Biology
STAFF NAMES
Dr Aitken (Curriculum Leader)
Mrs Gibson
Mrs Cameron
Mrs Booth
Mrs Caldwell
Miss Pender
BGE SCIENCE
All young people will be required to study Science as a core subject in S1 and S2. They will then subsequently have the option to continue their science learning journey into S3 by choosing a specific science to study - either Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Young people may then opt to continue their scientific studies into Senior phase.
The BGE Science courses provide young people with a wide range of knowledge, skills and practical experiences that they can draw on as their lives, careers and job opportunities continue to change. It also provides a strong foundation for choosing and specialising in a range of science subjects in the Senior Phase.
S1 SCIENCE
S1 Science course shared with Chemistry and Physics in the curricular area
Sustaining Life
Matter
Finding a planet
Reproduction
CSI
Visible and beyond
S2 SCIENCE
S2 Science course shared with Chemistry and Physics in the curricular area- on a rotational basis
Alive
Hunger
Electricity
Outbreak
Using natural materials
Dynamics
SENIOR PHASE
N4 BIOLOGY
National 4 Biology
There are 3 units which are studied : Cell Biology, Multicellular Organisms and Life on Earth
Cell Biology
The key areas covered are: cell division and its role in growth and repair, DNA, genes and chromosomes, therapeutic use of cells, properties of enzymes and use in industries, properties of microorganisms and use in industries, photosynthesis — limiting factors, factors affecting respiration, and controversial biological procedures.
Multicellular Organisms
The key areas covered are: sexual and asexual reproduction and their importance for survival of species, propagating and growing plants, commercial use of plants, genetic information, growth and development of different organisms, and biological actions in response to internal and external changes to maintain stable body conditions.
Life on Earth
The key areas covered are how animal and plants species depend on each other, impact of population growth and natural hazards on biodiversity, nitrogen cycle, fertiliser design and environmental impact of fertilisers, adaptations for survival, and learned behaviour in response to stimuli linked to species survival.
Added Value Unit
In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.
National 4 does not have a scheduled SQA exam
N5 BIOLOGY
National 5 Biology
The course content includes the following areas of biology:
Cell Biology
The key areas covered are: cell structure; transport across cell membranes; DNA and the production of proteins; proteins; genetic engineering; respiration.
Multicellular Organisms
The key areas covered are: producing new cells; control and communication; reproduction; variation and inheritance; transport systems — plants; transport systems — animals; absorption of materials.
Life on Earth
The key areas covered are: ecosystems; distribution of organisms; photosynthesis; energy in ecosystems; food production; evolution of species.
Assignment
The purpose of the assignment is to assess the application of skills of scientific inquiry and related biology knowledge and understanding. This component allows assessment of skills which cannot be assessed through the question paper; for example, the handling and processing of data gathered as a result of experimental work/fieldwork, and research skills.
National 5 SQA exam is worth 100 marks - Section 1 = 25 marks Multiple Choice and Section 2 = 75 marks Short Answers. This exam is 2 1/2 hours. The assignment is completed in school and is worth 20 marks.
HIGHER HUMAN BIOLOGY
Higher Human Biology
The course content includes the following areas of biology:
Human Cells
In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge and understanding through studying stem cells, differentiation in somatic and germline cells, and the research and therapeutic value of stem cells and cancer cells. The Unit covers the key areas of 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
In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge and understanding by focusing on the key areas of the structure and function of reproductive organs and gametes and their role in fertilisation; hormonal control of reproduction; the biology of controlling fertility; ante and postnatal screening; the structure and function of arteries, capillaries and veins; the structure and function of the heart; pathology of cardio vascular disease (CVD); blood glucose levels and obesity linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Neurobiology and Immunology
In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge and understanding through the key areas of divisions of the nervous system and parts of the brain; memory as storage, retention and retrieval of information; the cells of the nervous system and neurotransmitters at synapses; the key areas of non-specific defences; specific cellular defences; the transmission and control of infectious diseases; active immunisation and vaccination and the evasion of specific immune responses by pathogens.
Assignment
The assignment has a total mark allocation of 20 marks andd is completed in school. This is scaled to 30 marks by SQA to represent 20% of the overall marks for the course assessment.
The assignment assesses the application of skills of scientific inquiry and related human biology knowledge and understanding. It allows assessment of skills that cannot be assessed by a question paper; for example, handling and processing data gathered through experimental work and research skills.
Higher Human Biology SQA exam is worth 120 marks - Paper 1 =25 marks - 40 minutes; Paper 2 = 95 marks - 2 hours and 20 minutes
ADVANCED HIGHER BIOLOGY
Advanced Higher Biology
The course content includes the following areas of biology:
Cells and Proteins
In this Unit learners cover the key areas of Laboratory techniques for biologists; Proteins: Membrane Proteins; Communicating and Signalling; Protein control of cell division.
Organisms and Evolution
In this Unit learners cover the key areas of Field techniques for biologists; Evolution; Variation and sexual reproduction; Sex and behaviour; Parasitism
Investigative Biology
In this Unit learners cover the key areas of Scientific principles and process; Experimentation; Reporting and critical evaluation of biological research.
Project
The project has 30 marks. This is scaled by SQA to represent 25% of the overall marks for the course assessment. The project allows learners to carry out an in-depth investigation of a biology topic and produce a project report. Learners are required to individually plan and carry out a biology investigation. Learners should keep a record of their work as this will form the basis of their project report. This record should include details of their research, experiments and recorded data. The project assesses the application of skills of scientific inquiry and related biology knowledge and understanding.