Studying Biology will allow learners to investigate the applications of biology in society and the environment. These cover relevant and contemporary areas of biology ranging from microscopic cell structure to huge ecosystems, while allowing learners to develop an understanding of the underlying themes.
National 4/5
The National 4 & 5 Biology Courses cover major areas of biology including cellular, whole organism and ecosystems. The key areas of biodiversity, interdependence, natural selection & evolution, body systems & cells and genetics & inheritance are developed through the course.
In S4, pupils will be working towards gaining a qualification in the Senior Phase. National 4 & 5 courses have three units:
* Cell Biology* Multicellular Organisms* Life on Earth
Higher Human Biology
Entry Requirements
• National 5 pass in Biology
• Students in S6 who have been successful at Higher in another Science subject.
The Higher Human Biology Course enables learners to develop and apply knowledge and understanding of human biology, and an understanding of human biology’s role in scientific issues and relevant applications of human biology, including their impact on society and the environment. Learners will build upon knowledge from National 5 by further studying areas such as respiration, the importance of enzymes, DNA. Pupils will learn about the reproductive, circulatory and nervous systems in far greater depth.
Higher Human Biology consists of 3 full units:
* Human Cells * Physiology & Health * Neurobiology & Immunology
Assessment
At National 4 pupils will have to pass each individual unit and complete an Added Value Unit which will be graded as a pass or fail. This will involve the pupils having to research a key area of the course and present their findings in a report, poster or presentation.
At National 5 the Course assessment will consist of two components: a question paper (100 marks) and an assignment (20 marks). The overall grade will be calculated by weighting the exam (80%) and the assignment (20%) together.
At Higher the Course assessment will consist of two components: a question paper (120 marks) and an assignment (20 marks). The overall grade will be calculated by weighting the exam (80%) and the assignment (20%) together.
Progression
Successful completion of the Higher course could lead to studying Advanced Higher Biology.
Successful completion of the Biology courses can lead on to further study and/or employment in a huge range of areas. Examples of these include ecology, nursing, medicine, dentistry, dietetics, psychiatry, forensics, agriculture, radiography, horticulture, food science, pharmacology, biochemistry, marine biology, sports science, physiotherapy, veterinary medicine and speech therapy.
