Course: I am what I am (NCEA L2 Biology)
This Biology course focuses on genetics and biology in society
When: Term Two
Subject: Biology
Level: NCEA L2
Biology in the New Zealand curriculum consists of three main strands - ecology, evolution and genetics. Genetics includes learning about the building blocks of what makes us the way we are and how we apply this knowledge to animal and plant breeds. We touch on what happens when the copying of the genetic code goes wrong. In today's world it is vital that scientists can communicate their ideas to the world but this needs to be done in a manner that is both accurate but engaging. We will look at how information can be conveyed and students will do their own research for assessment on a piece of information in a portfolio style over the term.
Requirements
Level 1 Science AS 90948 Demonstrate understanding of biological ideas relating to genetic variation: useful but not absolutely necessary.
Assessment
AS 91157: Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change. 4 External
AS 91154: Analyse the biological validity of information presented to the public.
3 Internal
About the Teacher
Jo Fissenden has been a biologist ‘forever’. Starting with dissecting (or butchering!) fish caught as a child which eventually led to a career as a marine biologist with NIWA, working on the sustainability of mussel farms in particular and aquaculture in general. After a change in life that led to teaching she has been in the classroom for the last ten years teaching Level 2 and 3 Biology. She loves the practical side of teaching and sees Biology as a useful subject for any career choice as it relates to so much in ‘real’ life.