Science

Science Information Videos

Faculty of Science

Principal Teacher – Mr S Phimister.

For more information about the option in Science please follow the link below.

National 4/5

Biology

Entry Level	SQA Information
National 4 Working at CfE level 3 by the end of the Broad General Education National 5 Current S3 pupils: Working at CfE level 4 by the end of the Broad General Education Current S4/5 pupils: National 4 pass in Biology or National 5 pass in another science
Course Content
National 4 The course has three units: Unit 1 – Cell Biology Unit 2 – Multi-cellular Organisms Unit 3 – Life on Earth The National 4 course has an Added Value Unit assignment related to one of the Units. National 5 The course has three key areas for study: Key area 1 – Cell Biology Key area 2 – Multi-cellular Organisms Key area 3 – Life on Earth The National 5 course has a Course Assignment related to one of the Key Areas.
Assessment
National 4 Each unit will be internally assessed, including the Added Value Unit. Pupils must pass all internal assessments to be awarded the course certificate. National 5 The course is assessed by the external exam (80%) and the Course Assignment (20%). The course award is graded A to D. The Course Assignment includes a practical experiment and a Report. This must be completed under supervised exam conditions.
Possible Progression Routes	My World of Work
From National 4 Biology to National 5 Biology From National 5 Biology to Higher Biology, or National 5 in Chemistry or Physics Further Education Training or employment Careers for which Biology would be beneficial include: Health and medical careers, agriculture and forestry, marine science, conservation and environmental careers, veterinary and animal care careers, sports science, teaching and many more.

Chemistry

Entry Level	SQA Information
National 4 Working at CfE level 3 by the end of the Broad General Education National 5 Current S3 pupils: Working at CfE level 4 by the end of the Broad General Education Current S4/5 pupils: National 4 pass in Chemistry or National 5 pass in another science
Course Content
National 4 The course has three units: Unit 1 – Chemical Changes and Structure Unit 2 – Nature’s Chemistry Unit 3 – Chemistry in Society The National 4 course has an Added Value Unit assignment related to one of the Units. National 5 The course has three key areas for study: Key area 1 – Chemical Changes and Structure Key area 2 – Nature’s Chemistry Key area 3 – Chemistry in Society The National 5 course has a Course Assignment related to one of the Key Areas.
Assessment
National 4 Each unit will be internally assessed, including the Added Value Unit. Pupils must pass all internal assessments to be awarded the course certificate. National 5 The course is assessed by the external exam (80%) and the Course Assignment (20%). The course award is graded A to D. The Course Assignment includes a practical experiment and a Report. This must be completed under supervised exam conditions.
Possible Progression Routes	My World of Work
From National 4 Chemistry to National 5 Chemistry From National 5 Chemistry to Higher Chemistry, or National 5 in Biology or Physics Further Education Training or employment Careers for which Chemistry would be beneficial include: Health and medical careers, oil and gas technologies, chemical engineering, veterinary careers, pharmacy, forensic science, food and drink industries, environmental and agricultural careers, teaching and many more.

Physics

Entry Level	SQA Information
National 4 Working at CfE level 3 by the end of the Broad General Education National 5 Current S3 pupils: Working at CfE level 4 by the end of the Broad General Education Current S4/5 pupils: National 4 pass in Physics or National 5 pass in another science
Course Content
National 4 The course has 3 units: Unit 1 – Waves and Radiation Unit 2 – Electricity and Energy Unit 3 – Dynamics and Space The National 4 course has an Added Value Unit assignment related to one of the Units. National 5 The course has 6 key areas for study: Key area 1 – Waves Key area 2 – Radiation Key area 3 – Properties of Matter Key area 4 – Electricity Key area 5 – Dynamics Key area 6 – Space The National 5 course has a Course Assignment related to one of the Key Areas.
Assessment
National 4 Each unit will be internally assessed, including the Added Value Unit. Pupils must pass all internal assessments to be awarded the course certificate. National 5 The course is assessed by the external exam (80%) and the Course Assignment (20%). The course award is graded A to D. The Course Assignment includes a practical experiment and a Report. This must be completed under supervised exam conditions.
Possible Progression Routes	My World of Work
From National 4 Physics to National 5 Physics From National 5 Physics to Higher Physics, or National 5 in Biology or Chemistry Further Education Training or employment Careers for which Physics would be beneficial include: Engineering, telecommunications, renewable energies, meteorology and climate change, electrical engineering, medicine and radiology, astronomy and space exploration, teaching and many more.

