H Biology

The Higher Biology course allows learners to understand and investigate the living world in an engaging and enjoyable way. It develops learner’s abilities to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. The course provides opportunities for learners to acquire and apply knowledge to evaluate biological issues, assess risk, make informed decisions and develop an ethical view of complex issues. Learners 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.

Biology, the study of living organisms, plays a crucial role in our everyday existence and is an increasingly important subject in the modern world. Biology affects everyone and aims to find solutions to many of the world’s problems. Advances in technologies have made this varied subject more exciting and relevant than ever.

At Higher level more complex issues and topics are investigated, many of which are not covered in National 5 which gives a much more in-depth experience of the subject.

National 5 Biology at an A or B. Dependent on the individual learners achieving a C may be accepted.

Course Outline

There are three units in Higher Biology and they include the following topics:

• Unit 1 covers DNA and The Genome. There are 8 sub-topics – Structure of DNA, Replication of DNA, Control of Gene Expression, Cellular Differentiation, The Structure of the Genome, Mutations, Evolution and Genomic Sequencing.

• Unit 2 covers Metabolism and Survival. There are 8 sub-topics - Metabolic Pathways and Their Control, Cellular Respiration, Metabolic Rate, Metabolism in Conformers and Regulators, Metabolism and Adverse Conditions, Environmental Control of Metabolism and Genetic Control of Metabolism and Ethical Considerations in use of Microorganisms, Hazards and Control of Risks.

• Unit 3 covers Sustainability and Interdependence. There are 8 sub-topics – Food Supply, Plant Growth and Productivity, Plant and Animal Breeding, Crop Protection, Animal Welfare, Symbiosis, Social Behaviour, Components of Biodiversity and Threats to Biodiversity

The course is assessed through internal unit assessments which are not required to pass the course but will give a good indication of the level the learner is working at. If learners are not performing at the minimum competency indicated by these assessments there will then be a discussion regarding whether the learner is presented for Unit qualifications only.

The SQA assessments consist of an exam paper worth 120 marks – 25 marks for Section 1 which consists of multiple choice questions and 95 marks for Section 2 which consists of longer answer questions. The exam is split into two papers, Section 1 is 40 minutes and Section 2 is 2 hours 20 minutes.

Learners are also required to submit an assignment which is worth 20 marks and 30% of the final grade. The assignment consists of a practical investigation taking place over 8 hours in class time and a written report completed under exam conditions in class time in 2 hours.

Advanced Higher Biology (offered through the Highland Council online learning initiative), Other qualifications in Biology related areas., Further study, employment and/or training.

Careers in Medicine such as – Medicine itself, Physiology, Dentistry, Genetics, Health, Nursing, Radiography and Medical Research.

• Careers in Ecology such as – Ecology itself, Conservation Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Sustainability.

• Careers in Microbiology such as – Microbiology itself, Academic Researcher, Biomedical Scientist, Biotechnologist, Clinical Research Associate, Clinical Scientist, Immunology, Food Technologist

• Other careers include – Forensics, Pharmacology, Teaching, Science Writer as well as Government Roles such as involvement in Policies and Legislation. And many more!