Science

Science is vital to everyday life and allows us to understand and shape the world in which we live and influence its future. Scientists play a key role in meeting society’s needs in areas such as medicine, energy, industry, material development, the environment and sustainability. This course aims to help learners develop an informed view of science.

This Course has a skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all learners and provides sufficient flexibility to enable learners to achieve in different ways. Learners will develop many skills including the ability to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make evaluations.

The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:

• develop basic knowledge and understanding of science

• develop an understanding of science’s role in scientific issues and relevant applications of science in society and the environment

•  develop scientific inquiry and investigative skills

• develop scientific analytical thinking skills in a science context

• develop the use of technology, equipment and materials, safely, in practical scientific activities

• develop problem solving skills in a science context

• use scientific literacy in everyday contexts

• establish the foundation for more advanced learning in science

The course is divided into three units:

1. Fragile Earth

2. Human Health

3. Applications of Science

Assessment

The course is assessed through the completion of three end of unit assessments. These can be at either National 3 or National 4 level. Candidates will also need to plan, carry out and write up a practical investigation.

Further information on the course can be found at: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/48610.html or https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47426.html 

Through a range of experimental and research activities you will develop your skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context. You will explore the role of biology in scientific issues and relevant applications of biology in society and the environment. You will enhance your proficiency in scientific literacy. 

The course is divided into three units. 

1. Cell Biology 

   • Cell Structure

   • Transport across cell membranes

   • DNA and the production of proteins

   • Proteins

   • Genetic engineering

   • Respiration

2. Multicellular Organisms and cell division 

   • Producing new cells

   • Control and communication

   • Reproduction

   • Variation and inheritance

   • Transport systems

   • Absorption of materials

3. Life on Earth 

   • Ecosystems

   • Distribution of organisms

   • Photosynthesis

   • Energy in ecosystems

   • Food production

   • Evolution of species

Assessment at National 5

The course is assessed externally through a question paper and submission of an assignment. This assignment is worth 20 marks scaled to 25. The marks contribute 20% of the overall marks for the course assessment. Further information can be found at : http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47427.html 

Progression

This Course may provide progression to other National Courses, Higher Biology or related areas, further study, employment or training.

This course comprises three mandatory units. 

• DNA and the Genome 

• Metabolism and Survival 

• Sustainability and Interdependence 

The course aims to stimulate interest and enthusiasm for biology in a range of contexts. Learners will develop their skills of scientific inquiry through investigating the applications of modern biology and study the most relevant and current applications of biological science in today’s society. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the sciences, learners may benefit from studying Higher Biology along with other science subjects, as this may enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding. 

Learners will undertake an assignment. Information will be collected from different sources by the learner and they will be expected to plan and carry out a practical investigation. Learners will analyse their results and formulate a personal report of their findings. 

Assessment

The course is assessed externally through a question paper and submission of an assignment. This assignment is worth 20 marks scaled to 30. This is 20% of the overall marks for the course assessment. Further information can be found at: http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47912.html 

The Advanced Higher Biology course places more demands on the learner. There is a higher proportion of independent study and less direct supervision. Students will develop a critical understanding of the role of biology in scientific issues and relevant applications and the impact these make on the environment. They will develop their analytical and investigative skills in order to design, plan and produce their own biology investigation. 

The course comprises of three units: 

Cells and Proteins 

In this unit, the key role that proteins play in the structure and functioning of cells and organisms is studied at depth, building upon the learner’s prior knowledge of proteins introduced in the Higher Biology Course.

Organisms and Evolution 

Exploring the importance of parasites in evolution, this unit builds on the understanding of genomics, inheritance, parasitism and disease developed in the revised Higher Biology Course. 

Investigative Biology 

This unit will give learners a solid grounding in both the principles and practice of investigative biology. The planning and carrying out of a 20 hour Biology Investigation is also part of this Unit. 

Assessment 

The course is assessed externally through a question paper and submission of an investigation report. This project is worth 30 marks scaled to 40. This contributes 25% to the overall marks for the course assessment. Further information can be found at : http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/48458.html 

Through a range of experimental and research activities you will develop your skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context. You will explore the role of physics in scientific issues and relevant applications of physics in society and the environment. You will enhance your proficiency in scientific literacy. 

The course is divided into the following areas:

1. Dynamics

   • Vectors and scalars

   • Velocity-time graphs

   • Acceleration

   • Newton’s laws

   • Energy

   • Projectile motion

2. Space

   • Space Exploration

   • Cosmology

3. Electricity 

   • Electrical charge carriers

   • Potential difference (voltage)

   • Ohm’s law

   • Practical electrical and electronic circuits

   • Electricity

   • Electrical power

4. Properties of matter 

   • Specific heat capacity

   • Specific latent heat

   • Gas laws and the kinetic model

5. Waves 

   • Wave parameters and behaviours

   • Electromagnetic spectrum

   • Refraction of light

6. Radiation 

   • Nuclear radiation

   • Units, prefixes and scientific notation

Assessment at National 5 

The course is assessed externally through a question paper and submission of an assignment. Further information can be found at : http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47430.html 

Progression

This Course may provide progression to other Science National Courses, Higher Physics or related areas, further study, employment or training.

This course comprises of three mandatory units: 

• Our Dynamic Universe 

• Particles and Waves

• Electricity 

Learners will develop their skills of analytical thinking, expand upon their knowledge and understanding of the key areas and apply these skills to consider the contemporary implications on our society and environment. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy. 

Learners will undertake an assignment. Information will be collected from different sources by the learner and they will be expected to plan and carry out a practical investigation. Learners will analyse their results and formulate a personal report of their findings. 

Assessment 

The course is assessed externally through a question paper and submission of an assignment. This assignment is worth 20 marks scaled to 30. This contributes 20% to the overall marks for the course assessment.. Further information can be found at : http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47916.html 

The Advanced Higher Physics course places more demands on the learner. There is a higher proportion of independent study and less direct supervision. Students will develop a critical understanding of the role of physics in scientific issues and relevant applications and the impact these make on the physical and natural environment. They will develop their analytical and investigative skills in order to design, plan and produce their own chemistry investigation. 

The course comprises of four areas: 

Rotational Motion and Astrophysics 

This Unit develops knowledge and understanding and skills in physics related to rotational motion and astrophysics. It provides opportunities to develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving angular motion. An astronomical perspective is developed through a study of gravitation, leading to work on general relativity and stellar physics. 

Quanta and Waves 

This Unit develops knowledge and understanding and skills in physics related to quanta and waves. It provides opportunities to develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving quantum theory and waves 

Electromagnetism 

This Unit develops knowledge and understanding and skills in physics related to electromagnetism. It provides opportunities to develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving electromagnetism. 

Investigating Physics 

In this Unit, learners will develop key investigative skills. The Unit offers opportunities for independent learning set within the context of experimental physics. Learners will identify, research, plan and carry out a physics investigation of their choice. 

Assessment 

The course is assessed externally through a question paper and submission of an investigation report. This project is worth 30 marks scaled to 40. This contributes 25% to the overall marks for the course assessment.