Biology is the study of all living things, from the tiniest organisms to the largest lifeforms. You will learn how nature and the human body work, and how different forms of life eat, make energy and reproduce. You will also find out how Biology is helping to find solutions to world problems.
There are many career opportunities connected with biology, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, food science, sport science, pharmacology and beauty therapy.
Career Pathways
To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:
Hairdressing, Beauty and Wellbeing
Teaching and Classroom Support
Uniformed and Security Services
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally be expected to have:
The course will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the underlying themes of biology. The scale of topics ranges from molecular through to whole organism and beyond.
The course consists of three areas of study.
DNA and the genome
The key areas covered are:
Metabolism and survival
The key areas covered are:
Sustainability and interdependence
The key areas covered are:
The course assessment has three components totalling 140 marks:
For the assignment component, you will research a topic and produce a report based on your research. The research stage must involve experimental work which allows measurements to be made. You must also gather data/information from the internet, books or journals.
Both the question papers and the assignment are set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across course assessment.
The course assessment is graded A-D.
If you complete the course successfully it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
