King’s College Biology Dept
2013
A Subject For LIFE!
Biologists are...
...feeding the
world With a
...fighting
disease
rising population
and high risks of
famine in
overfarmed areas,
biology is
providing new
ways of meeting
fundamental
needs.
Biologists develop
vaccines, isolate
cures from nature,
characterise the
mechanics of
diseases and
isolate causal
genes – leading
to new therapies
that combat
disease.
...bugging
the bugs
Antibiotics are
created by, and
were discovered
in, living
organisms.
Biology will be
equally vital to
combat the
emerging strains
of resistant
organisms.
...protecting
our
environment
Biologists are
providing clean
alternatives to
chemical
manufacturing, and
biological clean-up
mechanisms –
helping to produce
a cleaner
planet.
...going
underground
Life also teems
underground.
Seeds germinate,
bugs proliferate,
worms aerate –
it’s busy
beneath
your feet.
...exploring
the unknown
The search for
new life takes
biologists to areas
rarely explored,
from the depths
of the jungles to
the ocean floor.
...dotty about
beetles
Approximately
350,000 species of
beetle have been
identified so far and
there may well be
the same number
again as yet
undiscovered and
unclassified.
...solving
crime
...big in the nano
world Microscopy
has uncovered some
amazing secrets of life,
allowing us to see
structures from inside
the tiny cells that make
up all living organisms.
Biological
aspects of
forensic
science are
increasingly
important in
the fight
against crime.
9 Red Lion Court, London EC4A 3EF
Tel: +44 (0)20 7936 5900 info@societyofbiology.org
www.societyofbiology.org
Registered Charity No. 277981 Incorporated by Royal Charter
These are just a few of the ways in which
biology, and the biologists who study and
further this science, are able to apply their
skills. A training in the biosciences provides
many skills that are highly sought after in the
marketplace. But whatever walk of life you
end up in, remember the fascination of the
life sciences. Make a difference – join the
Society of Biology!
...keeping an eye on
the oceans Marine
biologists are exploring a
completely different planet to
the one we blithely walk on –
the two thirds of our planet
that lies under the oceans.
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
provides young people with reasoning skills, an understanding of themselves and other
living creatures, and the ability to use scientific methods of investigation.
What is Biology?
Biology is the study of living organisms and the interactions they have with their
environment and with each other. It is interesting because it allows you to understand the
way of life, how our body functions, as well as other creatures, and how the Earth even
came together. Without biology, we would not know how life started or why it is still here.
In biology, we study and learn how we can use Biotechnology to improve our crops and
the animals we rely on . We study how humans develop from embryo to adulthood and the
organs and biochemical pathways that we rely on for a healthy life.
What do you study in Biology?
The chemistry of life, the cell, molecular genetics, mechanisms of evolution, the
evolutionary history of biological diversity, plant & animal form and function, ecology, human
anatomy & physiology, biotechnology, biomechanics, and much, much more ......
Biology at University
•
Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacology & Veterinary Science
Many of these have highly selective 1st year undergraduate courses. For this reason, Cambridge
A2 level Biology is strongly recommended as past King’s students have stated that it gives them a
clear advantage over their NCEA competitors who have not studied the CIE units in Biochemistry
and Human Physiology. Biology (at AS or A2 level) is also a major component of other health
professions i.e. Nursing, Midwifery, Optometry, Physiotherapy & Osteopathy.
•
Forensic Science, Environmental Engineering & Conservation
Management, Aquaculture & Fisheries
Biology is a key subject for those preparing to enter BSc or MSc degrees in Applied Sciences.
Please note that although AS level Bio is often sufficient for University entrance in New Zealand, it
is very important to check the specific pre-requisites for each individual program at tertiary level.
For those wishing to study at universities in Australia, the USA or the UK, the A2 level is more
commonly expected.
