SCIENCES COURSE: Biology Introductory Statement Biology is the study of living organisms and it is divided into many specialised fields. Within the national courses, students will study cells, animal & plant systems and the environment. Pupils will be introduced to, and engage wit, new Scientific developments & topical Science( e. g. stem cells, antibiotic resistance, genetic engineering) through a variety of media. Aims & Objectives The course develops learners’ curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for Biology in a range of contexts. It aims to develop scientific understanding of biological issues, with an emphasis on practical activities & skill development. The course aims to cover a varied range of Biology topics which are modern and relevant to everyday life.
Course Content
Unit 1 – Cell Biology Cell structure, transport across cell membranes, producing new cells, DNA and protein synthesis, proteins & enzymes, genetic engineering, respiration and photosynthesis.
Unit 2 – Multicellular organisms Cells, tissues & organs, stem cells & meristems, control & communication, reproduction, variation & inheritance, transport systems in plants, animal transport and exchange systems and effects of lifestyle choices.
Unit 3 – Life on Earth Biodiversity & the distribution of life, energy in ecosystems, sampling techniques & measurements, adaptation, natural selection & evolution and human impact on the environment.
Skills Developed � Practical skills � Literacy skills � Numeracy skills � IT skills � Research skills � Thinking skills.
Assessment SQA assessment – pupils must pass all of the following for full accreditation in a national course; � 3 x unit assessments assessing knowledge & understanding and problem solving. � 1 x practical report � 1 or 2 short reports on a biological application and a biological issue. � 1 assignment( National 5 only- 20 % of final grade marked by SQA) or‘ added value unit’( national 4 only) � Final exam( national 5 only)
Progression Routes – dependent on individual progress & achievement � National 4 can progress onto National 5. � National 5 can progress onto Higher Biology or Higher Human Biology
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