Biology
What will I learn?
The Advanced Higher Biology Course is based on integrative ideas and unifying principles of modern biological science. The Course 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. Learners develop a sound theoretical understanding and practical experience of experimental investigative work in biological science.
The course content includes the following areas of biology:
Cells and proteins
The key areas covered are laboratory techniques for biologists; proteins; membrane proteins; communication and signalling; protein control of cell division.
Organisms and evolution
The key areas covered are field techniques for biologists; evolution; variation and sexual reproduction; sex and behaviour; parasitism.
Investigative biology
The key areas covered are scientific principles and process; experimentation; reporting and critical evaluation of biological research.
How will I learn?
The course encourages candidates to take more responsibility for their learning. They will be taken through the course by the class teacher using a variety of resources. This provides good preparation for candidates moving on to study in further or higher education. It gives them further experience in independent investigative work. Candidates improve their scientific literacy by designing and carrying out their own investigation, analysing and evaluating scientific publications and media reports, and producing scientific reports and communications. Opportunities to generate new ideas when planning and designing investigations and experiments also develops candidates’ creativity.
How will I be assessed?
Question Paper (100 marks) – accounts for 75% of the total marks for external assessment. Section 1 contains multiple-choice questions and has 20 marks. Section 2 contains structured and extended response questions and has 80 marks.
Course Project (30 marks) – The project requires learners to research a topic in Biology, carry out relevant experimental work and prepare a report on their findings. It accounts for 25% of the total marks for external assessment.
Career Opportunities
here are many and varied career opportunities for students of Biology including research, teaching, medicine, dentistry, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational health, pharmacy, sport sciences, food industry, veterinary medicine, zoology/animal care, forensics, hairdressing, farming, renewable energy, etc. The skills developed in Science subjects can also lead to careers in many other areas.
Chemistry
What will I learn?
This course allows candidates to develop a deep understanding of the nature of matter, from its most fundamental level to the macroscopic interactions driving chemical change. The Course builds on Higher Chemistry, continuing to develop the underlying theories of chemistry and the practical skills used in the chemistry laboratory. Learners develop the skills of independent study and thought that are essential in a wide range of occupations.
The course content includes the following areas of chemistry:
Inorganic chemistry
In this area the topics covered are electromagnetic radiation and atomic spectra; atomic orbitals, electronic configurations and the periodic table; transition metals.
Physical chemistry
In this area, topics covered are chemical equilibrium; reaction feasibility; kinetics.
Organic chemistry and instrumental analysis
In this area, topics covered are molecular orbitals; synthesis; stereochemistry; experimental determination of structure; pharmaceutical chemistry.
Researching chemistry
In this area, topics covered are common chemical apparatus; skills involved in experimental work; stoichiometric calculations; gravimetric analysis; volumetric analysis; practical skills and techniques.
How will I learn?
The course encourages candidates to take more responsibility for their learning. They will be taken through the course by the class teacher using a variety of resources. This provides good preparation for candidates moving on to study in further or higher education. It gives them further experience in independent investigative work. Candidates improve their scientific literacy by designing and carrying out their own investigation, analysing and evaluating scientific publications and producing scientific reports and communications. Opportunities to generate new ideas when planning and designing investigations and experiments also develops candidates’ creativity.
How will I be assessed?
Question Paper (110 marks) – accounts for 75% of the total marks for external assessment. Section 1 contains multiple-choice questions and has 25 marks. Section 2 contains structured and extended response questions and has 85 marks.
Course Project (25 marks) – The project requires learners to research a topic in Chemistry, carry out relevant experimental work and prepare a report on their findings. It accounts for 25% of the total marks for external assessment.
Career Opportunities
There are many and varied career opportunities for students of Chemistry including research, teaching, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, food industry, veterinary medicine, forensics, oil/gas/ nuclear industries, pharmaceutical industry, environmental monitoring, renewable energy, hairdressing, farming, technology, etc. The skills developed in Science subjects can also lead to careers in many other areas.
Physics
What will I learn?
The Advanced Higher Physics Course enables learners to build on the knowledge and skills developed in the Higher Physics Course and to use their mathematical knowledge and skills to analyse and solve problems in real-life contexts. Through a deeper insight into the structure of the subject, the course reinforces and extends knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics and develops skills in investigative practical work.
The course content includes the following areas of physics:
Rotational motion and astrophysics
In this area, the topics covered are: kinematic relationships; angular motion; rotational dynamics; gravitation; general relativity; stellar physics.
Quanta and waves
In this area, the topics covered are: introduction to quantum theory; particles from space; simple harmonic motion; waves; interference; polarisation.
Electromagnetism
In this area, the topics covered are: fields; circuits; electromagnetic radiation.
Units, prefixes and uncertainties
In this area, the topics covered are: units, prefixes and scientific notation; uncertainties; data analysis; evaluation and significance of experimental uncertainties.
How will I learn?
The course encourages candidates to take more responsibility for their learning. They will be taken through the course by the class teacher using a variety of resources. This provides good preparation for candidates moving on to study in further or higher education. It gives them further experience in independent investigative work. Candidates improve their scientific literacy by designing and carrying out their own investigation, analysing and evaluating scientific publications and producing scientific reports and communications. Opportunities to generate new ideas when planning and designing investigations and experiments also develops candidates’ creativity.
How will I be assessed?
Question Paper (155 marks) – accounts for 75% of the total marks for external assessment. The question paper contains structured and extended response questions.
Course Project (30 marks) – The project requires learners to research a topic in Physics, carry out relevant experimental work and prepare a report on their findings. It accounts for 25% of the total marks for external assessment.
Career Opportunities
There are many and varied career opportunities for students of Physics including research, teaching, medicine – diagnosis and treatment, renewable energy, electrical/mechanical/civil engineering, electronics, oil/gas/nuclear industries, construction, transport, telecommunications. The skills developed in Science subjects can also lead to careers in many other areas.
