Advanced Higher Biology
Course Guide
Unit 1: Cell Biology - June to Jan
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Structure, function and
growth of prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells
Structure and function
of cell components
Molecular interactions in
cell events
Applications in DNA
technology
Unit 2: Environmental Biology- June to Dec
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Circulation in Ecosystems
Interactions in Ecosystems
Human impact on the environment
Unit 3 Physiology Health and Exercise
– Feb to April
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Exercise and the cardiovascular system
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Exercise and Metabolism
Investigation
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20% of the course award is based on
the final report of an investigation of
your choice
Opportunity to show motivation and
organisational ability
Should not exceed 2500 words in length
Lab book internally assessed = NAB
Assessment
Internal assessment
To pass each of the units
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LO1 and LO2 in NAB tests ( pass =26/40 )
1 chance for reassessment
LO3 by completing practical write up
Assessment
Course assessment
Preparation for your external exam
At the end of each unit you will sit harder test which
will include:
 Multiple choice
 Structured questions
 Extended responses
Prelim exam in February for estimates
External assessment
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Final exam in June for SQA results
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Section A: 25 multiple choice questions
Section B: 55 marks on mandatory units
Section C: 20 marks on optional unit
Investigation report 25 marks (20%)
Homework
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Revise coursework regularly as there is a large body
of knowledge to learn
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Weekly homework will be given
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It is important to meet deadlines
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Homework is your responsibility but don’t be afraid to
ask for help , your teacher will provide advice and
support
What can I expect from my
teacher!
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Support and time in practicing skills
Regular homework to monitor progress and
give me feedback
Coursework broken into small sections
Clear guidance on what I need to learn
Support materials
What is expected of you?
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Regular attendance
Keeping my work/notes up to date
Commitment to the unit/course
A responsible attitude to homework
Meeting deadlines
Study aids
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Monographs
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Dart notes
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Biology Campbell Reece CD Rom
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SQA Biology website
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Scholar materials - Heriot Watt
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Additional reading
ALBERT EINSTEIN:
Anyone who has never made a mistake has
never tried anything new.
THOMAS EDISON:
Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% persiration.
JOHN F. KENNEDY:
We choose to go to the moon and do
other things not because they are
easy but because they are hard.
Good Luck!
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Biology at this level is about ideas and how to
develop them
Looking at facts, learning them, thinking broadly
about new hypotheses