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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.
What do I need to get in?
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved one of the following:
What will I study?
Biology is a hands-on subject that develops your analytical thinking, and helps you to solve problems through experiments and research. You will learn about living systems and their interdependence. You will find out about evolution of species, and how humans impact on the environment. You will develop your practical and investigation skills by carrying out biological experiments in laboratories.
The course has three compulsory units. The units are similar to those for National 4 but you will be expected to produce a higher standard of work.
Cell Biology (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop your skills of scientific enquiry by studying: cell structure; transport across cell membranes; producing new cells; DNA and the production of proteins; proteins and enzymes; genetic engineering; photosynthesis and respiration.
Biology: Multicellular Organisms (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- studying cells, tissues and organs, stem cells and meristems
- develop an understanding of control and communication, reproduction, variation and inheritance;
- learn to understand the need for transport and effects of lifestyle choices on animal transport and exchange systems.
Biology: Life on Earth (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop your investigation and analytical thinking skills by studying biodiversity and the distribution of life and energy in ecosystems;
- use sampling techniques and measurement of abiotic and biotic factors.
How will I be assessed?
Course Assessment (6 SCQF credit points)
Units will be assessed internally by your teacher or lecturer as 'pass' or 'fail'. Your work will be assessed on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:
- practical work - such as practical experiments
- written work - such as research assignments and reports
- projects
- question papers/tests.
Units do not contribute to your overall grade but to achieve the course qualification you must pass all units plus a course assessment.
The course assessment for this course consists of two components:
- an examination question paper (80 marks)
- an assignment (20 marks).
For the assignment component, you will be asked to research a relevant topic in biology, focusing on its application and its impact on society/the environment. The assignment component will be set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The question paper will be set and marked externally by the SQA.
The Course assessment is graded A–D.
What can I go on to next?
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Which jobs are related to this subject?
Where can my parents find out more?
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
Nationals in a Nutshell - Biology (National 5)