Biology
Higher
Mathematics
View topicsEnglish
View topicsBiology
ViewingChemistry
View topicsPhysics
View topicsComputer Science
View topicsHigher Biology covers DNA and the Genome, Metabolism and Survival, and Sustainability and Interdependence, assessed by an SQA exam and a 20-mark assignment researched and written under controlled conditions.
The course goes well beyond National 5 in depth: gene expression, mutations, evolution and genomic sequencing; metabolic pathways, cellular respiration, control of metabolism and microbial growth; and food security, plant and animal breeding, symbiosis and biodiversity.
A large share of the marks sit in data-handling and experimental design questions rather than recall. Pupils who practise interpreting unfamiliar graphs and tables under time pressure consistently outperform those who only revise content.
Important Topics
- DNA & the GenomeDNA structure, replication, gene expression, mutations and genomic sequencing.
- EvolutionNatural selection, speciation, genetic drift and evidence for evolution.
- Metabolism & Cellular RespirationMetabolic pathways, ATP, glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain.
- Metabolism in Conditions of Environmental ChangeAdaptation, tolerance, dormancy and microbial growth.
- Food Supply & Plant GrowthPhotosynthesis, crop productivity, plant and animal breeding and food security.
- InterdependenceSymbiosis, social behaviour, biodiversity and the impact of human activity.
- Data Handling & AssignmentInterpreting unfamiliar data, experimental design and the written assignment.
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