Biology
National 5
Course Overview
AIMS OF THE COURSE
The course develops scientific understanding of biological issues and aims to generate enthusiasm for biology by developing pupils’ interests with an emphasis on practical activities.
COURSE CONTENT
Cell Biology
This topic covers cell structure and processes within cells, such as transport, photosynthesis, and respiration, as well as DNA, protein and biotechnology.
Multicellular Organisms
This topic includes a comparative approach to the study of plants and animals, through areas such as reproduction and inheritance, the need for transport within organisms, digestion and associated enzymes, control and communication, and health.
Life on Earth
This topic will include the topics on world ecosystems, evolution, natural selection and competition, behaviour, biodiversity, decay, recycling, microorganisms, and ethical issues.
HOMEWORK REQUIREMENTS
Pupils should expect to work at home on a regular basis. Without prompting, they should look back each week and summarise what they have covered. In addition, they can expect to be doing either a written exercise or preparation for assessments.
POSSIBLE PROGRESSION ROUTES
Biology courses lead to many careers where biology is applied: medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, nursing, speech and occupational therapy, psychology, veterinary sciences, agriculture, plant and animal breeding, food science, dietetics, microbiology, ecology, conservation, pharmacology, biochemistry and biophysics.
Faculty Principal Teacher
Miss F Keppie
Cell Biology (N5)
Cell structure
Transport across cell membranes
Producing new cells
DNA and the production of proteins
Proteins and enzymes
Genetic engineering
Photosynthesis
Respiration
Multicellular Organisms (N5)
Cells, tissues and organs
Stem cells and meristems
Control and Communication
Reproduction
Variation and inheritance
The need for transport
Effects of lifestyle choices on animal transport and exchange systems
Life on Earth (N5)
Biodiversity and the distribution of life
Energy in ecosystems
Sampling techniques and measurement of abiotic and biotic factors
Adaptation, natural selection and the evolution of species
Human impact on the environment
Assessment Methods
ASSESSMENT PATTERN
Each topic will be assessed through an end of unit test. There will be an external examination at the end of the course covering all 3 topics and lasts 2.5hrs. Pupils will sit an assignment task in school which will contribute to 20% of their overall grade.
ASSIGNMENT
Pupils choose from a selection of experiments, which they then carry out under supervision. The underlying biology relating to the experiment is researched and a report is written under controlled conditions.
Learning and Teaching Approaches
A variety of methods is used, including class teaching, project work, various practical activities, problem solving exercises, tutorials in small groups, videos and discussion.
Progression Pathways
National 4 Pass:
National 5 Lab Science
National 5 A - C:
FA Scientific Technologies