Biology: Advanced Higher

Entry Requirements:

The course is suitable for candidates who are secure in their attainment of Higher Biology, Higher Human Biology or an equivalent qualification. It is designed for candidates who can respond to a level of challenge, especially those considering further study or a career in biology and related disciplines.

Course Content:

• This course is based on the integrative ideas and unifying principles of modern biological science. It covers key aspects of life science at the molecular scale and extends to aspects of the biology of whole organisms that are among the major driving forces of evolution. The course aims to develop a sound theoretical understanding and practical experience of experimental investigative work in biological science. It further develops candidates’ abilities to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. Candidates can develop their communication, collaborative working and leadership skills, and can apply critical thinking in new and unfamiliar contexts to solve problems.
• Three Units of Study: Cells and protein, Organisms and Evolution and Investigative Biology

Assessment:

• Throughout the Advanced Higher Science Courses, pupils are assessed throughout the year in the form of unit assessments, practical assessments and homework tasks. All sciences engage pupils through both theory and practical work.
• An extended project on a related area of the discrete science must be undertaken at Advanced Higher. This is then marked externally by the SQA.
• The final grade for the Advanced Higher course depends on both the final examination and the assignment grade combined.
• Pupils are graded from A to D for Advanced Higher level.