Course Layout

Units:

• 1. Human Cells

• 2. Physiology & Health

• 3. Neurology & Immunology

Course Assessment:

The final grade is based on an SQA examination (80%) and an assignment (20%), both of which are externally assessed. Results will be graded A-D. There are two papers in the Higher Human exam which consist of a total of 120 marks spread across two papers as follows:

Paper 1 – 25 marks, multiple choice questions – 40 minutes, and Paper 2 – 95 marks for written structured questions – 2 hours 20 minutes.

Course Details:

Advances in technology have made human biology more exciting and relevant than ever. The Higher Human Biology course gives students the opportunity to understand and investigate the living world in an engaging and enjoyable way. It develops students’ abilities to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations.

Unit 1 - Human cells

Key areas: 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.

Unit 2 - Physiology and Health

Key areas: 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.

Unit 3 - Neurobiology and Immunology

Key areas: 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.