In the Cell Biology Unit, learners will:

    

In the Multicellular Organisms Unit, learners will: 

    

In the Biology: Life on Earth, learners will:

   

Outcome 1: (the Added Value Unit)

The Added Value Unit assessment is an assignment. Candidates apply skills, knowledge and understanding to investigate a topical issue in biology and its impact on the environment and/or society. The issue should draw on one or more of the key areas of the Course, and should be chosen with guidance from the assessor.

     
Outcome 2 (Unit Assessments)
Candidates will be internally assessed for each of the 3 units. Cell Biology, Multicellular Organisms and Life ion Earth.
   
To achieve the National 4 Biology Course, learners must pass all of the required Units, including the Added Value Unit.

    

No entry requirements.

Cell Biology: How cells work, DNA, using cells in medicine and genetic engineering.

     
Multicellular Organisms (plants and animals): Producing new cells, reproduction, genetics, body systems (nervous, hormonal, digestive and cardiovascular).

      
Life on Earth: How plants and animals depend on each other in the environment, photosynthesis, sampling organisms, food production and evolution.
      
The key skills that you will develop include: Investigating, Problem solving, Communication, Working to deadlines, Team work and Numeracy.

  

This subject is often a good choice for people who are good at or interested in:

How things work and exploring the world around them e.g. humans, other animals and plants and how they are linked to the whole environment. It can lead to careers in medicine, healthcare, animal welfare, science research, journalism, the environment and working in the outdoors.

    

The National 5 Biology exam is assessed externally within a question paper and research assignment.

   

Achieved National 4 Biology or any other Science.

DNA & the Genome – structure & replication of DNA, gene expression, specialised cells including stem cell research, human genome and evolution.
   
Multi-cellular Organisms – biochemical reactions, cell respiration, metabolic rate, environmental & genetic control of metabolism, survival in adverse conditions, ethical considerations in the use of micro-organisms.
  
Sustainability & Interdependence – food supply, plant growth & productivity, plant and animal breeding, crop protection, animal welfare, relationships between different species, social behaviour in animals, mass extinction and biodiversity.
   

The Higher Biology exam is assessed externally within an SQA question paper and a research assignment.

     

Achieved National 5 Biology (at A or B grade is desirable).

The course consists of three units:
  
Cells and Proteins – laboratory techniques for biologists, proteins, nerve transmission, cell signalling, cell division, cell cycle.
  
Organisms & Evolution – field techniques for biologists, evolution, variation and sexual reproduction, sex and behaviour, parasitism.
  
Investigative Biology – scientific method, literature, communication and ethics, experimentation, evaluation of biological research.

The Advanced Higher Biology exam is assessed externally within a question paper and research project.