Home
About Us
Dates
Pupil Council
Parent Council
Trash Fashion
The Insider
Contact Us
Art and Design Biology Business Education Chemistry Computing English Geography History Home Economics Mathematics Modern Languages Modern Studies Music P.E Physics RME Technical
Art and Design Biology Business Education Chemistry Computing English Geography History Home Economics Mathematics Modern Languages Modern Studies Music P.E Physics RME Technical
Click to expand each:
Course Content
The Standard Grade Biology course aims to provide pupils with an understanding of themselves and the natural world in which they live. At the same time, the course provides a sound basis for further study of the subject.
The course includes not only the study of plants and animals and their environments, but also such recently developed areas as molecular biology and biotechnology, which are highly relevant to society today.
The course involves a variety of experimental work carried out both in the laboratory and in the environment.
The course is available only at General and Credit levels.
Learning and Teaching Methods
A variety of learning and teaching methods is used ranging from pupil-centred learning where the pupils follow a series of structured tasks in the workbooks provided to traditional teacher-led methods. Pupils are encouraged to make their own notes on certain topics and write up reports on experiments performed in class.
Assessment Arrangements
The three elements of assessment are Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving and Practical Abilities. Practical abilities are tested throughout the course at appropriate points in the syllabus. These tests cover basic techniques required in the Biological Sciences and Practical Investigations where the pupil is encouraged to design and carry out an experimental procedure in order to solve a Biological problem. This work is assessed by the school and moderated externally and counts towards the final grade.
Homework
Homework is an integral part of the course and is issued on a regular basis. A variety of homework exercises are used for the purpose of:
» Reinforcing classwork
» Diagnosing areas of weakness in a pupil’s learning
» Familiarising with question types and techniques
» Stimulating interest in the subject
Progression Routes / Potential Future Us
Pupils achieving grade 1 or 2 in the Knowledge and Understanding component of the final examination can progress to either Higher Biology of Higher Human Biology. Candidates with a pass at General Level, grades 3 or 4 can progress to Intermediate 2 Biology.
Core Skills
Students will have the opportunity to develop and practice the core skills of Problem Solving and Numeracy (using graphical information) within the course curriculum.
Course Content
The Intermediate 1 Biology course consists of three units of study:
» Health and Technology
» Biotechnological Industries
» Growing Plants
The course content is designed to help the student understand the importance of biological issues with respect to themselves and society in general.
Learning and Teaching Methods
A variety of learning and teaching methods is used ranging from pupil-centred learning where the pupils follow a series of structured tasks in the workbooks provided to traditional teacher-led methods.
Emphasis is placed on practical activities which can be applied to the world of work.
Assessment Arrangements
To gain the award of the course, the candidate must achieve all the components of the 3 internal unit assessments as well as the external assessment.
Internal Assessment |
|---|
» Outcome 1 – End of Unit Test worth 15 marks. (Time allowed 30 minutes) An opportunity for reassessment will be given when candidates fail to achieve the cut off score in the first test. » Outcome 2 – Practical techniques. Three different practical techniques completed correctly in each unit. » Outcome 3 – A report of a practical investigation form one of the three units studied. |
External Assessment |
|---|
An exam paper lasting 1 ½ hours made up of: » 25 multiple choice questions covering knowledge and understanding and problem solving items. » 50 short answer questions covering knowledge, understanding and problem solving items. |
Homework
Homework is an integral part of the course and is issued on a regular basis. A variety of homework exercises are used for the purpose of:
» Reinforcing classwork
» Diagnosing areas of weakness in a pupil’s learning
» Familiarising with question types and techniques
» Stimulating interest in the subject
Progression Routes / Potential Future Us
Intermediate 1 Biology can provide a basis for further study, training or work. Int 2 Biology might be appropriate for some pupils but Int 1 in Chemistry or Physics would also develop further a pupil’s scientific knowledge and skills and is a more likely progression route.
Core Skills
Students will have the opportunity to develop and practice the core skills of problem solving and numeracy (using graphical information) within the course curriculum.
