Purpose and Aims of the Course
The course is a broad and up-to-date selection of concepts and ideas relevant to the central position of life science within our society. The purpose of the course is to develop learners’ interest and enthusiasm for biology in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed, throughout the course, by investigating the applications of biology. In addition the acquisition of knowledge, problem solving skills and practical abilities will feature heavily.
Course Outline
The course has three units
- DNA and the Genome
Structure and replication of DNA, Gene expression, Mutation, Evolution
- Metabolism and Survival
Metabolic pathways Respiration, Adverse conditions, Use of microbes
- Sustainability and Interdependence
Food supply, Breeding, Crops, Animal Welfare, Symbiosis, Extinction, Threats
Assessment
- The external exam has two papers – a multiple choice paper and an extended response paper
- There shall be an assignment worth 20 marks which will involve some research, presentation and evaluation skills. It will be completed in class but marked by SQA
- Regular A/B testing shall take place
Methods
The course comprises of a combination of teacher led tutorials, independent research and investigative work. Students will be provided with a variety of resources through Microsoft Teams and a SCHOLAR password which will allow access to an electronic version of the course which can be accessed from home or in school at any time
Course Outline
The course has three units
- Cells and Proteins
Lab techniques, Antibodies, Microscopy, Aseptic Technique, Proteins
- Organisms and Evolution
Sampling, Taxonomy, Evolution, Meiosis, Behaviour, Courtship, Parasitism
- Investigative biology
Scientific Methods, Literature, Ethics, Experimentation, Design, Evaluation
Methods
Pupils are required to produce their own record of work as directed by the teacher. There will be a requirement to summarise material from the course textbooks, label diagrams, watch video material, take lecture notes, use computers and attend field trips or excursions to enrich the course
Assessment
Units will be assessed internally by end of unit assessments at C level A pass must be achieved in each of the Unit assessments to gain a course award. There shall also be regular A/B tests which will assess Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving, although performance in separate elements will not be assessed. Practical Abilities will be assessed separately by the production of a report on one practical activity.
There is a requirement to carry out a biological investigation. This will involve the candidate in the accumulation, analysis and presentation of information through experimental, observational or survey work. It will be presented in a written report of up to 2,000 words which will be marked externally
The course examination will consist of one paper of 2.5 hours and contribute 80% of the marks. The investigation will be worth 20% of the total marks and will be externally marked.
- Demonstrating and applying knowledge of biology by through accurate statements in new and familiar situations.
- Providing explanations and by integrating different areas of knowledge.
- Processing relevant information by selecting, presenting, interpreting, calculating, and problem solving
- Carrying out experimental procedures with reference to planning, designing testing hypotheses, evaluating, making predictions, and drawing valid conclusions.
- Demonstrating and applying knowledge of biology by through accurate statements in new and familiar situations.
- Providing explanations and by integrating different areas of knowledge.
- Processing relevant information by selecting, presenting, interpreting, calculating, and problem solving
- Carrying out experimental procedures with reference to planning, designing testing hypotheses, evaluating, making predictions, and drawing valid conclusions.
‘The class atmosphere was always fun. I loved learning about genetics and how genes carry down a family tree.’
Kirsty Grant 6St
Is biology for me?
You will enjoy this subject if:
- You have an interest in how the natural world works, and want to learn more.
- You have an interest in human health.
- You are interested in the plant and animal kingdoms.
- You enjoy learning through conducting practical experiments.
Influential Biologists
- Sidney Altman – Sterling Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Chemistry at Yale University. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1989 and the Lomonosov Medal in 2016. He is also Grandfather to Anna Hazard 3Cr.
- Isabella Gordon – A graduate of Aberdeen University and Imperial College where she specialised in studying echinoderms – ‘spiny’ sea creatures such as starfish and sea urchins. She she was the crustacean expert at the British Museum of Natural History, now known as the Natural History Museum, and was the first woman to be appointed to a full-time scientific post there.