Advanced Higher

Award received

Advanced Higher Biology is graded A to D or No Award.

Entry level – what do you need to do it?

Entry into Advanced Higher Biology will normally depend on your attainment in S5 Higher Biology or Higher Human Biology. Ideally an A or B grade at Higher is recommended, together with a pass in Higher Mathematics.

Course content: what will you learn?

Unit 1: Cells and proteins. The key areas you will study are: laboratory techniques for biologists, proteins, membrane proteins, communication and signalling and protein control of cell division.

Unit 2: Organisms and Evolution. The key areas covered are: field techniques for biologists, evolution, variation and sexual reproduction, sex and behaviour and parasitism.

Unit 3: Investigative biology. The key areas that you will explore through research, practical and project work are: scientific principles and process, experimentation and reporting and critical evaluation of biological research.

Teaching – what will you do?

The course has been developed to be delivered as a balance of teacher-led and self-study techniques which aim to further your knowledge and understanding at AH level. You will also be involved in a variety of tasks including practical experiments & investigations, written work, research, project and presentation tasks.

Assessment – how will you be assessed?

You will be assessed as follows:

· A project worth 25% of the final mark and externally assessed.

· Exam worth 75% of the final mark and set by the SQA and externally assessed.

Homework/ Independent Study

You will be given regular homework tasks, eg practice questions, research and revision tasks and expected to regularly read about the latest scientific research.

Progression – what can you do next?

AH biology provides a firm foundation of knowledge, understanding and skills for progressing on to further and higher education in the biological sciences.

Careers

Biology is a fundamental subject for careers in the science and health sectors, but there are many other career routes you can take with this subject. Dentist, doctor, vet, paramedic, nurse, conservation officer, marine biologist, zoologist and many more.