Biology National 3

Entry to the course:

The experiences and outcomes in S1 and S2 - Biodiversity and Interdependence (Planet Earth) and Body Systems and Inheritance (Biological Systems)

Course structure

The Course consists of three mandatory Units. Each of the component Units is designed to provide progression to the related Unit at National 4. Units are statements of standards for assessment and not programmes of learning and teaching. They can be delivered in a number of ways. Units can be taught sequentially or in parallel to each other. However, learning and teaching approaches should provide opportunities to integrate skills, where possible.

Unit 1 Cell Biology

Cell structure and function
Function of DNA
Risks and Benefits of DNA profiling
Photosynthesis
Types of microorganisms
Control of microganisms' growth

Unit 2 Multicellular Organisms

Organs and Organ Systems
Monitoring Health and the Quality of Life
Body defences and vaccines
Development of the Embryo

Unit 3 Life on Earth

Sampling the Environment
Different types of Chemicals and Global Food Production

Other Skills for Development

Numeracy - Number porcesses; Money, time and measurement and Information handling
Thinking Skills and Problem Solving

Progression

National 4 Award in Biology or another Science subject
Skills for Work Courses (SCQF 3 or 4)
National Certificate Group Awards

Assessment

Each unit will be assessed on a pass/fail basis within the school. In addition, pupil will have have to submit a report of an experiment they have carried out and a short scientific report based on a research investigation. The experimental report should include observations/measurements; results obtained; valid conclusions and an evaluation of the procedures used. The Investigation Report should be 30-50 words long and explain how the topic studied applies to society at large and the impact these these applications have on the environment/society. SQA will provide rigorous external quality assurance, including external verification, to ensure assessment judgments are consistent and meet national standards.

Biology National 4

Entry to the course:

The experiences and outcomes in S1 and S2 - Biodiversity and Interdependence (Planet Earth) and Body Systems and Inheritance (Biological Systems)

A Naional 3 Science Course will have been undertaken previously.

Unit 1 Cell Biology

Cell Division and Growth
DNA, Genes and Chromosomes
Therapeutic Uses of Cells
Enzymes in Industry
Microorganisms and their uses in Industry
Photosynthesis - limiting factors
Respiration - factors afffecting
Controversial Biological Procedures

Unit 2 Multicellular Organisms

Sexual and Asexual Reproduction
Plant Growth and Propagation
Commerical uses of Plants
Applied genetics
Growth and development of different organisms
Responding to internal and external stimuli

Unit 3 Life on Earth

Interdependence of Organisms
Biodiveristy and the impact of population growth and natural hazards
Nitrogen Cycle
Fertilisers and their environmental impact
Adaptation
Learned behaviour and survival of species

Assessment

Each unit will be assessed on a pass/fail basis within the school. In addition, pupil will have have to submit a report of an experiment they have carried out and a short scientific report based on a research investigation. The experimental report should include a plan of the procedures to be undertaken including safety considerations; observations/measurements; results obtained; valid conclusions and an evaluation of the procedures used. The Investigation Report should be 40-70 words long and explain how the topic studied applies to society at large and the impact these these applications have on the environment/society. SQA will provide rigorous external quality assurance, including external verification, to ensure assessment judgments are consistent and meet national standards.

Further Studies and Employment Opportunities.

National 5 Biology
National 4 or 5 in other Sciences
Skills for Work (SCQF levels 4 & 5)
National Certificate Group Awards
National Progression Awards (SCQF levels 4 & 5)
Further study, employment and/or training

Biology National 5

Entry to the course:

The experiences and outcomes in S1 and S2 - Biodiversity and Interdependence (Planet Earth) and Body Systems and Inheritance (Biological Systems)

A Naional 4 Science Course will have been undertaken previously.

Unit 1 Cell Biology

Cell Structure
Transport Across Cell Membranes
Produciing New Cells
DNA and Protein Sythesis
Proteins and Enzymes
Genetic Engineering
Photosynthesis
Respiration

Unit 2 Multicellular Organisms

Cells, Tissues and Organs
Stem Cells and Meristems
Control and Communication
Reproduction
Variation and Inhertiance
The Need for Transport
Effects of Lifestyle Choices on Animal Transport and Exchange Systems

Unit 3 Life on Earth

Biodiversity and the Distribution of Life
Energy in Ecosystems
Sampling Techniques and Measurement of Abiotic and Biotic Factors
Adaptation, Natural Selection and Evolution
Human Impact on the Environment

Assessment

Each unit will be assessed on a pass/fail basis within the school. In addition, pupil will have have to submit a report of an experiment they have carried out and a short scientific report based on a research investigation. The experimental report should include observations/measurements; results obtained; valid conclusions and an evaluation of the procedures used.

The final grade, A-D, will however be determined by a) An Assignment 500-800 words long and which explains how the topic studied applies to society at large and the impact these these applications have on the environment/society. Condidates will have to demonstrate that they can apply biological knowledge to new situations and interpret infomation they have obtained from a variety of sources; present at least two sets of data in a different format from the sources e.g. tabluar information into a graph; carry out approriate calculations and use correct units; justify their conclusions with evidence they have gathered and communicate these clearly and accurately. The Report will be compiled under examination conditions and marked externally. It will contribute 20% of the total marks available.

There will also be an external examination which will contribute the remaining 80% of the marks available and will sat in the May/June diet of SQA examinations.

Further Studies and Employment Opportunities.