Higher Biology

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A pass at National 5 Biology A or B is highly recommended.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Biology, the study of living organisms, plays a crucial role in our everyday existence, and is an increasingly important subject in the modern world. Advances in technologies have made this varied subject more exciting and relevant than ever.

The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed, throughout the Course, by   investigating the applications of biology. The course is a broad and up-to-date selection of concepts and ideas relevant to the central position of life science within our society.

The units are;

DNA and the Genome – this unit covers the key areas of structure and replication of DNA, gene expression and the genome, cellular differentiation, mutations and evolution.

Metabolism and Survival – this unit covers how cellular respiration is fundamental to

metabolism, adaptations for the maintenance of metabolism for survival in whole organisms and micro- organisms.

Sustainability and Interdependence - this unit covers the key areas of the science of food production, interrelationships and dependence, biodiversity.

Assessment

An internally assessed prelim exam will be undertaken at the end of January. An assignment from a topic covered in the course will be completed by early March and an external exam sat in May. The externally marked assignment and external exam will be used to award a final grade for the course.

WHAT WILL MY HOME COMMITMENT BE FOR THIS COURSE?

 Students can expect to be doing at least 1 and a half hours of study per week. This will   comprise the following-tasks: Past paper question practice ,  Research activities , Data handling practice, Assessment preparation

Is biology for me? 

 You will enjoy this subject if: 

· You have an interest in how the natural world works, and want to learn more.

· You have an interest in human health.

· You are interested in the plant and animal kingdoms.

· You enjoy learning through conducting practical experiments.