Biology:
The National 4 and 5 Biology Courses aim to provide pupils with an understanding of themselves and the natural world in which they live. The majority of the course focuses on gaining an understanding of biological processes to explain the world around us. The course is predominantly theory and also some experimental work carried out in the school laboratory or outside as appropriate.
The choice of National 4 or 5 Biology is dependent upon progress and attainment demonstrated in S1, S2 and early S3. Learners who have experienced breadth and depth of learning across Fourth Level BGE Science Experiences and Outcomes will follow the National 5 Course. Learners who have experienced breadth and depth of learning across Third Level BGE Science Experiences and Outcomes will follow the National 4 Course.
The National 4 and 5 Courses cover similar themes but the overall content is different and the National 5 Course provides a greater challenge and exploration of topics. The table below provides an overview of the topics covered at each level:
| National 4 Biology | National 5 Biology |
| Unit 1 Cell Biology: Cells and their uses; Enzymes; Microorganisms; Photosynthesis and Respiration | Unit 1 Cell Biology: Cell structure; Transport across membranes; DNA and the production of proteins; Proteins; Genetic engineering; Respiration
|
| Unit 2 Multicellular Organisms: Genetics; Growth and development; Homeostasis; Plants and their uses; Reproduction | Unit 2 Multicellular Organisms: Producing new cells, Control and communication; Reproduction; Variation and inheritance; Transport systems – plants; Transport systems – animals; Absorption of materials
|
| Unit 3 Life on Earth: Adaptation; Ecosystems; Nitrogen and fertilisers | Unit 3 Life on Earth: Ecosystems; Distribution of organisms; Photosynthesis; Energy in ecosystems; Food production; Evolution of species
|
| Added Value Unit: an internally-assessed assignment carried out with teacher supervision based on a topic from Unit 1-3. | Assignment: an externally-assessed practical and research-based assignment which is completed under teacher supervision on a topic from Unit 1-3.
|
| All elements internally-assessed by teacher and externally-verified by SQA.
PASS/FAIL only; not graded |
Externally-assessed final year exam, externally-assessed Assignment.
Graded Course |
Assessment
Learners following the National 4 course will complete the three units above, which are internally assessed through Unit Assessments, and an Added Value Unit which is also assessed by the teacher to determine if it meets the relevant SQA criteria. Although the teacher assesses National 4 materials produced by the pupil these are retained for external verification by the SQA. National 4 is not graded.
Learners following the National 5 Course will follow a course containing the topics outlined above and complete an in-class Assignment under “exam conditions”.
The National 5 Course Assessment will include an external End of Year Exam (100 marks) and an Assignment (20 marks). The exam is worth 80% of the overall assessment of National 5 Biology with the remaining 20% from the assignment.
Biology Higher
Course Structure: the course has three 40 hour units. The units cover the following content areas:
- DNA and the Genome (H) 6 SCQF credits (40 hours)
- Metabolism and Survival (H) 6 SCQF credits (40 hours)
- Sustainability and Interdependence (H) 6 SCQF credits (40 hours)
In common with all courses, this course includes 40 hours over and above the 120 hours for the component units. This may be used for induction, extending the range of learning and teaching approaches, support, consolidation, integration of learning and preparation for external assessment.
Recommended Entry
While entry is at the discretion of the department, candidates will normally be expected to have attained one of the following:
- National 5 Biology, at an A/B grade
Assessment
Learners following the Higher Biology course will complete the three units and an assignment. The three units will be assessed in the Course assessment. The assignment must address the key purposes and aims of the Course, as defined in the Course rationale. The learner will draw on and extend the skills they have learned during the Course. These will be assessed within an externally produced question paper and an assignment, requiring demonstration of the breadth of skills, knowledge and understanding acquired from across the Units in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.