•
Sports Sciences
Both AS Biology & PE are recommended essential background subjects for those wishing to enter
undergrad courses in Sports Science related fields. Please note that although IGCSE Biology is
strongly recommended for those wishing to study AS Biology, it is not required to enter AS PE.
•
BioEngineering, BioTechnology, BioMimetics & BioInformatics
Although biology is not a pre-requisite at UE level for many Engineering courses, a firm foundation
at IGCSE & AS level is beneficial should you later wish to enter any of the exciting new international
research fields that combine Biology, Physics, Business Studies & Computer Sciences.
For Biology related degrees there is often
considerable Biomechanics & Biochemistry
content. Biology students are hence strongly
encouraged to take Chemistry, Physics and
Maths (Statistics) at a minimum of AS
level.
Please check with the Careers Centre
website (go to Support Services – Careers)
for other subjects that may be required.
Future Career Pathways
Biology has provided much of the conceptual framework for other disciplines, and is highly
relevant today with the rapid progress in Medicine, Genetic Engineering and
Environmental Management.
There are many stimulating career options open for well-qualified individuals in the broad
scope of biology. With the New Zealand economy placing a greater emphasis on
Agriculture, Viticulture & Biotechnology industries, job prospects in this field are
exceedingly high for those who take this subject.
New BioEngineering, BioTechnology, BioInformatics & BioChemical career
pathways are constantly emerging through a plethora of Applied Science degrees (i.e.
Biomemetics). These 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 MAF & DOC.
King’s CIE & NCEA Biology
Junior Curriculum - Science
Y9 / Y10
IGCSE
Level 1 Bio
Level 1 Science
Level 2 Bio
Level 2 Chem/ Phys/
Earth & Space Science
Y11
*1
Y12
*3
AS
*2
*4
AS or A2
Y13
Level 3 Bio
Level 3 Chem/ Phys/
Earth & Space Science
*5
Scholarship Bio
Year 11 CIE NCEA
IGCSE Level 1 Bio for Life!
Human & Exercise Physiology
Year 12 CIE NCEA
AS Level 2 Cell & Human Bio
Molecular Biology & Ecology
Year 13
CIE CIE CIE NCEA NCEA AS AS A2 Level 3 Scholarship
Cell & Human Bio
Marine Science
Careers In BioMedical Sciences
Biotech & Human Evolution
Critical Thinking in Applied Biology
Entrance Guidelines
2012
CIE
NCEA
*1
CIE AS
IGCSE Grade B
AS Bridging Course
*2
CIE A2
AS Grade C & A2 Bridging Course
n/a
*3
NCEA L2 Bio
IGCSE Grade C
L1 Genetics
*4
NCEA L3 Bio
AS Grade D
L2 Genetics, Cells & Gene Expression
*5
NCEA Scholarship
AS Grade A*
M/ E in all L2 Biology standards
Those not meeting the entrance criteria will need to consult with the HOD Biology, Mr Robson in Lab B1.
Year 9 Bio Unique New Zealand
Y9
Why is New Zealand’s fauna & flora so unique? What forces have shaped it’s past evolution
and what are the potential problems and solutions as we look to the future?
Semester 1: The Future is Wild!
We start by looking at the geological and biological influences that have shaped New
Zealand and made it one of a kind with regards to its exotic range of ecosystems. We
look at how the process of Evolution (Adaptation & Natural Selection) have shaped our
unique flora and fauna.
We then investigate what future evolutionary pathways may lie ahead for planet Earth
through a groundbreaking scientific animation series, “The Future is Wild”. Students will
use a series of DVDs, e-books and computer animations to investigate the bizarre
hypothetical worlds of 5, 100 and 200 million years in the future!
Semester 2: Conserving our New Zealand’s Bio-Heritage
We investigate the ecology of New Zealand through a hands on practical approach to
studying and conserving our College’s streams. This is part of a decade long Junior
Curriculum drive that has seen much of our King’s riparian ecosystem splendidly
restored with native plants, boards walks and nature trails. Each class will leave its own
little legacy towards developing this conservation goal.