Science

Entry Level	SQA Information
National 3 Interest in the subject National 4 Working at CfE level 3 by the end of the Broad General Education Current S3 pupils: Pupils in Science Connexions Class or working at level 3 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics Current S4/5 pupils: Pupils who are looking to pick up a General Science course for the first time who were working at Level 3 in S3
Course Content
National 3 / 4 The course has 3 units: Unit 1 – Fragile Earth Unit 2 – Human Health Unit 3 – Applications of Science Course Assignment – Added Value Unit. Pupils investigate a topical issue in science and its impact on the environment and/or society.
Assessment
National 3 / 4 Each unit will be internally assessed. Pupils must pass all internal assessments to be awarded the course certificate.
Possible Progression Routes	My World of Work
Those candidates gaining a National 3 award would be expected to progress to National 4 in science Those candidates gaining a National 4 award would be expected to progress to National 5 in Lab Science (currently a college-based course) or a National 4/5 in a separate Science of their choice

Higher

Biology

Entry Level	SQA Information
Current S4/5 pupils: National 5 Grade A-C in Biology
Course Content
The Higher Biology Course offers a broad and up-to-date selection of concepts and ideas relevant to the central position of life science within our society. You will develop a deeper understanding of the underlying themes of biology — evolution and adaptation; structure and function; genotype and niche — and the scale of topics ranges from molecular through to whole organism and beyond. You will develop scientific inquiry and investigative skills, scientific analytical thinking and evaluation skills, and the ability to understand and use scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues. The course has three key areas for study: Key area 1 – DNA and the Genome Key area 2 – Metabolism and Survival Key area 3 – Sustainability and Interdependence The Higher course has a Course Assignment related to one of the Key Areas.
Assessment
The course is assessed by the external exam (80%) and the Course Assignment (20%). The course award is graded A to D.
Possible Progression Routes	My World of Work
Advanced Higher in Biology Higher in Chemistry or Physics National 5 in Chemistry or Physics Further Education Higher Education Training or employment Careers for which Biology would be beneficial include: Health and medical careers, agriculture and forestry, marine science, conservation and environmental careers, veterinary and animal care careers, sports science, teaching and many more.

Chemistry

Entry Level	SQA Information
Current S4/5 pupils: National 5 Grade A-C in Chemistry
Course Content
The Higher Chemistry course focuses on the central role that chemistry plays in our lives. You will develop your understanding of the fundamental ideas of structure and bonding, properties and chemical reactivity. You will study applications of chemistry in real-life contexts, from the molecules of the natural world to high-tech chemical industries. You will develop scientific inquiry and investigative skills, scientific analytical thinking and evaluation skills, and the ability to understand and use scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues. The course has four key areas for study: Key area 1 – Chemical Changes and Structure Key area 2 – Nature’s Chemistry Key area 3 – Chemistry in Society Key area 4 – Researching Chemistry The Higher course has a Course Assignment related to one of the Key Areas.
Assessment
The course is assessed by the external exam (80%) and the Course Assignment (20%). The course award is graded A to D.
Possible Progression Routes	My World of Work
Advanced Higher in Chemistry Higher in Biology or Physics National 5 in Biology or Physics Further Education Higher Education Training or employment Careers for which Chemistry would be beneficial include: Health and medical careers, oil and gas technologies, chemical engineering, veterinary careers, pharmacy, forensic science, food and drink industries, environmental and agricultural careers, teaching and many more.

