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This course is optional
What will you study in this course?
What will you study in this course?
DNA and the Genome
The Unit covers the key areas of structure of DNA; replication of DNA; control of gene expression; cellular differentiation; the structure of the genome; mutations; evolution; genomic sequencing.
Metabolism and Survival
The Unit covers the key areas of 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 Unit covers the key areas of food supply, plant growth and productivity; plant and animal breeding; crop protection; animal welfare; symbiosis; social behaviour; mass extinction, components of biodiversity and threats to biodiversity.
Analytical thinking and problem solving skills will be developed contextually within all these topics.
Where does this course lead to?
Where does this course lead to?
Successful students can progress to Higher Environmental Science and Advanced Higher Biology. You may also wish to do an alternative Science subject or L4/5/6 STEM Leader as an alternative on your pathway.
Course methodology
Course methodology
The course encourages development of; knowledge and understanding; solving problems; planning, designing experiments/investigations; selecting/presenting information; processing information; predicting; drawing valid conclusions; explaining/justifying; suggesting improvements; independent working. Learning will include activities which are experiential, active, challenging and include appropriate practical activities. An investigatory approach will be encouraged in Biology, with pupils involved in developing their skills, knowledge and understanding.
Assessment in this course
Assessment in this course
To gain the award of the Course, pupils must pass the course assessment
The course assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the Course award (grades A-D).
The Course assessment will consist of two Components:
a question paper (Exam) (two papers, 120 marks in total)
Paper 1 – Multiple Choice, 25 Marks, 40 mins
Paper 2 - 95 marks, 2hr 20min.
an assignment (one section, 20 marks, scaled to 30 = 20% of overall grade, 2 hours).
The purpose of the assignment is to allow the learner to carry out an in-depth study of a biology topic. Learners will apply skills of scientific inquiry, using related knowledge, to carry out a meaningful and appropriately challenging task in biology and communicate findings.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Development of skills for learning, life and work
It is expected that learners will develop broad, generic skills through this course in:
Numeracy (Number processes, information handling and money, time and measurement)
Thinking Skills (Applying, analysing, evaluating and understanding)
The following resources are useful for this course:
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