Year 10 Bio Your Body - the facts, the future.
Y10
This builds on the Year 9 Sports Science topic in 2012. In Year 10 we ask the boys to
discover the biology of their own body. As responsible citizens, they need know how their
own body works if they are to take ownership and responsibility for their lifestyle decision
that will shape their future health. This course is also a superb introduction to human
anatomy and physiology that underpins Medical, Veterinary and Sport Science studies.
There are 6 parts:
1. Microscope and cells - the building blocks of our body.
2. Coordination & response - nerves/ hormones & sensory organs.
3. Sexual Reproduction – the birds and the bees....
4. Drugs - tobacco, heroin, alcohol, caffeine, LSD, steroids, painkillers, glue
5. Digestion - we are what we eat.
6.Sports Science - Revise Y9 module Hearts, Lungs & Bones/ muscles
Topics 4&5 link with the Personal Health modules which raise awareness regards
these important teenage topics.
• Dissections in this course will including bones, hearts, lungs and eyes.
•
CIE IGCSE Bio for Life!
Y11
This is a crucial course not just for our budding biologists and
medics but for all students who wish to keep Science open as
a degree option. We pride ourselves that this year in particular
builds a foundation of excellence from which our students have
advanced to gain Top of the World at IGCSE, AS & A2. On
average 60% of our candidates gain A/ A*.
There are 3 parts:
1. AS Bridging course – IGCSE topics in the AS.
2. A2 Bridging course – IGCSE topics in the A2.
3. IGCSE Bridging course – IGCSE topics not in AS/ A2.
In year 11 the key focus is for students to build their confidence for success
in the Y12/13 A level syllabus by completing AS & A2 Bridging courses. In
addition, over the Easter holidays, students self learn the IGCSE
exam topics that do not appear in the A level.
Entrance Requirements
All boys who are interested in following a degree in the Sciences
are strongly encouraged to take this 1 year course. It is a superb
foundation for students who elect to follow either the NCEA or CIE Bio-pathways in
the senior school.
IGCSE Scheme of Assessment:
Paper 1 (Multi Choice)
Paper 2 (Core Structured Questions)
Paper 3 (Extended Structured Questions)
Paper 6 (Practical Exam)
Depending on their Exam and Term Order grades, students are entered for either the :
IGCSE Core curriculum exam (grades C-G)
IGCSE Extended Curriculum exam (grades A*-G)
CIE AS Cell & Human Bio
Y12 or Y13
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 rigorous and a D grade in this course
is equivalent to university entrance (UE) level in New Zealand.
Topics include the following:
A. Cell Structure
G1. Animal Transport
B. Biological Molecules
G2. Plant Transport
C. Enzymes
H. Gas Exchange
D. Cell Membranes & Transport
I. Infectious Disease
E. Cell and Nuclear Division
J. Immunity
F. Genetic Control
K. Ecology
Entrance Requirements
Entrance requirements are a
minimum of a B grade pass at
IGCSE. Students not sitting
IGCSE Biology may gain entry to
this course after having passed
the AS Bridging course over the
Y11 Xmas holidays. The Bridging
course consists of 3 days of
lectures in December, followed by
3-5 days of home study to
complete the accompanying
coursework.
AS Scheme of Assessment:
Paper 1 (Multi Choice)
Paper 2 (Structured Qs)
Paper 3 (Practical)
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CIE AS Y12 or Y13
Marine Science - the blue planet
This is a brand new CIE AS level course which we hope to offer for the first time in New
Zealand in 2013. It will be taught jointly by the Biology and Geography departments.
Marine Science provides a coherent and stimulating introduction to the science of the
marine environment and the scientific study of the sea and its ecosystems. Field trips will
underpin the teaching and these will be both in New Zealand and, if numbers permit, to
Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef.
