (Term 2 - AS step up & Term 3 A2 step up).
In term 4, depending on their exam and term order grades, students will be entered for either the :
IGCSE Core curriculum exam (grades C-G) - papers 1, 2 & 6, or
IGCSE Extended Curriculumexam (grades A*-G) - papers 1, 3 & 6

IGCSE	Paper 1 (Multi Choice) will contain questions based on the core curriculum.
	Paper 2 (Short Structured Questions) covers the Core curriculum.
	Paper 3 (Short Structured Questions) examines the Extended curriculum.
	Paper 6 (Written Practical Test) has questions covering experimental skills.

CIE Biology - Year 12/13

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Because students with varying science backgrounds enter the College in Year 12, care has been taken to ensure that a variety of appropriate academic options
are offered at Kings.

 For 2010 these include:

(a) 1 Year AS taken in either year 12 or 13.
Entrance requirements are a minimum of a B grade pass at IGCSE. Boys not sitting IGCS Biology may gain entry to this course after having passed the AS step up course
over the Y11 Xmas holidays.

(b) 1 Year A2 in year 13.
Entrance requirements are a minimum of a C grade pass at AS. Students who did not do the IGCSE in Y11 are expected to self study the A2 step up course
over the Y12 Xmas holidays.

AS Biology
The strength of the AS is that it offers an unrivalled broad and in depth foundation in pure biology. The academic demands of such a course are equivalent to
NCEA Level 3 (old bursary) standard. This has been recognized by universities who see it as of graduate entrance level in New Zealand.

Topics include the following:
A. Cell Structure
B. Biological Molecules
C. Enzymes
D. Cell Membranes & Transport
E. Cell and Nuclear Division
F. Genetic Control
G. Transport
H. Gas Exchange
I. Infectious Disease
J. Immunity
K. Ecology

AS Scheme of Assessment:
Paper 1 Multiple Choice
Paper 2 Structured Questions
Paper 3 Practical Test

A2 Biology
A2 is an extension of AS, requiring students to apply their knowledge to new and challenging situations. In some ways this is comparable to the aims of the old scholarship exam.
The examination requirements are more akin to a first year university courses in NZ.

Hence this is a selected course aimed at our top scholars or for those wishing to enter Universities in GB, USA or Australia. Entrance to the A2 is dependent upon
achieving good passes at both IGCSE (B grade) and AS (C grade).

For those wishing to study medicine, the full Cambridge A level (AS & A2) is highly desirable. Not only will a good A2 score help you obtain a position at Auckland/Otago Universities,
but the detailed study of human & cell biology will give you a major advantage over NCEA candidates competing for entrance to medicine at the end of your foundation year.

CORE SYLLABUS:
A. Respiration
B. Photosynthesis
C. Regulation and Control
D. Inherited change & Gene Technology
E. Selection & Evolution

APPLICATIONS OF BIOLOGY:
1 Biodiversity & Conservation
2 Gene Technology
3 Biotechnology
4 Crop Plants
5 Aspects of Human Reproduction


A2 Scheme of Assessment:
Paper 4 Structural Questions (38%)
Paper 5 Planning. Analysis & Evaluation (12%)
The additional 50% will be from the Paper 1-3 scores at the AS level.


Year 12/13 NCEA Biology

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No.	Version	Level	Title	Credits	Term/Weeks	Assessment
90464	2	2	2.8 Describe cell structure and function	3	1/ 1 - 3	External
8928	3	2	Use a microscope to investigate biological material	3	1/ 4 - 6	Internal*
90457	2	2	2.1 Carry out a practical biological investigation with supervision	3	1/ 7 - 9	Internal
90462	2	2	2.6 Describe diversity in the structure and function of animals	3	2/ 1 - 4	External
90463	2	2	2.7 Describe diversity in the structure and function of plants	3	2/ 5 - 8	External
90461	2	2	2.5 Describe the concepts and processes relating to ecology	3	2/ 9 - 11	External
90460	2	2	2.4 Investigate an inter-relationship or pattern in an ecological niche	3	3/ 1 -4	Internal
90459	2	2	2.3 Describe genetic variation and change	3	3/10 - 4/3	External

*1 - Students wishing to attempt the 1 year AS must have either passed Y11 IGCSE with Grade B or completed the AS Bridging Course in Dec.

*2 - Entry to A2 will be dependent on students attaining a minimum grade of C in the AS exam. If students did not pass the IGCSE in Y11,
they will be required to complete an A2 Bridging course over the Xmas holidays.