N4/5 Biology

DURATION

1 Year / 160 Hours

COURSEWORK

N4: Unit Assessments & AVU

N5: 20% of course award

EXAM

N4: No exam

N5: Question Paper - 80% of course award

COST

No Cost

What will you learn?

National 4: Biology affects everyone and aims to find solutions to many of the world’s problems. Biology, the study of living organisms, plays a crucial role in our everyday existence, and is an increasingly important subject in the modern world. Advances in technologies have made this varied subject more exciting and relevant than ever.

Cell Biology

This unit includes studying DNA, therapeutic uses of cells, enzymes, microbes in industry, Photosynthesis and respiration. Controversial biological procedures are also discussed.

Multicellular Organisms

This unit covers reproduction, propagating plants, commercial uses of plants, genetic information and how it is passed on. Maintaining stable body conditions e.g. body temp and glucose are also covered.

Life on earth

Topics include the Impact of human population and the effects of natural hazards on biodiversity. Fertiliser design and the nitrogen cycle. Behaviour and adaptations for survival.

National 5: To provide a broad based introduction to the study of Biology from which the student may progress. It will introduce biological facts and concepts and explain how these relate to the application of Biology in Society and Industry.

Biology: Cell Biology

Cell structure, transport across cell membranes, producing new cells, DNA and the production of proteins, proteins and enzymes, genetic engineering, respiration and photosynthesis.

Biology: Multicellular Organisms

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, stem cell research and health.

Biology: Life on Earth

Biodiversity, energy in ecosystems, sampling techniques, adaptation, natural selection, evolution and the human impact on the environment.

Why do this course?

Biology is the study of all living things, from the tiniest organisms to the largest lifeforms. You will learn how nature and the human body work, and how different forms of life eat, make energy and reproduce. You will also find out how Biology is helping to find solutions to world problems.

The course will be of interest and value to candidates wishing to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of biology. The course is a broad and up-to-date selection of concepts and ideas relevant to the central position of life science within our society. An experimental and investigative approach is used to develop knowledge and understanding of key areas of biology.

What will you experience?

A wide range of teaching strategies are used with classes, such as thinking skills, direct teaching, paired and/or group work. Work in class is supported through the use of work guides, text books, study notes, ICT and other digital media. Pupils are expected to take on responsibility for their learning.

Practical work will be integrated into the course to support and demonstrate the concepts being developed.

Key Facts

Everything you need to know before selecting this course

Assessment

Assessment will be a part of the Learning process. There will be end of topic tests, practical assessments and other opportunities for pupils to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and knowledge and understanding.

National 4 : 3 Units Assessments + 'Outcome 1' and Added Value Unit

Unit assessment is by a Question Paper, an experiment report and a short piece of writing. Added Value Unit is assessed by research and a structured report about a chosen topic.

National 5 : Assignment 20% Question Paper 80%

Assignment is 7-8 hours in class research & 1.5 hours written assignment report

Question paper is 2 hours 30 minutes

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry is at the discretion of the Principal Teacher Faculty, Science. However, as a guide:

A pass a the previous NQ level. i.e. for National 5, a pass at National 4.
A recommendation on completion of BGE S3 Course
A pass at National 4 or BGE S3 in another Science subject

Homework

Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, this will be available on TEAMs.

Progression and Employment

Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course

Progression

National 4 to National 5
National 5 to Higher Biology or Human Biology or National 5 in any other science.

Employment

There are many career opportunities connected with biology, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, food science, sport science, pharmacology and beauty therapy.

Learner Experiences

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