CfE Higher Human Biology (level 6) consists of 24 SCQF credit points. The course is divided into 3 units, each further sub-divided into multiple Key Areas:

• Unit 1 - Human Cells

  • Key Area 1 - Division and differentiation in humans cells

  • Key Area 2 - Structure and replication of DNA

  • Key Area 3 - Gene expression

  • Key Area 4 - Mutations

  • Key Area 5 - Human genomics

  • Key Area 6 - Metabolic pathways

  • Key Area 7 - Cellular respiration

  • Key Area 8 - Energy systems in muscle cells

• Unit 2 - Physiology and Health

  • Key Area 1 - Gamete production and fertilisation

  • Key Area 2 - Hormonal control of reproduction

  • Key Area 3 - The biology of controlling fertility

  • Key Area 4 - Antenatal and postnatal screening

  • Key Area 5 - The structure and function of arteries, capillaries and veins

  • Key Area 6 - The structure and function of the heart

  • Key Area 7 - Pathology of cardiovascular disease (CVD)

  • Key Area 8 - Blood glucose levels and obesity

• Unit 3 - Neurobiology and immunology

  • Key Area 1 - Divisions of the nervous system and neural pathways

  • Key Area 2 - The cerebral cortex

  • Key Area 3 - Memory

  • Key Area 4 - The cells of the nervous system and neurotransmitters at synapses

  • Key Area 5 - Non-specific body defences

  • Key Area 6 - Specific cellular defences against pathogens

  • Key Area 7 - Immunisation

  • Key Area 8 - Clinical trials of vaccines and drugs

• Revision

  • Unit 1 Revision

  • Unit 2 Revision

  • Unit 3 Revision

  • Problem Solving

  • Extended Responses

  • Experimental design questions

Resources via The Biology Coach

The mandatory learning of the CfE Higher Human Biology course, as published by SQA, will be presented in these pages of the site. I have structured this course content to support flipped and digital learning. This aims to complement your in-class experiences with your own teachers. For each key area, the content will be structured using the following icons. You should aim to complete "something to read" and at least one icon-directed activity for each key area prior to class.