SQA Website - Biology

Key Links: Curriculum for Excellence - Sciences

In Science, pupils have the opportunity to study topics which incorporate all the discrete Sciences and give them experiences which build on their work from primary school and prepare them for entering the senior phase.

In S1 they study 6 topics which form an all-round general knowledge of Biology, Chemistry & Physics and this includes topics such as: -

• Cells & Microbes – Learning about cell structure and the different types of cells that exist.
• The Chemical World – Pupils learn about non-living matter and the particle arrangement, and how chemical substances move between the 3 states of matter.
• Energy – Looks at the different forms of energy and their application in the real world.

In S2, pupils study a further 6 topics which include: -

• The Body Systems – looking at cell function within a variety of body systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems.
• Atoms & The Periodic Table – looking at elements and their properties and at their atomic structure.
• Forces & Space – looking at what a force is and how you measure it and also how these forces relate to other planets in our solar system.

These S2 topics are progressive from the work covered during S1 and allow pupils to achieve an ongoing knowledge of Science which will prepare them for studying one or more Sciences going forward.

Science is vital to everyday life and allows us to understand and shape the world in which we live and influence its future. Scientists play a key role in meeting society’s needs in areas such as medicine, energy, industry, material development, the environment and sustainability.

The course contains the following units:

Science: Fragile Earth

Learners will focus on two choices from the following four:

• Energy
• Metals
• Water
• Food

They will investigate these resources through activities related to their source, origin, production and/or extraction. Learners will gain knowledge of how science is involved in environmental issues.

Science: Human Health
This Unit covers the individual’s immediate health, expanding to taking responsibility for the family’s health. It then looks at health within the community, and finally global issues affecting health.

Applications of Science

This Unit lets learners explore science’s contribution to communication technologies, new materials and how science helps the understanding of risk and how it can be reduced in modern life

Added Value Unit: Science Assignment

Learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units.

This National Progression Award course provides an overview of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector.  It develops knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and physics. It will also develop science practical skills.  Pupils develop problem-solving skills in a scientific context and the practical skills needed to carry out experimental and investigative work.  They will also develop important transferable skills in analysis, research and planning that will enhance their employment prospects.  

There are four units:

1. Introduction to Biology
2. Introduction to Physics
3. Chemical changes and structure
4. Laboratory Science Practical Skills

There is no external exam for this course. Assessment is based on both performance and written evidence, through students performing a range of practical activities or through closed book internal assessment.

Pupils can progress to Nat 5 Health Sector (See Biology Department page) in S5 or Nat 5 Energy (See Physics Department page)

NPA Applied Sciences SCQF level 5

Pupils will follow a course that is developed from concepts introduced during the BGE and for Biology this focuses on 3 main topics which are: -

Cell biology

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

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.

Biology: life on Earth

The key areas covered are: ecosystems; distribution of organisms; photosynthesis; energy in ecosystems; food production; evolution of species.

The general aim of the course is to develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding. Learners will apply these skills when considering the application of each topic on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.

The health sector is seen as a growth industry across Scotland offering a wide range of employment opportunities at a variety of levels. The National Health Service (NHS) is a major employer in Scotland and currently employs over 160,000 people. The demands placed upon the NHS are increasing, through changes in demographics combined with an ageing workforce.

The National 5 Health Sector Course has been designed to provide learners with opportunities to develop generic employability skills in the context of the health sector. This course could provide progression opportunities for learners by building on the skills and knowledge developed in the National 4 Science Course and Applied Sciences course. 

The study of biology at S5/6 level contributes to the candidate’s general and vocational education through the acquisition of relevant biological knowledge and skills, and to the development of the more general attitudes and abilities related to the processes of science

Higher Human Biology

The course provides a broad-based, integrated study of a range of biological topics which build on the concepts developed in the National 5 Biology courses. The course allows candidates to acquire a deeper understanding of cellular processes, physiological mechanisms and their impact on health, aspects of the nervous system, and defence mechanisms as they apply to the human species.

The course is split into three units:

Human cells

The key areas covered are:

• division and differentiation in human cells
• structure and replication of DNA
• gene expression
• mutations
• human genomics
• metabolic pathways
• cellular respiration
• energy systems in muscle cells

Physiology and health

The key areas covered are:

• gamete production and fertilisation
• hormonal control of reproduction
• the biology of controlling fertility
• antenatal and postnatal screening
• the structure and function of arteries, capillaries and veins
• the structure and function of the heart
• pathology of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• blood glucose levels and obesity

Neurobiology and immunology

The key areas covered are:

• divisions of the nervous system and neural pathways
• the cerebral cortex
• memory
• the cells of the nervous system and neurotransmitters at synapses
• non-specific body defences
• specific cellular defences against pathogens
• immunisation
• clinical trials of vaccines and drugs

The study of biology at S5/6 level contributes to the candidate’s general and vocational education through the acquisition of relevant biological knowledge and skills, and to the development of the more general attitudes and abilities related to the processes of science.

Advanced Higher Biology

The course provides a broad-based, integrated study of a wide range of biological topics which build on the concepts developed in both Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology. The content of the two mandatory units reflects the importance of cell and molecular biology and environmental biology as fundamental areas of science, which form the basis for study in applied fields of biology.

Cells and proteins

The key areas covered are:

• laboratory techniques for biologists
• proteins
• membrane proteins
• communication and signalling
• protein control of cell division

Organisms and evolution

The key areas covered are:

• field techniques for biologists
• evolution
• variation and sexual reproduction
• sex and behaviour
• parasitism

Investigative biology

The key areas covered are:

• scientific principles and process
• experimentation
• reporting and critical evaluation of biological research