National Life Sciences
The National Life Sciences course option is a two-year programme consisting of:
- National 4 Science in S3
- National 5 Skills for Work Health Sector in S4
National 4 Science – S3
The purpose of the Course is to develop learners’ curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for science in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are integrated and developed throughout the Course. The relevance of science is highlighted by the study of the applications of science in everyday contexts. It is practical and experiential, and develops scientific awareness of issues relating to science.
The Course gives opportunities for learners to develop the ability to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make evaluations. The Course covers a variety of contexts relevant to science’s impact on the environment and society through covering the topics Fragile Earth, Human Health and Applications of Science.
The Course also serves to equip all learners with an understanding of the impact of science on everyday life, and with the knowledge and skills to be able to evaluate media reports. This will also equip learners to make their own decisions on issues within a modern society where the body of scientific knowledge and its applications and implications are ever developing.
This Course has a skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all learners and provides sufficient flexibility to enable learners to achieve in different ways.
The units of work that are assessed are:
- Fragile Earth
- Human Health
- Applications of Science
- Added Value Unit: Science Assignment
Assessment and Qualification:
Continual internal assessment, of theory and skills verified by the SQA.
There is no external SQA exam.
Pupils will work towards the award of National 4 Science by the end of S3.
Progression:
Progression This Course or its Units may provide progression to:
- other qualifications in science or related areas
- further study, employment or training
National 5 Skills for Work Health Sector – S4
The National 5 Course is designed as an introduction to the health sector, and provides a progression route for candidates who have successfully completed the National 4 Science Course, building on the skills and knowledge developed at National 4, and introducing candidates to a range of more advanced skills.
The emphasis of this Course is to prepare develop candidates employability skills most valued by employers. Candidates will develop a range of knowledge and skills required in this vocational area. Candidates will investigate a range of job roles and career opportunities as well as participating in a job interview.
Candidates will also develop a wide range of skills, including research and self-evaluation skills. Emphasis throughout all Units is on the employability skills and attitudes which will help prepare candidates for the workplace.
At SCQF level 5, learners work alone or with others on straightforward tasks with support.
The units of work that are assessed are:
- Working in the Health Sector
- Life Sciences Industry and the Health Sector
- Improving Health and Wellbeing
- Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
- Working in Non Clinical Roles
Assessment and Qualification:
Continual internal assessment, of theory and skills verified by the SQA.
There is no external SQA exam.
Pupils will work towards the award of National 4 Science by the end of S3.
Progression:
This course or its components may provide progression to
- National Qualifications in the sciences
- SVQs in Health and Social Care at level 2
- National courses or units
- Further/higher education
- Training/employment
