Higher Biology

Course Rational

The Higher Biology course gives candidates the opportunity to understand and investigate the living world in an engaging and enjoyable way. It develops candidates’ abilities to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. The course provides opportunities for candidates to acquire and apply knowledge to evaluate biological issues, assess risk, make informed decisions and develop an ethical view of complex issues. Candidates are able to develop their communication, collaborative working and leadership skills, and are able to apply critical thinking in new and unfamiliar contexts to solve problems. The course uses an experimental and investigative approach to develop knowledge and understanding of concepts in biology.

Who is this course for?

The course is suitable for candidates who are secure in their attainment of National 5 Biology or an equivalent qualification. It may also be suitable for those in S6 wishing to study biology for the first time.

The course emphasises practical and experiential learning opportunities, with a strong skills based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all candidates, and provides sufficient flexibility to enable candidates to achieve in different ways.

Course content

The course content includes the following areas of biology:

DNA and the Genome

The key areas covered are:

  • structure of DNA replication of DNA

  • gene expression

  • cellular differentiation

  • the structure of the genome

  • mutations

  • evolution

  • genomic sequencing

Metabolism and Survival

The key areas covered are:

  • 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 key areas covered are:

  • food supply, plant growth and productivity

  • plant and animal breeding

  • crop protection

  • animal welfare

  • symbiosis

  • social behaviour

  • components of biodiversity

  • threats to biodiversity

Homework

Homework will be issued on a regular basis, and at the teachers discretion.

All homework should be submitted on time so that marking and feedback can happen in a timely manner.

Skills, knowledge and understanding

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:

  • demonstrating knowledge and understanding of biology by making accurate statements, describing information, providing explanations and integrating knowledge

  • applying biology knowledge to new situations, analysing information and solving problems

  • planning and designing experiments/practical investigations to test given hypotheses or to illustrate particular effects

  • carrying out experiments/practical investigations safely, recording detailed observations and collecting data

  • selecting information from a variety of sources

  • presenting information appropriately in a variety of forms

  • processing information (using calculations and units, where appropriate)

  • making predictions and generalisations from evidence/information

  • drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence/justification

  • evaluating experiments/practical investigations and suggesting improvements

  • communicating findings/information effectively

Recommended entry

The course is suitable for candidates who have achieved a grade C or better at National 5 Biology.

Assessment and progression

The course assessment has two components, both of which are marked externally

  • question paper (80%) and

  • assignment (20%).

Those candidates who achieve grade C or better can progress to Advanced Higher Biology.

Careers

The study of biology is of benefit not only to those intending to pursue a career in science, but also to those intending to work in areas such as the food, health or manufacturing industries.