FIELD SCIENCES
Review of Biology unit standards
Subfield |
Domain |
Id |
Science |
Biology |
8092-8094, 8096-8099, 8102, 8103, 8105, 8106, 9224-9241, 12812, 12813 |
The NZQA National Qualifications Services has completed the review of the unit standards listed above.
Date new versions published May 2010
Planned review date December 2015
Summary
Unit standards in the Biology domain have been reviewed as part of the planned NQS cycle for maintaining standards.
Feedback from users of these unit standards indicated a need to increase the practical component of the unit standards for them to be nationally endorsed and fit for purpose. The review panel met in September and November 2009 and considered feedback. There were no issues identified with the reviewed standards. The review panel and consultation network included representation from secondary, tertiary, and industry training organisations. Changes were made to the unit standards and distributed for comment in February 2010 and there was no objection to the changes made through this review.
Main changes
· Special notes relating to legislation and references were updated.
· Titles of unit standards 8096-8098 were amended.
· Credit allocation for unit standards 8105, 9227, and 9228 has increased to better reflect the learning, practice and assessment time required to meet the standard.
· Credit allocation for unit standard 9225 has decreased to better reflect the learning, practice and assessment time required to meet the standard.
· Unit standard 8096 was reclassified from domain Biology to domain Science - Core.
· New unit standard 26420 was developed to assess tissue sampling and histological slide preparation and examination.
· Unit standards 8093, 8099, 8103, 8106, 9224, 9229-9241 were expired as there was low tertiary usage and industry no longer required these standards.
· Unit standards 8105, 90225, and 9228 have been replaced by unit standards 26509, 26510, and 26511 respectively.
Category C and D unit standards will expire at the end of December 2012
Impact on existing accreditations
Current Accreditation for |
Accreditation extended to | ||||
Nature of accreditation |
Classification or ID |
Level |
Nature of accreditation |
Classification or ID |
Level |
Domain |
Biology |
4 |
Standard |
8096 |
4 |
Standard |
9225 |
4 |
Standard |
26510 |
4 |
Impact on Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP)
None.
Impact on registered qualifications
The National Diploma in Science (Level 6) with optional strands in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology/Biochemistry [Ref: 0235] requires the selection of credits from the Biology domain. The outcome of this review has affected the achievability of this qualification and it will be updated when it is reviewed in 2010.
Detailed list of unit standards - classification, title, level, and credits
All changes are in bold.
Subfield Science
Id |
Domain |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
8096 |
Biology
Science - Core |
Undertake a comparative biological experiment with guidance Conduct a scientific experiment with guidance |
4 |
5 |
B |
Subfield Science
Domain Biology
Id |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
8092 |
Measure plant physiological processes |
6 |
4 |
B |
8093 |
Demonstrate understanding of plant physiological processes |
6 |
8 |
D |
8094 |
Measure animal physiological processes |
6 |
4 |
B |
8097 |
Undertake field sampling and measurements of plants Analyse field measurements of plants |
5 |
4 |
B |
8098 |
Undertake field sampling and measurements of animals Analyse field measurements of animals |
5 |
4 |
B |
8099 |
Identify flora and fauna |
4 |
2 |
D |
8102 |
Explain genetic change |
5 |
6 |
B |
8103 |
Demonstrate knowledge of biological issues relating to resource management |
6 |
3 |
D |
8105
26509 |
Explain the principles of evolution and bio-geography Explain biodiversity of New Zealand |
4
4 |
3
4 |
C |
8106 |
Examine and describe seed plant structure |
6 |
5 |
D |
9224 |
Demonstrate knowledge of communication and control systems in animals |
6 |
8 |
D |
9225 26510 |
Demonstrate knowledge of ecosystems Demonstrate knowledge of ecosystems |
4 4 |
6 4 |
C |
9226 |
Demonstrate knowledge of biological diversity Demonstrate knowledge of plant and animal characteristics |
4 |
4 |
B |
9227 |
Demonstrate knowledge of plant tissues |
4 |
3 4 |
B |
9228 26511 |
Demonstrate knowledge of animal tissues Demonstrate knowledge of animal tissues |
4 4 |
3 4 |
C |
9229 |
Demonstrate knowledge of embryology and organ formation |
4 |
2 |
D |
9230 |
Demonstrate knowledge of animal behaviour |
5 |
3 |
D |
9231 |
Demonstrate knowledge of Monera, Protista and Fungi |
5 |
4 |
D |
9232 |
Demonstrate knowledge of Plantae |
5 |
4 |
D |
9233 |
Demonstrate knowledge of invertebrate animals |
5 |
4 |
D |
9234 |
Demonstrate knowledge of Chordata |
5 |
4 |
D |
9235 |
Demonstrate knowledge of reproduction in animals |
6 |
4 |
D |
9236 |
Demonstrate knowledge of support and movement in animals |
6 |
3 |
D |
9237 |
Demonstrate knowledge of homeostasis of body fluids in animals |
6 |
3 |
D |
9238 |
Demonstrate knowledge of gas exchange in animals |
6 |
3 |
D |
9239 |
Demonstrate knowledge of circulation in animals |
6 |
5 |
D |
9240 |
Demonstrate knowledge of food intake and utilisation in animals |
6 |
4 |
D |
9241 |
Demonstrate knowledge of plant pathology |
6 |
12 |
D |
12812 |
Describe eukaryotic cell structure and function |
4 |
5 |
B |
12813 |
Demonstrate knowledge of the biochemistry of cells |
4 |
5 |
B |
26420 |
Perform histological techniques |
5 |
4 |
New |