Biology
The following Biology courses are covered in S3 to S6
(click a course to visit the link)
S3 Biology
BGE level 3 & 4
In S3 Biology pupils will follow a curriculum that covers level 3 and 4 Experiences and Outcomes. They will also begin to cover content from National Qualifications to help them prepare for N3/4/5 Biology. The course will be taught over 4 topics and features many experiments and practicals.
Topics:
Responding to change (the nervous system and blood glucose control)
Cell Biology (Cells, diffusion and cell division)
Enzymes (enzymes and the digestive system)
Reproduction and inheritance (reproductive organs and strategies, and DNA)
In the course you will get the chance to use microscopes to look at your own cells, perform experiments with enzymes, extract DNA from strawberries, amongst many others!
National 3 Biology
National 3 Biology is made up of 3 units. The course has no external exam however does feature 3 Unit tests which pupils must pass. The units are:
Unit 1: Cell Biology
In this unit you will look the structure and function of cells, DNA and photosynthesis. You will get the chance to use microscopes and extract DNA from strawberries!
Unit 2: Multicellular Organisms
In this unit you will look at the structure and function of organs, the immune system and disease. You will also look at fertilisation and embryonic development.
Unit 3: Life on Earth
In this unit you will sample and identify plants and animals, and investigate chemicals used in agriculture. This topic features lots of outdoor learning.
Skills: In N3 Biology you will develop your practical skills whilst performing experiments. You will also develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
National 4 Biology
National 4 Biology is made up of 3 units. The course has no external exam however does feature 3 Unit tests which pupils must pass. The units are:
Unit 1: Cell Biology
In this unit you will look at cell division, DNA, enzymes, microorganisms and photosynthesis. You will get the chance to extract DNA from strawberries and make your own bread/beer!
Unit 2: Multicellular Organisms
In this unit you will look at reproduction, plants, genetics and the growth and development of organisms. You will get the chance to grow your own plants and perform experiments related to diabetes!
Unit 3: Life on Earth
In this unit you will look at ecosystems, food webs and adaptations. You will get the chance to build pitfall traps to sample invertebrates and use quadrats to sample plants outside!
Skills: In N4 Biology you will develop your practical skills whilst performing experiments. You will also develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
National 5 Biology
National 5 Biology is made up of 3 Units. The course is assessed through an exam and an assignment(experiment write up). There will also be topic tests throughout to track your progress.
Unit 1: Cell Biology
- In this unit you will look at cell structure and function, transport across membranes, DNA, proteins, genetic engineering
Unit 2: Multicellular Organisms
- In this unit you will look at cell division, control and communication, reproduction, inheritance, transport systems in animals and plants
Unit 3: Life on Earth
- In this unit you will look at ecosystems, distribution of organisms, photosynthesis, energy in ecosystems, food production, evolution
Higher Biology
Higher Biology is made up of 3 Units. The course is assessed through an exam and an assignment (experiment write up). There will also be topic tests throughout to track your progress.
Unit 1: DNA and the genome
In this unit you will look at structure of DNA, DNA replication, gene expression, the structure of the genome, mutations, evolution, genomic sequencing
Unit 2: Metabolism and Survival
Metabolic pathways, respiration, metabolic rate, metabolism in conformers and regulators, metabolism in adverse conditions, control of metabolism
Unit 3: Sustainability and interdependence
In this unit you will look at food supply and photosynthesis, animal and plant breeding, crop protection, animal welfare, symbiosis, social Behaviour, biodiversity
Higher Human Biology
Higher Human Biology is made up of 3 Units. The course is assessed through an exam and an assignment (experiment write up). There will also be topic tests throughout to track your progress.
Unit 1: Human Cells
In this unit you will look at division and differentiation of cells, structure and replication of DNA, gene expression, mutations, human genomics, metabolic pathways, cellular respiration, energy Systems in muscle cells
Unit 2: Physiology and health
In this unit you will look at gamete production, hormonal control of reproduction, fertility control, antenatal and postnatal screening, arteries, capillaries and veins, the heart, blood glucose levels
Unit 3: Neurobiology and immunology
In this unit you will look at the nervous system, the cerebral cortex, memory, neurotransmitters, defence against pathogens, immunisation, clinical trials of vaccines and drugs
Advanced Higher Biology
AH Biology is made up of 3 Units. The course is assessed through an exam and a project (a large scale investigation/experiment). There will also be topic tests throughout to track your progress.
Unit 1: Cells and Proteins
Laboratory techniques
Proteins
Membrane proteins
Communication and signalling
The cell cycle
Unit 2: Organisms and evolution
Field techniques
Evolution
Variation and sexual reproduction
Sex and behaviour
Parasitism
Unit 3: Investigative Biology
Scientific principle and process
Experimentation
Reporting and critical evaluation of biological research