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)

Investigate biological
ideas relating to
interactions between
humans and
micro-organisms.
Carry out a practical
investigation in a
biological context,
with direction







Report on a biological
issue.
The structure and life processes of
micro-organisms
Culturing of micro-organisms
Factors that affect the life processes
of micro-organisms
How humans use and are affected by
micro-organisms e.g. Preparing food
for a hangi, human diseases
Plan and carry out a biological
investigation
Collect and process quantitative data
Interpret the results and write a
report of your findings
Collect and process data and/or
information to report on a biological
issue – Type 2 diabetes: An issue in
our community
Standard
Credits
Lit
Num
Science 1.11
AS 90950 v3
4
Int
N
N
Biology 1.1
AS 90925 v3
4
Int
N
Y
Biology 1.2
AS 90926 v3
3
Int
Y
N
Demonstrate
understanding of
biological ideas
relating to a
mammal(s) as a
consumer(s)
 Processing food
 Transport of products of digestion
within the body (circulation)
 Use of food at the cell level
(respiration).
Biology 1.5
AS 90929 v4
3
Ext
Y
N
Demonstrate
understanding of
biological ideas
relating to genetic
variation.
 The continuity of life based on the
inheritable nature of DNA
 Links between DNA and variation in
phenotypes
 Variation in phenotypes as adaptive
features.
Science 1.9
AS 90948 v3
4
Ext
Y
N
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.