Biology
What will I learn?
The Higher Biology course allows candidates to develop deeper understanding of the underlying themes of biology. The scale of topics ranges from molecular through to whole organism and beyond. Candidates develop an understanding of DNA and how the structure of the genome leads to the basis of evolution and biodiversity. Genomics is studied as one of the major scientific advances in recent times. Metabolic pathways and their control are considered along with the conditions in which organisms survive and their means of coping with these. The interdependence and complex interactions between organisms is explored and sustainable food production, with the fundamental process of photosynthesis at its core, is investigated.
The course content includes the following areas of biology:
DNA and the genome
The key areas covered are structure of DNA; replication of DNA; gene expression; cellular differentiation; the structure of the genome; mutations; evolution; genomic sequencing.
Metabolism and survival
The key areas covered are metabolic pathways; cellular respiration; metabolic rate; metabolism in conformers and regulators; metabolism and adverse conditions; environmental control of metabolism; genetic control of metabolism.
Sustainability and interdependence
The key areas covered are food supply, plant growth and productivity; plant and animal breeding; crop protection; animal welfare; symbiosis; social behaviour; components of biodiversity; threats to biodiversity.
How will I learn?
Learners will develop and apply their knowledge of Biology by working collaboratively to carry out experiments, research tasks and presentations. This will enable them to develop their scientific inquiry, investigative and analytical thinking skills in a biological context. They will also have opportunities to discuss and debate the moral and ethical implications of current biological issues.
There will be opportunities for the development of literacy and numeracy skills and where appropriate, aspects of health and wellbeing and ICT will be included.
How will I be assessed?
Question Paper (120 marks) – accounts for 80% of the total marks for external assessment. Paper 1 contains multiple-choice questions and has 25 marks. Paper 2 contains structured and extended response questions and has 95 marks.
Course Assignment (20 marks) – The assignment requires learners to research a topic in Biology, carry out relevant experimental work and prepare a report on their findings. It accounts for 20% of the total marks for external assessment.
Career Opportunities
There 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?
The course allows candidates to acquire a deeper understanding of the central concepts of chemistry. Candidates gain an understanding of chemical bonding and intermolecular forces that allows them to predict the physical properties of materials. They apply a knowledge of functional groups and organic reaction types to solve problems in a range of diverse contexts. Candidates also learn important chemical concepts used to take a chemical process from the researcher’s bench through to industrial production. The concept of the mole allows the quantities of reagents required to be calculated, and the quantity of products predicted. By studying energy, rates and equilibria, candidates can suggest how reaction conditions can be chosen to maximise the profitability of an industrial process. Candidates learn about industrial analytical chemistry techniques, such as volumetric analysis and chromatography.
The course content includes the following areas of chemistry:
Chemical changes and structure
In this area the topics covered are periodicity; structure and bonding; controlling the rate.
Nature’s Chemistry
In this area, topics covered are systematic carbon chemistry; alcohols; carboxylic acids; esters; fats and oils; soaps; detergents and emulsions; proteins; oxidation of food; fragrances; skin care.
Chemistry in Society
In this area, topics covered are getting the most from reactants; oxidising and reducing agents; chemical energy; equilibria; chemical analysis.
How will I learn?
Learners will develop and apply their knowledge of Chemistry by working collaboratively to carry out experiments, research tasks and presentations. This will enable them to develop their scientific inquiry, investigative and analytical thinking skills in a chemical context. They will also have opportunities to discuss and debate the moral and ethical implications of current chemical issues.
There will be opportunities for the development of literacy and numeracy skills and where appropriate, aspects of health and wellbeing and ICT will be included.
How will I be assessed?
Question Paper (120 marks) – accounts for 80% of the total marks for external assessment. Paper 1 contains multiple-choice questions and has 25 marks. Paper 2 contains structured and extended response questions and has 95 marks.
Course Assignment (20 marks) – The assignment requires learners to research a topic in Chemistry, carry out relevant experimental work and prepare a report on their findings. It accounts for 20% 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 Higher Physics Course enables learners to gain a deeper insight into the structure of the subject and reinforce and extend their knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics.
The course content includes the following areas of physics:
Our dynamic Universe
In this area, the topics covered are: motion – equations and graphs; forces, energy and power; collisions, explosions and impulse; gravitation; special relativity; the expanding Universe.
Particles and waves
In this area, the topics covered are: forces on charged particles; the Standard Model; nuclear reactions; inverse square law; wave-particle duality; interference; spectra; refraction of light.
Electricity
In this area, the topics covered are: monitoring and measuring AC; current, potential difference, power and resistance; electrical sources and internal resistance; capacitors; semi-conductors and p-n junctions.
How will I learn?
Learners will develop and apply their knowledge of Physics by working collaboratively to carry out experiments, research tasks and presentations. This will enable them to develop their scientific inquiry, investigative and analytical thinking skills in a physical context.
There will be opportunities for the development of literacy and numeracy skills and where appropriate, aspects of health and wellbeing and ICT will be included.
How will I be assessed?
Question Paper (155 marks) – accounts for 80% of the total marks for external assessment. Paper 1 contains multiple-choice questions and has 25 marks. Paper 2 contains structured and extended response questions and has 130 marks.
Course Assignment (20 marks) – The assignment requires learners to research a topic in Physics, carry out relevant experimental work and prepare a report on their findings. It accounts for 20% 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.
