Higher Biology - sqa.org.uk

1 Higher Biology Course code: C807 76. Course assessment code: X807 76. SCQF: level 6 (24 SCQF credit points). Valid from: session 2019 20. This document provides detailed information about the course and course assessment to ensure consistent and transparent assessment year on year. It describes the structure of the course and the course assessment in terms of the skills, knowledge and understanding that are assessed. This document is for teachers and lecturers and contains all the mandatory information you need to deliver the course. The information in this publication may be reproduced in support of SQA qualifications only on a non-commercial basis. If it is reproduced, SQA must be clearly acknowledged as the source. If it is to be reproduced for any other purpose, written permission must be obtained from This edition: September 2019 (version ).

2 Scottish Qualifications Authority 2013, 2018, 2019. Contents Course overview 1. Course rationale 2. Purpose and aims 2. Who is this course for? 3. Course content 4. Skills, knowledge and understanding 5. Skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work 20. Course assessment 21. Course assessment structure: question papers 21. Course assessment structure: assignment 23. Grading 28. Equality and inclusion 29. Further information 30. Appendix 1: course support notes 31. Introduction 31. Developing skills, knowledge and understanding 31. Approaches to learning and teaching 31. Preparing for course assessment 76. Developing skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work 76. Appendix 2: question paper brief 79. Course overview The course consists of 24 SCQF credit points which includes time for preparation for course assessment.

3 The notional length of time for candidates to complete the course is 160 hours. The course assessment has three components. Component Marks Scaled mark Duration Question paper 1: 25 not applicable 40 minutes multiple choice Question paper 2 95 not applicable 2 hours and 20. minutes Assignment 20 30 8 hours of which a maximum of 2 hours is allowed for the report stage Recommended entry Progression Entry to this course is at the discretion of Advanced Higher Biology the centre. other qualifications in Biology or related areas Candidates should have achieved the further study, employment and/or National 5 Biology course or equivalent training qualifications and/or experience prior to starting this course. Conditions of award The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.

4 Version 1. Course rationale National Courses reflect Curriculum for Excellence values, purposes and principles. They offer flexibility, provide time for learning, focus on skills and applying learning, and provide scope for personalisation and choice. Every course provides opportunities for candidates to develop breadth, challenge and application. The focus and balance of assessment is tailored to each subject area. Biology , the study of living organisms, plays a crucial role in our everyday life, and is an increasingly important subject in the modern world. Biology affects everyone, and biologists work to find solutions to many of the world's problems. Advances in technology have made Biology more exciting and relevant than ever. The Higher Biology course gives candidates the opportunity to understand and investigate the living world in an engaging and enjoyable way.

5 It develops candidates' abilities to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. The course provides opportunities for candidates to acquire and apply knowledge to evaluate biological issues, assess risk, make informed decisions and develop an ethical view of complex issues. Candidates are able to develop their communication, collaborative working and leadership skills, and are able to apply critical thinking in new and unfamiliar contexts to solve problems. The course uses an experimental and investigative approach to develop knowledge and understanding of concepts in Biology . Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the sciences, candidates may benefit from studying Biology along with other science subjects and mathematics, as this may enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding.

6 Purpose and aims The course develops candidates' interest and enthusiasm for Biology in a range of stimulating, relevant and enjoyable contexts. It also allows flexibility and personalisation by offering a choice of contexts to study. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed throughout the course. This will enable candidates to become scientifically-literate citizens. The course allows candidates to develop deeper understanding of the underlying themes of Biology . The scale of topics ranges from molecular through to whole organism and beyond. Candidates develop an understanding of DNA and how the structure of the genome leads to the basis of evolution and biodiversity. Genomics is studied as one of the major scientific advances in recent times. Metabolic pathways and their control are considered along with the conditions in which organisms survive and their means of coping with these.

7 The interdependence and complex interactions between organisms is explored and sustainable food production, with the fundamental process of photosynthesis at its core, is investigated. The development of skills enables candidates to adapt their learning to new situations, solve problems, make decisions based on evidence, and evaluate the impact of scientific Version 2. developments on their health and wellbeing, society and the environment. By setting the acquisition of knowledge and skills in the context of Higher Biology , a stimulating, relevant and enjoyable curriculum prepares candidates for further education, training or employment, in areas associated with life sciences. The course aims to: develop and apply knowledge and understanding of Biology develop an understanding of Biology 's role in scientific issues and relevant applications of Biology , including the impact these could make in society and the environment develop scientific inquiry and investigative skills develop scientific analytical thinking skills, including scientific evaluation, in a Biology context develop the skills to use technology, equipment and materials safely in practical scientific activities develop planning skills develop problem-solving skills in a Biology context use and understand scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues and to make scientifically informed choices develop the knowledge and skills for more advanced learning in Biology develop skills of independent working Who is this course for?

8 The course is suitable for candidates who are secure in their attainment of National 5 Biology or an equivalent qualification. It may also be suitable for those wishing to study Biology for the first time. The course emphasises practical and experiential learning opportunities, with a strong skills- based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all candidates, and provides sufficient flexibility to enable candidates to achieve in different ways. Version 3. Course content The course content includes the following areas of Biology : DNA and the genome The key areas covered are: structure of DNA. replication of DNA. gene expression cellular differentiation the structure of the genome mutations evolution genomic sequencing Metabolism and survival The key areas covered are: metabolic pathways cellular respiration metabolic rate metabolism in conformers and regulators metabolism and adverse conditions environmental control of metabolism genetic control of metabolism Sustainability and interdependence The key areas covered are: food supply, plant growth and productivity plant and animal breeding crop protection animal welfare symbiosis social behaviour components of biodiversity threats to biodiversity Version 4.

9 Skills, knowledge and understanding Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course: demonstrating knowledge and understanding of Biology by making accurate statements, describing information, providing explanations and integrating knowledge applying Biology knowledge to new situations, analysing information and solving problems planning and designing experiments/practical investigations to test given hypotheses or to illustrate particular effects carrying out experiments/practical investigations safely, recording detailed observations and collecting data selecting information from a variety of sources presenting information appropriately in a variety of forms processing information (using calculations and units, where appropriate).

10 Making predictions and generalisations from evidence/information drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence/justification evaluating experiments/practical investigations and suggesting improvements communicating findings/information effectively Version 5. Skills, knowledge and understanding for the course assessment The following table provides details of skills, knowledge and understanding sampled in the course assessment. The course support notes provide further detail on the depth of knowledge required for each key area of the course. The key areas of the course, the apparatus and techniques noted below, and the depth of knowledge required for each key area noted in the course support notes can be assessed in the question papers. DNA and the genome 1 The structure of DNA. (a) Structure of DNA nucleotides (deoxyribose sugar, phosphate and base), sugar.