Biology S5/S6

Biology Advanced Higher

Entry requirements

Ideally an A or B pass at Higher Grade. Students with a C level find the course both challenging and interesting; they must discuss their choice with the Curriculum Leader: Sciences.

Course Description

The content of Advanced Higher reflects the importance of Cell and Molecular biology and Environmental biology as fundamental areas of science. The optional unit could be on of the following and will vary from year to year.

Biotechnology
Animal Behaviour
Physiology, Health & Exercise

Unit Title	Content	Credit
Cell & Molecular Biology	Structure and function of cells and their component Cell growth & Molecular Interaction	1 Credit
Environmental Biology	The effects of human impact	1 Credit
Physiology Health & Exercise	Exercise and its effect on metabolismand the cardiovascular system	0.5 Credit
Biology Investigation	With help and guidance you will choose a personal study topic

Unit assessment

Each unit will be assessed by an end of unit test covering Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving
A report on one practical carried out during the course is also required - redrafting may be allowed
Each unit will also be tested at level A/B/C in the style of the SQA external assessment

External Assessment

The examination will consist of one paper of 2.5 hours and contribute 80% of the total marks. The paper will carry 100 marks.

To be presented for the external assessment a student must have successfully passed all Unit Assessment and at least one practical report.
The external assessment will be awarded at Grade A, B, C or D.

Course Award

to gain the course award a student must pass
all unit assessments
at least one practical report
external assessment

The Investigation

The final investigation report will be worth 20% of the total marks and will be externally marked. The report should not exceed 2500 words.

Core Skills

Biology Higher

Entry requirements

Standard Grade Biology at Grades 1 or 2 for KU and PS
Int 2 Biology at Grade A or B. Any student with a B pass must consult the Curriculum Leader.
Reasonable mathematical skills are essential. Students without these requirements should consult with the Curriculum Leader: Sciences before making this subject choice.

Is it possible to start from scratch? Only in exceptional cases.

Course Description

The content reflects the importance of biochemistry, molecular biology and ecological/environmental issues in modern biology, both as fundamental areas of science and as a basis for study in applied fields such as geneticengineering, immunology and population studies.

Unit Title	Content	Credit
Cell Biology	Cell structure & function Biochemical processes DNA & replication Viruses and all defences	1 Credit
Genetics and Adaptation	Genetics Evolution Adaptations of plants and animals	1 Credit
Control and Regular	growth, development & homeostasis environmental monitoring conservation management of natural resources	1 Credit

Assessment

Unit assessment

Each unit will be assessed by an end of unit test covering Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving
A report on one practical carried out during the course is also required - redrafting may be allowed
Each unit will also be tested at level A/B/C in the style of the SQA external assessment

External Assessment

The examination will consist of one paper of 2.5 hours and contribute 80% of the total marks. The paper will carry 100 marks.

To be presented for the external assessment a student must have successfully passed all Unit Assessment and at least one practical report.
The external assessment will be awarded at Grade A, B, C or D.

Course Award

To gain the course award a student must pass

all unit assessments
at least one practical report
external assessment

The Investigation

The final investigation report will be worth 20% of the total marks and will be externally marked. The report should not exceed 2500 words.

Core Skills

Biology Intermediate 2

Entry Requirements

Standard Grade Biology at Grade 3 or 4 for KU and PS.

Any student with the following passes must consult with the Curriculum Leader before choosing Int 2 Biology.

Standard Grade Chemistry at Grades 1 or 2
Standard Grade Physics at Grades 1 or 2
Standard Grade Science at Grades 1, 2 or 3

Reasonable mathematical skills are essential

Course Description

The Int 2 Biology course will develop your awareness of biological facts, ideas and their application to society and your environment

Unit Title	Content	Credit
Living Cells	Cell structure and function Cell communication diffusion, osmosis Respiration and photosynthesis Enzymes	1 Credit
Genetics and Environmental Biology	Ecosystems and energy Genetics	1 Credit
Animal Physiology	Body systems:- digestive, respiratory, urinary, circulatory and nervous	1 Credit

Assessment

Unit assessment

Each unit will be assessed by an end of unit test covering Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving
A report on one practical carried out during the unit is also required - redrafting may be allowed
Each unit will also be tested at level A/B/C in the style of the SQA external assessment

External Assessment

The external examination will last for 2 hours testing both Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving (100 marks) by multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.

To be presented for the external assessment a student must have successfully passed all Unit Assessment and at least one practical report
The external assessment will be awarded at Grade A, B, C or D.

Core Skills