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Biology

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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.

  • National 3
  • National 4
  • National 5
  • Higher

    Biology is the study of Life. It 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. Biology affects everyone, and aims to find solutions for many of the world’s problems famine, disease and pollution. The latest research in Biology has enabled us to produce new drugs and cures for genetic diseases.

    Levels available - National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

  • Course Outline

     National 4 and National 5

    The courses consist of knowledge, problem solving and experimental practical skills.  You will develop scientific understanding of issues relating to biology, consequently becoming scientifically literate.

    Both presentation levels will study the same three core areas of work and an assignment/research

    1.            Cell Biology

    The key areas covered are: cell structure; transport across cell membranes; DNA and the production of proteins; proteins; genetic engineering; respiration.

    2.            Biology: Multicellular Organisms

    The key areas covered are: producing new cells; control and communication; reproduction; variation and inheritance; transport systems — plants; transport systems — animals; absorption of materials.

    3.            Biology: Life on Earth

    The key areas covered are: ecosystems; distribution of organisms; photosynthesis; energy in ecosystems; food production; evolution of species. ADDED VALUE UNIT: ADDED VALUE PROJECT/ASSIGNMENT

    Learners will extend and apply their knowledge and skills through practical experimental work and research of enzyme activity.

    Progression        National 4 learners must have previously been successful at Level 3 and, if successful, can possibly progress onto National 5 (S5) and then Higher (S6)             National 5 learners must have previously been successful at Level 4 or 5 and, if successful, can possibly progress onto Higher (S5) and then Advanced Higher (S6)

    Assessment Requirements

    •             Continuous class and homework assessment

    •             Successful completion of internal assessments

    •             Completed Added Value Project

    •             No final SQA examination           

    •             Continuous class and homework assessment

    •             Successful completion of internal unit assessments

    •             Completion of Added Value Assignment

    •             SQA Course Examination (2.5 hours)

    Possible careers

    •             Marine biologist

    •             Doctor

    •             Biology  Teacher

    •             Zoologist             

    •             Environmental scientist

    •             Botanist

    •             Chemical Engineer

    •             Microbiologist  

    •             Nurse

    •             Pathologist

    •             Dentist

    •             Vet

     

    Links to further info      

    National 4 SQA - https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47422.html

    National 4 Bitesize - https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/z3ykjxs

    National 5 SQA - https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47427.html          

    National 5 Bitesize – https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zync87h

    Twitter: @StMungoScience