Course Layout

Units:

• Unit 1- Cell Biology

• Unit 2: Multicellular Organisms

• Unit 3- Life on Earth

Course Assessment:

Assignment: 20% of final grade

Final Exam: 80% of final grade

Candidates report on an experiment they have completed during class. The report stage is completed under exam conditions and is externally assessed by the SQA. Candidates also complete an SQA exam at the end of the course, this is worth 80% of the overall grade. The exam is 2 hours 30 minutes and consists of multiple choice and short answer questions.

Course Details

The course covers major areas of biology ranging from cellular to whole organism and includes the study of ecosystems. The focus on cellular level processes leads to an understanding of the importance and roles of the cell. By comparing the processes in multicellular plants and animals, candidates investigate increasing levels of complexity. The key areas of biodiversity and interdependence are covered, along with the processes leading to evolution as well as food security and ethical issues.