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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 be expected to have:
What will I study?
This course allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the underlying themes of biology: evolution and adaption; structure and function; genotype and niche. Within each of the units, the scale of topics ranges from molecular through to whole organism and beyond. In all units you will develop analytical thinking and problem solving skills in context of each topic.
The course consists of three compulsory units and the assessment unit.
Biology: DNA and the Genome (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- study DNA and the genome
- look at key areas of structure and replication of DNA, gene expression and the genome
- explore the molecular basis of evolution and biodiversity, while the unity of life is emphasised in the study of gene expression
- understand gene expression, at the cellular level, leading to the study of differentiation in organisms
- look at the evolution and structure of the genome and genomics, including personal genomics.
Biology: Metabolism and Survival (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- investigate the central metabolic pathways of ATP synthesis by respiration and how control of the pathways is essential to cell survival
- look at key areas of metabolisms as essential for life, maintaining metabolism, and metabolism in microorganisms
- investigate how cellular respiration is fundamental to metabolism and by examining the stages of respiration
- consider the adaptations for the maintenance of metabolism for survival for whole organisms
- examine the importance of the manipulation of metabolism in microorganisms, both in the laboratory and in industry, including ethical considerations.
Biology: Sustainability and Interdependence (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- investigate how humans depend on sufficient and sustainable food production from a narrow range of crop and livestock species, focusing on photosynthesis in plants
- cover key areas of the science of food production, interrelationships and dependant, and biodiversity
- look at the importance of plant productivity and the manipulation of genetic diversity to maintain food security
- look at interrelationship and dependency, through symbiosis and social behaviour
- attempt to measure, catalogue, understand and address the human impact, including mass extinction, by studying biodiversity.
How will I be assessed?
Course Assessment (6 SCQF credit points)
The course assessment has two components:
- a question paper consisting of two sections (100 marks)
- an assignment (20 marks).
The question paper will assess scientific enquiry skills, analytical thinking skills and the impact of applications on society and the environment.
For the assignment you will be required to choose a relevant topic to research and investigate and communicate your findings.
Both the question paper and assignment will be set and externally marked by SQA.
Your work will be assessed by your teacher on an ongoing basis throughout the course. You must pass all three units and the course assessment to gain the course qualification.
The course assessment is graded A-D. Your grade will depend on the total mark for all the units in your course.
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):
Highers in a Nutshell - Biology (CfE Higher)