S1 & S2 STEM club starts Monday 29th September. Ask your teacher.
Why study Biology?
Biology is the study of all living things, from the tiniest organisms to the largest lifeforms. You will learn how nature and the human body work, and how different forms of life eat, make energy and reproduce. You will also find out how Biology is helping to find solutions to world problems.
There are many career opportunities connected with biology, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, food science, sport science, pharmacology and beauty therapy.
Career Pathways
To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:
Hairdressing, Beauty and Wellbeing
Teaching and Classroom Support
Uniformed and Security Services
What do I need to get in?
This is at the discretion of the school/college but you would normally be expected to have attained one of the following:
What will I study?
The course comprises three areas of study.
Cells and Proteins
You will study:
laboratory techniques for biologists
proteins
membrane proteins
communication and signalling
protein control of cell division.
Organisms and Evolution
You will study:
field techniques for biologists
evolution
variation and sexual reproduction
sex and behaviour
parasitism.
Investigative Biology
You will study:Â
scientific principles and process
experimentation
reporting and critical evaluation of biological research.
How will I be assessed?
The course assessment consists of two components totalling 130 marks:
Component 1 - Question paper (100 marks)
Component 2 - Project (30 marks).
For Component 2, you will carry out an in-depth investigation of a biology topic and produce a project report.
Both the question papers and the assignment are set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across course assessment.
The course assessment is graded A-D.
What can I go on to next?
Further study, training or employment in:
Which jobs are related to this subject?