Science

PATHWAY Rationale

Science offers various progression routes in the senior phase covering National 3 through to Advanced Higher including various NPAs (National Progression Awards) and SfW (Skills for work) options.  These courses offer qualifications at SCQF levels from 3 through to level 7.  Your attainment in the BGE (S1-3) will determine your entry point in the progression route diagram.  You will study some National 4 content as part of your S3 course.

In the senior phase, progression can be horizontally across the Sciences (allowing breadth) or vertically within individual Sciences (depth).  In Science, achieving a National 4 does not always mean that National 5 is the best next step.  Likewise, achieving a National 5 does not always mean that Higher is the best next step.  Alternative routes in Science include National Progression Awards (NPAs), Skills for Work courses (SfW) and Foundation Apprenticeship (FA).

A general summary of progression routes in Science is shown above, however, the most appropriate route is best discussed with your Science and Guidance teachers.

The range of courses being offered in Science are described in more detail below are and grouped by SCQF level.

Course Expectations

All course materials are made available via Google Drive and Google Classroom from the beginning of the course.  Students will be expected to engage with regular home study and complete all homework tasks to achieve success in Science.  Due to assessed practical work, good attendance is also essential.

Due to the numeracy/literacy requirements in Science, students should be working at or recommended for a similar level in English/Maths as their Science course.  E.g. for Nat 5 Biology, you should also be working towards or be recommended for National 5 English and Maths.

ABOUT THE COURSE

This course is an extension of the work covered in S3 Science and students will have the opportunity to gain at least a NPA4 qualification, but may also be able to complete additional National 4 qualifications in the Science(s) studied in S3.  This course builds a foundation towards studying National 5 Laboratory skills, NPA Practical Electronics, National 5 Environmental Science at SCQF level 5.

The course has the following four units:

• Chemistry in Society (Chemistry unit)

• Electricity and Energy (Physics unit)

• Biotechnological Industries (Biology unit)

• Science Practical and Investigation Skills (All Sciences)

Course Assessment

This course is assessed internally only via unit assessments which include practical assessments.  There is no final SQA exam.

ABOUT THE COURSE

This course is an extension of the work in S3 Physics and NPA 4 Science and Technology on electricty but will focus on more advanced circuitry including logic circuits, microprocessors, circuit design, simulation and construction.  This is a hands on course that involves use of computer simulation software and circuit construction using techniques such as soldering.

The course has the following three units:

• Circuit design

• Circuit simulation

• Circuit construction

Course Assessment

This course is assessed internally only via unit assessments which include practical assessments.  There is no final SQA exam.

ABOUT THE COURSE

This course allows students to build on content covered in their S3 Science classes and NPA4 SciTech in order to achieve a National 4 award in a Science.  This could require between 1 and 3 units of work.   This course builds a foundation towards studying National 5 Laboratory skills at SCQF level 5.  This course is normally undertaken at the same time as the NPA4 Science and Technology course in S4, but can be revisited in S5/6.

Course Assessment

This course is assessed internally only via unit assessments which include practical assessments.  There is also an added value unit assessment that is an extended investigative report on a topical area of science that may cover more than one unit of work.  There is no final SQA exam.

Recommended Previous Experience:  These courses are aimed at S4/5/6 pupils who were recommended for National 5 level in S3, or those who have already gained or currently studying another Science subject at National 5.

Whilst National 5 is the stage beyond National 4, this may not be the best progression route for National 4 or SCQF4 students.

ABOUT THE COURSE

This course is an extension of the work in S3 Physics and NPA 4 Science and Technology on electricty but will focus on more advanced circuitry including logic circuits, microprocessors, circuit design, simulation and construction.  This is a hands on course that involves use of computer simulation software and circuit construction using techniques such as soldering.

The course has the following three units:

• Circuit design

• Circuit simulation

• Circuit construction

Course Assessment

Each unit is assessed internally by means of a written test or a scientific report on pieces of experimental work that has been carried out.  There is also a practical assignment that is an extended investigative report on a topical area of science covered that may include more than one unit of work.  The course has no final exam and is internally assessed with verification from the SQA.

ABOUT THE COURSE

This course gives a level 5 qualification in Science that covers all three Sciences.  It is useful for students looking to progress towards a level 6 qualification such as Scientific Technologies or the Foundation Apprenticeship.  The course is made up of a three subject based units, one from each of the National 5 Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses and one practical unit.   The units covered are:

• Cell biology

• Chemical changes and structure

• Waves and radiation

• Laboratory Science: Practical Skills

Course Assessment

Each unit is assessed internally by means of a written test and a scientific report on experimental work that has been carried out.  There is also practical assessments based on carrying out experimental techniques for each Science unit. The course has no final exam and is internally assessed with verification from the SQA.

