BIOLOGY NATIONAL 4
CONTENT
The Course has 3 mandatory units and an added value unit.
Cell Biology
The key areas covered are: cell division and its role in growth and repair, DNA, genes and chromosomes, therapeutic use of cells, properties of enzymes and use in industries, properties of microorganisms and use in industries, photosynthesis – limiting factors, factors affecting respiration, and controversial biological procedures.
Multicellular Organisms
The key areas covered are: sexual and asexual reproduction and their importance for survival of species, propagating and growing plants, commercial use of plants, genetic information, growth and development of different organisms, and biological actions in response to internal and external changes to maintain stable body conditions.
Life on Earth
The key areas covered are how animal and plants species depend on each other, impact of population growth and natural hazards on biodiversity, nitrogen cycle, fertiliser design and environmental impact of fertilisers, adaptations for survival, and learned behaviour in response to stimuli linked to species survival.
Added Value Unit: Biology Assignment
Learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.
ASSESSMENT
To pass National 4 Biology candidates must pass all of the mandatory units and the added value unit mentioned above.
There is no external exam for National 4 Biology.
Homework
Homework will vary depending on the units being covered. There is an expectation that students will go over their class work regularly to consolidate learning. Preparation for assessments will also form part of the homework for the course.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Completed the S3 Specialism in Biology
- By negotiation with the department
RESOURCES
All pupil resources will be shared via Microsoft Teams, Homework will be set through Satchel One.
BIOLOGY NATIONAL 5
CONTENT
The course is made up of 3 units:
Cell Biology
In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge and skills and carry out practical and other learning activities related to study and investigation of the cell. This will include cell structure and processes within cells, such as transport, photosynthesis and respiration, as well as DNA, protein and biotechnology.
Multicellular Organisms
In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge, skills and carry out practical and other learning activities related to study and investigation of whole organisms. This will include a comparative approach to the study of plants and animals, through areas such as reproduction and inheritance, the need for transport within organisms, digestion and associated enzymes, control and communication, and health.
Life on Earth
In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge and skills and carry out practical and other learning activities related to the study and investigation of Life on Earth. This will include world ecosystems, evolution, natural selection and competition, behaviour, biodiversity, decay, recycling, microorganisms and ethical issues.
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
Learners must pass one written test per unit assessing both knowledge and problem solving skills.
Learners’ progress will be monitored through regular end of topic tests and a prelim. Both of these types of assessment will be based on exam level questioning.
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
The external assessment for National 5 Biology consists of:
- An assignment investigating an application of Biology (20%)
- An external examination (80%)
HOMEWORK
Homework will be given on a regular basis to assist in learning. In addition, pupils are expected to prepare for end of topic tests and unit assessments. Pupils should spend approximately 1 hour on homework each week.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A pass at National 4 Biology or a grade B in National 5 Chemistry or Physics.
RESOURCES
All pupil resources will be shared via Microsoft Teams, Homework will be set through Satchel One and pupils will be able to make use of the scholar.hw.ac.uk website for revision or home learning.