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.