Biology, the study of living organisms, plays a crucial role in our everyday existence and is an increasingly important subject in the modern world. Biology affects everyone and aims to find solutions to many of the world’s problems. Advances in technology have made this varied subject more exciting and relevant than ever.
National 4
Pupils will learn about the following 3 required units:
- Cell Biology – This unit covers cell division and its role in growth and repair, DNA, genes and chromosomes, therapeutic use of cells, properties of enzymes and use in industries, properties of micro-organisms and their use in industries, photosynthesis, respiration and controversial biological procedures.
- Multicellular Biology – This unit covers sexual and asexual reproduction and their importance for survival of species, propagating and growing plants, commercial use of plants, genetic information, growth and development of different organisms, and biological actions in response to internal and external changes to maintain stable body conditions.
- Life on Earth – This unit covers interdependence of species, impact of population growth and natural hazards on biodiversity, nitrogen cycle, fertiliser design and environmental impact of fertilisers, adaptations for survival, and learned behaviour in response to stimuli linked to species survival.
To achieve the the National 4 Biology Course award, learners must pass all 3 required units, including the Added Value Unit. In the Added Value Unit, learners will demonstrate their breadth of knowledge and extend the skills gained in the 3 required units, in unfamiliar contexts to produce their own report.
Useful links for parents to support young people:
BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z3ykjxsSQA N4 Biology (available via tile on Glow launch pad. The most useful section is the Course Assessment Specification).
National 5
Pupils will learn about the following 3 required units:
- Cell Biology – This unit covers cell structure, transport across cell membranes, DNA and the production of proteins, proteins, genetic engineering and respiration.
- Multicellular Biology – This unit covers producing new cells, control and communication, reproduction, variation and inheritance, transport systems in plants and animals and absorption of materials
- Life on Earth – This unit covers ecosystems, distribution of organisms, photosynthesis, energy in ecosystems, food production and evolution of species.
National 5 Biology has 2 components which are assessed. Component 1 is the examination. This is marked by the SQA out of 100 marks (25 multiple choice questions and 75 marks from structured and extended response questions). Component 1 is worth 80% of the overall grade. The remaining 20% is made up of Component 2 which is the assignment. This is made up of a research stage and a report stage done as a controlled assessment in school. The finalised assignment report will be marked by the SQA out of 20 marks.
Useful links for parents to support young people:
Achieve (excellent one stop complete revision aid – available via tile on Glow launch pad)
Scholar (online revision course – available via tile on Glow launch pad
BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zync87hIf pupils are absent (or just wish to revise a particular area of work), presentations are available for each key area of the course via the WestOS tile on the Glow launch pad or through Mr Mitchell’s N5 Biology YouTube links
https://www.youtube.com/@MrMitchellSQA N5 Biology (available via tile on Glow launch pad. The most useful sections are the past papers / marking schemes and the Course Assessment Specification).
Higher
Pupils will learn about the following 3 required units:
- DNA and the genome – This unit covers the structure of DNA, replication of DNA, gene expression, cellular differentiation, the structure of the genome, mutations, evolution and genomic sequencing.
- Metabolism and survival – This unit covers metabolic pathways, cellular respiration, metabolic rate, metabolism in conformers and regulators, metabolism in adverse conditions, environmental control of metabolism and genetic control of metabolism.
- Sustainability and interdependence – This unit covers food supply, plant growth and productivity, plant and animal breeding, crop protection, animal welfare, symbiosis, social behaviour, components of biodiversity and threats to biodiversity.
Higher Biology has 2 components which are assessed. Component 1 is the examination. This is marked by the SQA out of 120 marks (25 multiple choice questions and 95 marks from structured and extended response questions). Component 1 is worth 80% of the overall grade. The remaining 20% is made up of Component 2 which is the assignment. This is made up of a research stage and a report stage done as a controlled assessment in school. The finalised assignment report will be marked by the SQA out of 20 marks (but scaled to 30 marks).
Useful links for parents to support young people:
Achieve (excellent one stop complete revision aid – available via tile on Glow launch pad)
Scholar (online revision course – available via tile on Glow launch pad)
BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zm6tyrd
If pupils are absent (or just wish to revise a particular area of work), presentations are available for each key area of the course via the WestOS tile on the Glow launch pad or through Mr Mitchell’s H Biology YouTube links
https://www.youtube.com/@MrMitchellSQA Higher Biology (available via tile on Glow launch pad. The most useful sections are the past papers / marking schemes and the Course Assessment Specification).
Advanced Higher
Pupils will learn about the following 3 required units:
- Cells and proteins – This unit covers laboratory techniques, proteins, membrane proteins, communication and signalling and protein control of cell division.
- Organisms and evolution – This unit covers field techniques for biologists, evolution, variation and sexual reproduction, sex and behaviour and parasitism.
- Investigative biology – This unit covers
Advanced Higher Biology has 2 components which are assessed. Component 1 is the examination. This 3 hour exam is marked by the SQA out of 100 marks (20 multiple choice questions and 80 marks from structured and extended response questions. This is then scaled to 120 marks). Component 1 is worth 75% of the overall grade. The remaining 25% is made up of Component 2 which is the project. This is made up of a research stage and a report stage. The finalised project report will be marked by the SQA out of 30 marks (but scaled to 40 marks).
Useful links for parents to support young people:
Scholar (online revision course – available via tile on Glow launch pad)
Mr Mitchell’s AH Biology YouTube links
https://www.youtube.com/@MrMitchell