Standard Grade Biology
This course includes the study of plants and animals and their relationships with each other and their surroundings. Recent developments in biotechnology are introduced and the study of inheritance and cell and molecular biology are included. The course is practical as well as theoretical and provides a wide educational experience as part of a general education or is a first step in the study of biology.
The course includes seven topics:
- Investigating Cells
- Biosphere
- Animal Survival
- World of Plants
- Body in Action
- Inheritance
- Biotechnology
The first four topics in the list are covered in S3 and the last three are studied in S4.
SQA certification is for three elements Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving and Practical Skills.
The KU and PS elements are assessed by external examination and the practical skills are assessed in school.
Third year topics
Investigating Cells
This topic covers basic plant and animal cell structure as revealed by the light microscope. Diffusion and osmosis are explained as processes allowing substances to enter and leave cells. Cell division is the basis of plant and animal growth. Enzymes as biological catalysts are studied practically and an introduction to respiration as the process, which provides all cells with energy is included in the course.
Biosphere
Students begin their biology course in S3 with this topic and work inside and in the school grounds learning how to investigate an ecosystem. After looking at plant and animal feeding relationships in food chains and webs, students study the effects of pollution and land management on the environment.
Animal Survival
This topic covers four aspects of animal survival namely the need for food, reproduction, the functioning of the kidneys and responses to the environment.
World of Plants
This topic is covered in the summer term and pupils enhance their studies with a day taking part in the 'World of Plants' programme at the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. The topic includes the study of the importance and uses of plants, how they reproduce and how photosynthesis is used to make carbohydrates.
Fourth year topics
Body in Action
This part of the course articulates with standard grade PE as pupils learn about the skeleton, muscles and movement as well as factors affecting sporting performance. The structure and function of the lungs, blood and circulatory system are covered as well as the ear, eye, brain and nervous system.
Inheritance
This topic includes information on the variety of organisms, the process of inheriting genetic characteristics and the laws governing monohybrid inheritance. The implications of genetics in society are covered with mention of mutation, plant breeding and amniocentesis.
Biotechnology
This topic brings together information on the uses of microorganisms in industry, upgrading waste, natural mineral cycles and genetic engineering and introduces the aspect of biology which is expanding most rapidly at present.