Physics

Entry Level	SQA Information
Current S4/5 pupils: National 5 Grade A-C in Physics
Course Content
The Higher Physics course will give you an insight into the underlying nature of our world and its place in the universe. You will develop your understanding of the fundamental ideas of space and relativity, electricity, particles and electromagnetic radiation. You will study relevant applications of physics, from the sources of the energy we use to the exploration of space. You will develop scientific inquiry and investigative skills, scientific analytical thinking and evaluation skills, and the ability to understand and use scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues. The course has four key areas for study: Key area 1 – Our Dynamic Universe Key area 2 – Electricity Key area 3 – Particles and Waves Key area 4 – Researching Physics The Higher course has a Course Assignment related to one of the Key Areas.
Assessment
The course is assessed by the external exam (80%) and the Course Assignment (20%). The course award is graded A to D.
Possible Progression Routes	My World of Work
Advanced Higher in Physics Higher in Biology or Chemistry National 5 in Biology or Chemistry Further Education Higher Education Training or employment Careers for which Physics would be beneficial include: Engineering, telecommunications, renewable energies, meteorology and climate change, electrical engineering, medicine and radiology, astronomy and space exploration, teaching and many more.

Advanced Higher

Biology

Entry Level	SQA Information
Current S5 pupils: Higher Grade A-C in Biology
Course Content
The Advanced Higher Biology Course focuses on the areas of cells and proteins, organisms and evolution, and investigative biology. You will develop a sound theoretical understanding and practical experience of experimental investigative work in biological science and develop your ability to carry out complex practical scientific activities. The course has three key areas for study: Key area 1 – Cells and Proteins Key area 2 – Organisms and Evolution Key area 3 – Investigative Biology The Advanced Higher course has a Course Project-Report on a topic of the learner’s choice at a level appropriate to Advanced Higher.
Assessment
The course is assessed by the external exam (75%) and the Course Assignment (25%). The course award is graded A to D.
Possible Progression Routes	My World of Work
Further Education Higher Education Training or employment Careers for which Biology would be beneficial include: Health and medical careers, agriculture and forestry, marine science, conservation and environmental careers, veterinary and animal care careers, sports science, teaching and many more.

Chemistry

Entry Level	SQA Information
Current S5 pupils: Higher Grade A-C in Chemistry
Course Content
The Advanced Higher Chemistry course will develop your understanding of chemistry in the physical and natural environment. The course builds on the underlying theories of chemistry explored in the Higher course, with a strong emphasis on practical applications of chemistry in modern society. You will develop advanced practical skills used in the chemistry laboratory, as well as skills of independent study, solving problems and analytical thinking that are essential in a wide range of careers. The course has four key areas for study: Key Area 1 – Inorganic Key Area 2 – Physical Chemistry Key Area 2 – Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis Key Area 3 – Researching Chemistry The Advanced Higher course has a Course Project-Report on a topic of the learner’s choice at a level appropriate to Advanced Higher.
Assessment
The course is assessed by the external exam (75%) and the Course Assignment (25%). The course award is graded A to D.
Possible Progression Routes	My World of Work
Further Education Higher Education Training or employment Careers for which Chemistry would be beneficial include: Health and medical careers, oil and gas technologies, chemical engineering, veterinary careers, pharmacy, forensic science, food and drink industries, environmental and agricultural careers, teaching and many more.

Physics

Entry Level	SQA Information
Current S5 pupils: Higher Grade A-C in Physics
Course Content
The Advanced Higher Physics course builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the Higher Physics course. You will develop your mathematical knowledge and skills to analyse and solve problems in real-life contexts of physics applications in a fast-changing modern world. Through a deeper insight into the structure of the subject, the course reinforces and extends knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics and develops skills in investigative practical work. The course has key areas for study Key Area 1 – Rotational Motion and Astrophysics Key Area 2 – Quanta and Waves Key Area 3 – Electromagnetism (half unit) The Advanced Higher course has a Course Project-Report on a topic of the learner’s choice at a level appropriate to Advanced Higher.
Assessment
The course is assessed by the external exam (75%) and the Course Assignment (25%). The course award is graded A to D.
Possible Progression Routes	My World of Work
Advanced Higher in Physics Further Education Higher Education Training or employment Careers for which Physics would be beneficial include: Engineering, telecommunications, renewable energies, meteorology and climate change, electrical engineering, medicine and radiology, astronomy and space exploration, teaching and many more.

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