Higher Biology

Biology is the study of all living things. Biology is the forefront of medicine, research and technology. Biology covers a wide variety of topics that affect you and the world you live in. In Biology we uncover the mysteries of life processes, structure and function of plants and animals, how living things interact and the origin of life and its history. Learn about how your body works, how your everyday life has an impact on the environment and the latest developments in genetics and biotechnology.

A qualification in Biology is recommended if you wish to study a biology related subject in higher education such as medicine, zoology, physiology, veterinary medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and forensic science. 

The course consists of three units:

• DNA and the genome

• Metabolism and survival

• Sustainability and interdependence

The Course aims to:

• develop and apply knowledge and understanding of biology

• develop an understanding of biology’s role in scientific issues and relevant applications of

biology, including the impact these could make in society and the environment

• develop scientific inquiry and investigative skills

• develop scientific analytical thinking skills, including scientific evaluation, in a biology context

• develop the skills to use technology, equipment and materials safely in practical scientific activities

• develop planning skills

• develop problem-solving skills in a biology context

• use and understand scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues and to make scientifically informed choices

• develop the knowledge and skills for more advanced learning in biology

• develop skills of independent working

The course will be assessed through a question paper (exam) and an assignment, which will be marked by

SQA and graded A to D.

The question paper is worth 120 marks and makes up 80% of the total assessment mark. It contains two

papers: paper 1 (25 marks) is multiple choice and paper 2 (95 marks) requires more detailed responses.

The assignment makes up 20% of the total assessment mark and has two stages: research and report. The

topic must be chosen with guidance from teachers and must involve experimental work. It is recommended that no more than 8 hours is spent on the whole assignment. A maximum of 2 hours is allowed for the report stage.

Question Paper

Section 1: Multiple choice questions (25 marks)

Section 2: restricted and extended response questions (95 marks)

The paper is 3 hours in length and worth a total of 120 marks.

Assignment 

An investigation into a relevant topic, with research and a report written up under supervised conditions with 8 hours to spend on this.

Homework required

Homework is issued every week and regular revision of 3-4 hours is recommended a week (more when

approaching assessments).