AS Marine Science can form part of an ideal subject combination with Geography and
Biology for learners who want to study Marine Biology or Environmental Science at
university or to follow a career in shipping, fisheries, tourism or aquaculture.
Topics include the following:
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1. Scientific method
2. Marine ecosystems and biodiversity
3. Energetics of marine ecosystems
4. Nutrient cycles in marine ecosystems
5. Coral reefs and lagoons
6. The ocean floor and the coast
7. Physical and chemical oceanography
Entrance Requirements
There are no entrance requirements but this course is intended for students who have
already passed, or intend to be enrolled in, both Biology & Geography at AS level. This
subject has not yet received NZ approved registered status and hence may not count in
2013 towards UE. It will hence be most suited to Y13 students who already have UE.
AS Scheme of Assessment:
Paper 1 (Structured Questions) Paper 2 (Data Handling Questions) CIE A2 Careers In BioMedical Sciences
Y13
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 first year university courses in NZ.
For those wishing to study Medicine, Veterinary Science or Pharmacy, the full Cambridge A
level (AS & A2) is normally required. Not only will a good A2 score help you obtain a
position at a top NZ University, but the detailed study of Human Biology and Biochemistry
will give you a major advantage when competing for the limited entrance to these selected
courses at the end of your foundation year.
Entrance Requirements
This is a selected course aimed at our top scholars or for those wishing to enter
Universities in GB, USA or Australia. Previous experience has shown that entrance to the
A2 is ideally suited for those with excellent AS level results ie A/A*. Students with a
minimum of a C grade will however be able to take the course.
Students who did not do the IGCSE in Y11 are expected to self-study the 5 day A2
Bridging course over the Y12 Xmas holidays. Students who do not have university
entrance in AS Biology will not be allowed to enter this course.
CORE SYLLABUS: L. Respiration M. Photosynthesis N. Regulation and Control
O. Inherited change P. Selection & Evolution APPLICATIONS OF BIOLOGY:
Q Biodiversity & Conservation
R Gene Technology
S Biotechnology
T Crop Production
U Human Reproduction
A2 Scheme of Assessment:
Paper 4 ( A2 Structured Questions) 38%
Paper 5 ( A2 Planning, Analysis & Evaluation) 12%
The additional 50% will be from the student’s AS level scores in Papers 1-3.
NCEA Level 1 Human & Exercise Physiology
Y11
Entrance Requirements
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 PE.
Aims
The 6 bio-topics covered will be:
Term 1/2 – Human Physiology
Biology 1.5 Digestion, Circulation & Respiration
Science 1.10 Biomechanics & Gas Exchange Science 2.4 Humans in extreme environments
Ext
Int
Int
3 credits
4 credits
4 credits
Term 3 - Health & Disease Biology 1.3 Science 1.9 Microbes
Genetics Term 4 - Sports Science
Biology 1.2 Research- Drugs in sport
Total: 22 credits max
11 External & 11 Internal
Ext
Ext
4 credits
4 credits
Int
3 credits
NCEA Level 2 Agriculture & Horticulture
Y12
The Y12 course is specifically aimed to provide a taster of biology topics for those students
who may be interested in pursuing either Agriculture & Horticulture at university.
Entrance Requirements
Students wishing to enter this course are required to have passed (preferably at Merit or
Excellence) the NCEA Level 1 Genetics standard. Alternatively, students can gain entry by
achieving a C grade or higher in IGCSE Biology or Science.