ABOUT the Courses

These courses aim to stimulate interest in the discrete Science subjects. They provide the opportunity to deepen your understanding and develop your Scientific practical, numeracy, literacy and problem solving skills.  Each course will allow you to explain the Science behind the knowledge covered at National 5 level.  These courses allow progression to other Sciences at SCQF6, Higher or Advanced Higher and beyond.

Students studying Higher Chemistry may also be able to achieve an additional SCQF6 / NPA6 award in Scientific Technologies as part of their studies (which counts as an additional Higher). 

The courses have three units which involve a mixture of theoretical and practical work:

Biology

• DNA and the Genome:  Structure of DNA, replication of DNA, gene expression, cellular differentiation, the structure of the genome  mutations, evolution,  genomic sequencing.

• Metabolism and Survival:  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 independence:  Food supply, plant growth and productivity, plant and animal breeding, crop protection, animal welfare, symbiosis, social behaviour, components of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity.

Human Biology

• Human cells:  Division and differentiation in human cells, structure and replication of DNA, gene expression, mutations,  human genomics, metabolic pathways, cellular respiration, energy systems in muscle cells.

• Physiology and Health:  Gamete production and fertilisation, hormonal control of reproduction,  the biology of controlling fertility, antenatal and postnatal screening, the structure and function of arteries, capillaries and veins, the structure and function of the heart, pathology of cardiovascular disease (CVD), blood glucose levels and obesity.

• Neurobiology and immunology:  Divisions of the nervous system and neural pathways, the cerebral cortex, memory, the cells of the nervous system and neurotransmitters at synapses, non-specific body defences, specific cellular defences against pathogens, immunisation, clinical trials of vaccines and drugs.

Chemistry *

• Chemical changes and structure:  Periodicity, structure and bonding, oxidising and reducing agents.

• Nature’s chemistry:  Systematic carbon chemistry, alcohols,  carboxylic acids, esters,  fats and oils, soaps  detergents and emulsions, proteins,  oxidation of food, fragrances, skin care.

• Chemistry in society:  Getting the most from reactants, controlling the rate, chemical energy, equilibria, chemical analysis.

Physics

• Our dynamic universe:  Motion - equations and graphs, forces, energy and power, collisions, explosions and impulse, gravitation, special relativity, the expanding Universe.

• Particles and waves:  Forces on charged particles, the Standard Model, nuclear reactions, inverse square law,  wave-particle duality,  interference, spectra,  refraction of light.

• Electricity:  Monitoring and measuring AC, current, potential difference, power and resistance,  electrical sources and internal resistance,  capacitors, semiconductors and p-n junctions.

Environmental Science

• Living environment: Investigating ecosystems and biodiversity, interdependence,  human influences on biodiversity.

• Earth’s resources: The geosphere,  the hydrosphere, the biosphere, the atmosphere 

• Sustainability:  Global challenges,  food, water, energy,  waste management,  anthropogenic climate change.

East Lothian Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies

SQA Course Code: GN14 46

Entry Requirements: Students who have achieved/on track to achieve a National 5 Science subject, and a pass in National 5 Maths. Each pupil will be required to attend an interview.  We are happy to consider students who do not meet the entry requirements but are interested in the course.

Location: Dunbar Grammar School / Employer work place 

Dates and Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, approximately 1.30pm-5.00pm (this is not inclusive of travel time). Please note this course takes 2 years to complete.

If you have any further questions about the opportunities on offer, please contact elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk

Pupils will gain an in-depth understanding of essential science theories over a one year, intensive programme, and learn about the fundamental concepts of science. Pupils will have plenty of opportunities to carry out scientific and technical tests using manual equipment within a functioning laboratory in their work placement.

Throughout the course you will be expected to pass a range of internal assessments such as UASP test, lab report submissions, and skills-based assessments. Students will also complete an intensive week long training sessions with an employer upon course commencement in June. On completion of this course pupils will have greatly improved their chances of gaining entry into a variety of undergraduate Science courses both in Further and Higher education. Pupils will also be in a position to apply for entry level positions in the Science industry via Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship programmes, as well as going directly into employment within this sector.

Current employers involved in this programme include:

- Charles River Laboratories

- Scottish Rural College

- University of Edinburgh

 For further information please visit:https://www.apprenticeships.scot/browse-frameworks/foundation-apprenticeships/scientific-technologies/individual-scientific-technologies/

SQA Course Code: GN14 46 

Entry Requirements: S6 students only, pupils must have passed Higher Chemistry and Higher Maths. Each pupil will be required to attend an interview. 

Location: Dunbar Grammar School / Employer work place 

Dates and Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, approximately 1.30pm-5.00pm (not inclusive of travel time). Please note this course takes 1 year to complete and is only available to S6 pupils

If you have any further questions about the opportunities on offer, please contact elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk

ABOUT the CourseS

These courses aim to deepen your subject knowledge and help prepare you to study Sciences beyond school level.

The courses have three/four units which involve a mixture of theoretical and practical work:

There is also a practical project investigation which contributes to the final course choice assessment.