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

 

Human and Exercise Physiology (NCEA Level 1)
Level 1 Biology is an exciting new foundation course that will help prepare students wishing to study the Human Biology related standards at Level 2 in either Biology or Physical Education.

The topics to be covered are Human Physiology (Digestion, Circulation, Gas Exchange, Enzymes and Biomechanics), Health & Disease (Genetics and Microbes) and Sports Science (Humans in extreme environments and a research essay on Drugs in sport).

Assessment will result in a maximum of 22 credits: 11 external and 11 internal.

Molecular Biology and Ecology (NCEA Level 2)
The topics covered in this course include Cell Biology (including an enzyme and  microscope practical); Genetics (including gene expression); and Ecology (animal adaptations and a 2 day field trip to Ahuroa).

Assessment will result in a maximum of 26 credits: 12 external and 14 internal.

Biotechnology and Human Evolution (NCEA Level 3)
The topics in this course are Evolution (including
 human evolution); Genetics (including gene expression); Biotechnology (including research on xenotransplantation).

Assessment will result in a maximum of 19 credits: 13 external and 6 internal.

Biology for life (IGCSE)
This is a crucial course not just for budding biologists and medics but for all students that wish to keep Sciences open as a degree option.

The course is based on IGCSE Bridging courses for AS and A2 Biology.

The assessment involves a series of examinations with multi-choice questions and structured questions. There is also a practical examination.

Cell and Human Biology (AS)
This course provides a broad and in-depth foundation in pure biology.

Topics include cell structure, biological molecules, enzymes, cell membranes and transport, cell and nuclear division, genetic control, animal transport, plant transport, gas exchange, infectious disease, immunity and ecology.

Assessment involves a series of examinations including multi-choice, structured questions and a practical examination.

Careers in Biomedical Sciences (A2)
This course is an extension of Cell and Human Biology (AS), requiring students to apply their knowledge to new and challenging situations.

Topics include respiration, photosynthesis, regulation and control, inherited change, selection and evolution, biodiversity and conservation, gene technology, biotechnology, crop production and human reproduction.

Assessment is by way of structured questions and by planning, analysis, evaluation and exercises.

Critical Thinking in Applied Biology (Scholarship)
Scholarship Biology is an extra class which must be taken in conjunction with either A2 Biology or NCEA Level 3 Biology.  All candidates will be expected to have either gained A* at AS or Merit/Excellence at NCEA Level 2 Biology.  Potential scholars will be invited to attend the class and entrance will be at the HOD’s discretion.

The course aims to teach and extend both the CIE and NCEA courses.  The scholarship examination consists of three data based questions that ask students to critically discuss biological situations in terms of ecological and evolutionary principles.  Students are required to demonstrate perception and insight in the analysis and integration of biological knowledge and skills in given contexts.

Topics covered are Ecology (including animal and plant responses); Evolution (including New Zealand and human evolution); Genetics (including gene expression and biotechnology).