N5 Biology

The National 4 and 5 Biology courses allow learners to understand and investigate the living world in an engaging and enjoyable way. They develop learner’s abilities to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. The courses provide 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. 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.

National 5 - Consistently achieving Level 4 in Science in S3 – at least 60% in end of topic assessments. (Level 4 Bronze – Gold).

There are three units in National 5 Biology and they include the following topics

• Unit 1 covers Cell Biology - there are 6 sub-topics – Cell Structure, Transport Across Cell Membranes, DNA and the Production of Proteins, Proteins, Genetic Engineering and Respiration

• Unit 2 covers Multicellular Organisms - there are 7 sub-topics – Producing New Cells, Control and Communication, Reproduction, Variation and Inheritance, Transport Systems – Plants, Transport Systems – Animals and Absorption of

Materials

• Unit 3 covers Life on Earth - there are 6 sub-topics – Ecosystems, Distribution of Organisms, Photosynthesis, Energy in Ecosystems, Food Production and Evolution of Species

The National 5 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 the level the learner is presented at.

The SQA assessments consist of an exam paper worth 100 marks – 25 marks for Section 1 which consists of multiple choice questions and 75 marks for Section 2 which consists of longer answer questions. The exam lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.

Learners are also required to submit an assignment which is worth 20 marks and 25% 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 1 hour 30 minutes.

Higher Biology at GHS, Higher Human Biology (currently offered through the Highland Council online learning initiative), other qualifications in Biology related areas as well as 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!