Biology Intermediate 2 | Jump to Biology Higher
Jump to Human Biology Higher | Jump to Advanced Higher

CONTENT

Unit 1: Living Cells
The Structure and Function of Cells, Diffusion and Osmosis, Enzyme Action, Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration, Photosynthesis.

Unit 2: Environmental Biology and Genetics
Ecosystems; Factors affecting Variety in Species.

Unit 3: Animal Physiology
Mammalian Nutrition, Control of Internal Environments, Circulation and Gas Exchange, Sensory Mechanisms and Processing Information.

In addition, extension work will be available in the form of extra reading and study for those students wishing to consider Higher Human Biology in Sixth Year.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

End of unit tests
Unit awards are obtained by taking an end of unit SQA test at level C only. 65% is required to pass the test.
Experimental reports
Students will carry out, record and write up, in the form of a report, one experiment. To achieve a course award in the final examination, all three unit tests and the experimental report must be passed.
End of topic tests
School-based and taken at intervals throughout the units as preparation for the final examination
Prelims

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT

2 hour external examination with a total of 100 marks

HOMEWORK

An integral part of the course. Set on a regular weekly basis. 1 to 1½ hours per week in self study at home.

• Short essay type answers like those in section C of the external examination
• Data Handling questions like those in sections B of the external examination (and in the tests)
• Pre-reading for class lessons
• Preparation for unit assessments, topic tests etc.
• Other unspecified learning exercises

VALUE OF COURSE

The course studies in some detail the processes taking place within and relationships between plants, animals and man. Biology is a very important science today, especially as we look at problems concerned with the environment, conservation, biotechnology and the developing world. To solve these problems, we need an understanding of biological processes. This course will give an insight into these and is an excellent basis for further study or employment in biology related areas. In addition, the course will provide a valuable introduction for those students considering taking Higher Biology or Higher Human Biology in Sixth Year.

ENTRY REQUIREMENT

A pass in Standard Grade Biology at General 3 or General 4 level
A pass in Standard Grade Science at Credit level
If studying Biology for the first time, a pass in Standard Grade Chemistry or Physics at Credit 1, Credit 2 or General 3 level

Back to top

Biology Higher

CONTENT

Unit 1: Cell Biology
Cell Structure in relation to Function, Photosynthesis, Energy Release, Synthesis and Release
of Proteins, Cellular Response in Defence in Plants and Animals.

Unit 2: Genetics and Adaptation
Variation Genetics and Mutation, Selection and Speciation, Animal and Plant Adaptation.

Unit 3: Control and Regulation
The Control of Growth and Development, Physiological Homeostasis, Population Dynamics.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

End of unit tests
Unit awards are obtained by taking an end of unit SQA test at level C only. 65% is required to pass the test.
Experimental reports
Students will carry out, record and write up, in the form of a report, one experiment. To achieve a course award in the final examination, all three unit tests and the experimental report must be passed.
End of topic tests
School-based and taken at intervals throughout the units as preparation for the final examination.
Prelims

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT

2 1/2 hour external examination with a total of 130 marks

HOMEWORK

An integral part of the course. Set on a regular weekly basis. 2 to 3 hours per week in self study at home.

• Short essay type answers like those in section C of the external examination
• Data Handling questions like those in sections B and C of the external examination (and in the tests)
• Writing up learning outcomes to produce notes
• Preparation for unit assessments, topic tests etc.
• Writing up class practical activities

VALUE OF COURSE

The course gives an in depth look at the processes taking place within and relationships between plants, animals and man. Biology is a very important science today, especially as we look at problems concerned with the environment, conservation, biotechnology and the developing world. To solve these problems, we need an understanding of biological processes. This course will give an insight into these and is an excellent basis for further study in Biology or for work in Biology related employment. In addition, the course will provide essential knowledge and problem solving skills required for Advanced Higher Biology.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A pass in Standard Grade Biology at Credit 1 or Credit 2 level
A pass in Intermediate 2 Biology at Grade C or above
If studying Biology for the first time, a Standard Grade in another Science at Credit 1 level

Back to top

Human Biology Higher

CONTENT

Unit 1: Cell Function and Inheritance
The Role of Enzymes, Protein Synthesis, Energy Transfer, Cell Transport, Cellular Response in Defence, Inheritance.

Unit 2: Control of Life
Reproduction, Development, Transport Mechanisms, Delivery of material to cells, Removal of materials from blood, Regulation Mechanisms.

Unit 3: Behaviour, Populations and the Environment
The Nervous System and Memory, Behaviour, Population Growth, Environment.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

End of unit tests
Unit awards are obtained by taking an end of unit SQA test at level C only. 65% is required to pass the test.
Experimental reports
Students will carry out, record and write up, in the form of a report, one experiment. To achieve a course award in the final examination, all three unit tests and the experimental report must be passed.
End of topic tests
School-based and taken at intervals throughout the units as preparation for the final examination
Prelims

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT

2 1/2 hour external examination with a total of 130 marks

HOMEWORK

An integral part of the course. Set on a regular weekly basis. 2 to 3 hours per week in self study at home.

• Short essay type answers like those in section C of the external examination
• Data Handling questions like those in sections B and C of the external examination (and in the tests)
• Writing up learning outcomes to produce notes
• Preparation for unit assessments, topic tests etc.
• Writing up class practical activities

VALUE OF COURSE

The course will be of particular value to any student who wishes to follow a career in the health sector. The course emphasises the important developing areas of human biology including molecular biology, genetics, immunology, control mechanisms, human behaviour and the impact of an increasing human population on the environment. Health issues are highlighted when appropriate throughout the course. The course is an
excellent basis for further study in Biology or for work in Biology related employment. In addition, the course will provide essential knowledge and problem solving skills required for Advanced Higher Biology.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A pass in Standard Grade Biology at Credit 1 or Credit 2 level
A pass in Intermediate 2 Biology at Grade C or above
If studying Biology for the first time, a Standard Grade in another Science at Credit 1 level

Back to top

Biology Advanced Higher

CONTENT

Unit1: Cell and Molecular Biology
The structure, function and growth of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
The structure and function of cell components
Molecular interaction in cell events
Applications of DNA technology

Unit 2: Environmental Biology
Circulation in ecosystems
Interaction in ecosystems
Human impact on the environment

Half Unit 3: Physiology, Health and Exercise
Exercise and the cardiovascular system
Exercise and metabolism

Half Unit 4: Investigation
A scientific investigation into a syllabus-related topic that is designed, carried out and written up by the student as a 2000 – 2500 word report, worth 20% of the final marks.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

End of unit tests
Unit awards are obtained by taking an end of unit SQA test at level C only. 65% is required to pass the test.
Experimental reports
Students will carry out, record and write up, in the form of a report, one experiment. To achieve a course award in the final examination, all three unit tests and the experimental report must be passed.
End of topic tests
School-based and taken at intervals throughout the units as preparation for the final examination.
Prelims

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT

2 1/2 hour external examination with a total of 100 marks (worth 80%). The format of this examination is scheduled for some changes in 2005.

HOMEWORK

An integral part of the course. Set on a regular weekly basis. At least 3 hours per week in self study at home.

• Short essay type answers like those in sections C and D of the external examination
• Data Handling questions like those in sections B, C and D of the external examination and unit tests
• Writing up learning outcomes to produce summaries
• Preparation for unit assessments, topic tests etc.
• Planning, carrying out and writing up the investigation
• Writing up class practical activities

VALUE OF COURSE

The course will be of value to any student wishing to follow a career in Biology related fields.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students must have a grade A, B or C in Higher Biology or Higher Human Biology.

Back to top