Higher Biology

The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series. www.parentforumscotland.org enquiries@parentforumscotland.org

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parentforumscot For course information, specimen question papers and past paper guidance visit: Higher Biology: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47912.html Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile Education Scotland: https://education.gov.scot/nationalqualifications Further Information for Parents and Learners Information on assessment, skills, progression, revision resources and summaries of National Qualifications www.parentforumscotland.org HIGHERS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland Higher Summary Content The course content includes the following areas of biology: • DNA and the genome • Metabolism and survival • Sustainability and interdependence Skills Learners will be able to: • apply knowledge and understanding of biology • understand 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 • use technology, equipment and materials, safely, in practical scientific activities, including using risk assessments • develop planning and problem solving skills in a biology context • use and understand scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues and to make scientifically informed choices • work independently Opportunities for Learners Learners will be able to: • develop deeper understanding of the underlying themes of biology: evolution and adaptation; structure and function; genotype and niche • become scientifically literate • draw on knowledge and understanding and apply the skills of scientific inquiry to practical investigations/experiments Assessment • The course will be assessed through a question paper (exam) and an assignment, which will be marked by SQA and graded A to D. • The question paper is worth 120 marks and makes up 80% of the total assessment mark. It contains two papers: paper 1 (25 marks) is multiple choice and paper 2 (95 marks) requires more detailed responses. • The assignment makes up 20% of the total assessment mark and has two stages: research and report. The topic must be chosen with guidance from teachers and must involve experimental work. It is recommended that no more than 8 hours is spent on the whole assignment. A maximum of 2 hours is allowed for the report stage. Question PaperSection 1: Multiple choice questions (25 marks) Section 2: restricted and extended response questions (95 marks) 3 hours 120 marks Specimen Paperwww.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm Assignment An investigation into a relevant topic, with research and a report written up under supervised conditions 8 hours Progression Higher courses can stand alone or follow on from National 5 qualifications and may lead to Advanced Highers, the Scottish Baccalaureate and a range of qualifications within Further and Higher Education.

HIGHER Biology SCIENCES SEP 2018