National 4 Biology
Who is this course for?
The Course is suitable for learners who have experienced learning across the sciences experiences and outcomes. The Course may be suitable for those wishing to study biology for the first time. This Course has a skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all learners and provides sufficient flexibility to enable learners to achieve in different ways.
Course structure
The Course has four mandatory Units including the Added Value Unit.
Cell Biology
The key areas covered are: cell division and its role in growth and repair, DNA, genes and chromosomes, therapeutic use of cells, properties of enzymes and use in industries, properties of microorganisms and use in industries, photosynthesis — limiting factors, factors affecting respiration, and controversial biological procedures.
Biology: Multicellular Organisms
The key areas covered are: sexual and asexual reproduction and their importance for survival of species, propagating and growing plants, commercial use of plants, genetic information, growth and development of different organisms, and biological actions in response to internal and external changes to maintain stable body conditions.
Biology: Life on Earth
The key areas covered are how animal and plants species depend on each other, impact of population growth and natural hazards on biodiversity, nitrogen cycle, fertiliser design and environmental impact of fertilisers, adaptations for survival, and learned behaviour in response to stimuli linked to species survival.
Added Value Unit: Biology Assignment
Learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.
Assessment
To achieve the National 4 Biology Course, learners must pass all of the required Units, including the Added Value Unit. National 4 Courses are not graded.
Progression
This Course or its Units may provide progression to:
National 5 Biology, National 5 Environmental Science or related areas
further study, employment and/or training
Skills, knowledge and understanding
This includes:
demonstrating knowledge and understanding of biology by making statements, describing information and providing explanations
applying biology knowledge to familiar situations, interpreting information and solving problems
planning and safely carrying out experiments/practical investigations to illustrate effects
using information handling skills by selecting, presenting and processing information
making generalisations based on evidence/information
drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence
suggesting improvements to experiments/practical investigations
communicating findings/information
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.