Aims
The 7 bio-topics will be covered will be:
Term 1 - Cell Biology Biology 2.4 Biology 2.8 Cell Biology
Microscope
Term 2 - Genetics Biology 2.5 Biology 2.7 Genetics Gene Expression
Ext
Int
4 credits
3 credits
Ext
Ext
4 credits
4 credits
Term 3 - Agriculture & Horticulture
Ag-Hort 2.3 Plant Propogation techniques
Ag-Hort 2.5 Livestock reproductive techniques
Int
Int
4 credits
4 credits
Term 4 - Animal Physiology Biology 2.3 Animal adaptations
Int
3 credits
Total: 26 credits 12 Ext & 14 Int NCEA Level 3 Biotech & Human Evolution
Y13
Entrance Requirements
Level 3 Biology is a highly demanding academic course and it is equally as difficult to gain
university entrance in NCEA, as through the CIE pathway. Students wishing to enter this
course are required to have passed the three Level 2 externals in Genetics, Cells and Gene
Expression. This course provides an excellent foundation for Biology or Sports Science
degrees.
Aims
A min of 14 Level 3 credits for University Entrance (UE).
The 5 bio-topics covered will be:
Term 1 – Evolution
Biology 3.5 Biology 3.6 Evolution Human Evolution
Ext
Ext
4 credits
4 credits
Int Int
3 credits
3 credits
Int
3 credits
Term 2 – Genetics
Biology 3.7 Biology 3.2 Genetic Modification
Research - Xenotransplantation Term 3 - Human Bio
Biology 3.4 Homeostasis Total: 17 credits 8 External & 9 Internal
NCEA Scholarship Critical Thinking in Applied Biology
Y13
Entrance Requirements
Scholarship Biology is an extra timetabled class which must be taken in conjunction
with either the A2 Biology or NCEA L3 Biology.
All candidates will be expected to either have gained an A* at AS or Merits/
Excellences in each of the L2 Biology standards.
Potential scholars will be invited to join and entrance will be at the HOD’s discretion.
Gifted and Talented students may also wish to enter the Biology Olympiad program.
Aims
The course aims to teach and extend:
the NCEA content that is not covered in the CIE syllabus.
The CIE AS & A2 Biology syllabus is significantly different to the NCEA L2 & L3
course on which the NCEA scholarship paper is based. CIE students will only have
covered 50% of the required topics and depth.
the critical thinking and data evaluation essay style
NCEA scholarship exams consist of 3 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.
The 3 bio-topics covered will be:
Term 1 - Ecology
Biology 2.3 Ecology
Biology 3.3 Animal & Plant Responses
Term 2 – Evolution
(Science 2.3 NZ Evolution)
Biology 3.5 Evolution
Biology 3.6 Human Evolution
Term 3 – Genetics
Biology 2.7 Biology 3.7 Gene Expression
Genetic Modification
Gifted and Talented Bio opportunities
King’s has seen unparalleled recent success in years where our students have excelled in
New Zealand’s opportunities for gifted and talented young Biologists. Our students have
revelled in the range of first class opportunities available to extend New Zealand’s most
gifted and talented biology students beyond the normal academic bounds of CIE/ NCEA.
1. Biology Olympiads
The New Zealand International Biology Olympiad (NZIBO) is our national competition
that selects a team of 4 to represent New Zealand in the annual International Biology
Olympiad (IBO). King's College was pivotal in the founding of this program in 2004. Our
students have since, on 4 occasions, gone on to receive the platinum award for the top
competitor in New Zealand.
2. Australasian Brain Bee
This competition is aimed at aspiring Y9/10 level biologists. It is hosted by Auckland and
Otago Universities and tests students on ‘Brain Facts’ (an introduction to the study of
neuroscience). King’s has twice won both the team & individual trophies. Our students
have gone on to represent New Zealand at the Australasian and World finals.
3. Research competitions
Two of our Y12 female students enjoyed outstanding awards as a result of the biology
research projects that they completed while recipients of Liggin’s student science
mentor program scholarships. Both girls were awarded CREST Silver awards, as well
as being invited to attend the ‘Realise the Dream’ conference in Wellington. The two
then went on to be selected to be the New Zealand representatives at the International
Youth Science Creation competition in Beijing.
4. Science Forums
A number of our top Biologists have also been selected to attend student Science Forums
including the Rotary National Science & Technology Forum in Auckland and the
Biofutures conference in Brisbane.