Biology

Broad Description

Biology affects everyone and aims to find solutions to many of the world’s problems. Biology, the study of living organisms, plays a crucial role in our everyday existence, and is an increasingly important subject in the modern world.

Advances in technologies have made this varied subject more exciting and relevant Biology Courses encourage the development of skills and resourcefulness, which lead to pupils becoming confident individuals. Successful learners in biology are able to think creatively, analyse and solve problems.

 
NATIONAL 3
There are 3 units:
  • Cell Biology
  • Multicellular Organisms
  • Life on Earth
An experimental and investigative approach is used to develop knowledge and understanding of biology concepts.
NATIONAL 4
There are 4 units:
  • Cell Biology
  • ulticellular Organisms
  • ife on Earth
  • Added Value
NATIONAL 5
There are 3 units:
  • Cell Biology
  • Multicellular Organisms
  • Life on Earth
A range of approaches are used to develop knowledge and understanding and skills for learning, life and work.
N5 EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
This assessment has 2 components:
Component 1: question paper, 100 marks, 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Component 2: assignment, 25 marks, 8 hours of which a maximum of 1 hour and 30 minutes is allowed for the report stage.
PROGRESSION PATHS
Linear progression
  • N5 will lead to Higher Biology.

Skills progression –
  • develop scientific inquiry, investigative and analytical thinking skills
  • develop the use of technology, equipment and materials in practical activities
  • develop problem solving skills
  • use and understand scientific literacy, in everyday contexts, to communicate ideas and issues
  • develop the knowledge and skills for more advanced learning in Biology.
HIGHER
There are 3 units:
  • DNA and the Genome
  • Metabolism and Survival
  • Sustainability and Interdependence
The course provides opportunities for pupils to acquire:
  • knowledge and understanding of biological concepts, facts, ideas and techniques and the applications of biology in society and industry
  • skills in problem solving and practical abilities
  • positive attitudes such as being open-minded and being willing to recognise alternative points of view; having an interest in biology, in themselves and their environment; being aware that they can make decisions which affect the well- being of themselves, others, and the quality of their environment.
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
The end of course exam is a question paper: 20 marks multiple choice and 80 marks for short and extended answer questions.
The assignment is worth 20 marks and will assess the application of skills of scientific inquiry and related biology knowledge and understanding.
ADVANCED HIGHER
There are 3 units:
  • Cell and Proteins (unit 1)
  • Organisms and Evolution (unit 2)
  • Investigative Biology (unit 3)
The Course provides candidates with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the cell by studying the key roles of proteins within the cell. This understanding of cellular processes is then related to physiological function. At the whole-organism scale, the Course explores how sexual reproduction and parasitism are major drivers of evolution. This allows candidates to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanism of evolution, the biological consequences of sexual reproduction and the biological inter-relationships involved in parasitism.
The Course provides a deeper understanding of laboratory and fieldwork techniques, and in carrying out a biological investigation the candidate has the opportunity to produce an extended piece of scientific work.

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
Project – 25% of final grade. Exam – 75% of final grade:
Section A – 25 marks from multiple choice questions
Section B – 65 marks from structured questions