Entry Requirements
Biology Standard Grade : 3 or 4 in both KU and PS .
Standard Grade Chemistry/Physics at grades 1-3.
Course Content
This course involves a broad based study of a range of Biological topics required for a progression to Higher Biology or Higher Human Biology and is designed to further develop the Standard Grade elements of KU, PS and practical abilities. The course comprises three syllabus topics, each of which is linked to topics covered in Standard Grade Biology while including many additional and challenging aspects of the subject.
The three topics covered in the course are as follows:
Living Cells |
|---|
Structure and function of a variety of cells ; diffusion and osmosis in plant and animal cells; enzyme action; aerobic and anaerobic respiration; photosynthesis. |
Environmental Biology and Genetics |
|---|
Ecosystems ; factors affecting variety in a species. |
Animal Physiology |
|---|
Mammalian nutrition ; control of the internal environment ; circulation and gas exchange ; sensory mechanisms and processing of information. |
Assessment Arrangements
To gain the award of the course, the candidate must achieve all the components of the 3 internal unit assessments as well as the external assessment.
To gain the course award, students must achieve all the units of the course as well as the external assessment. External assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the course award.
Unit assessments: These will consist of end of unit tests containing a mixture of KU and PS items relating to the course content. A pass mark of 65% will be set for all such tests. In addition, students will be required to prepare a report which will involve the collection and analysis of information relating to an aspect of the course content.
This will involve assessment of KU, PS and practical abilities based on the course content described for the three units of study and will include more complex items than unit assessments. There will be one paper lasting 2 hours worth 100 marks, sub-divided as follows:
» Section A – 25 multiple choice questions
» Section B - Structured questions worth 65 marks including 15-20 problem
» Section C – 4 extended response questions. Answer 2 out of 4 (5 marks each).
Homework
On a daily basis students are expected to study and review the work done in class.
Regular homework exercises are given to reinforce the concepts and problem solving skills covered in class.
Progression Routes / Potential Future Us
Students can progress to Higher Biology/Higher Human Biology in S6.
College courses in Biological sciences and related topics e.g. Nursery Nursing, Health Sector, Horticulture etc.
Core Skills
The core skills of Problem Solving and Numeracy (using graphical information) will be credited on completion of the course.
Entry Requirements
Biology Standard Grade 1 or 2 in both KU and PS is essential.
S6 students will only be considered if they have a good Higher pass in one or more of the other sciences. Intermediate 2 entry at the discretion of the department.
Course Content
The Higher Biology course comprises three units of study and provides for a more thorough understanding of the basic concepts which are covered in the Standard Grade and Intermediate 2 Biology courses. The course further develops the Standard Grade and Intermediate 2 outcomes of knowledge and understanding, problem solving and practical abilities.
The three topics covered in the course as follows:
Cell Biology |
|---|
» Cell Structure in relation to function » Photosynthesis » Energy Release » Synthesis and release of proteins » Cellular response in defence in animals and plants . |
Genetics and Adaption |
|---|
» Variation » Selection and speciation » Animal and plant adaptations |
Control and Regulation |
|---|
Mammalian nutrition ; control of the internal environment ; circulation and gas exchange ; sensory mechanisms and processing of information. » The control of growth and development » Physiological homeostasis » Population dynamics |
Learning and Teaching Methods
Emphasis is places on investigative and practical work both on an individual and group basis and provides a basis for developing problem solving skills and delivering related theoretical knowledge. There will be one internally assessed practical investigation in each unit of study but there will be no compulsory practicals for the purpose of external assessment. Whole class teaching, research projects, use of information technology, fieldwork and data logging will be used where appropriate.
Assessment Arrangements
To gain the course award, students much achieve all the units of the course as well as the external assessment. External assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the course award.
Unit Assessments: These will consist of end of unit tests containing a mixture of KU and PS items relating to the course content. A pass mark of 65% will be set for all such tests. In addition, students will be required to prepare a report which will involve the collection and analysis of information gained through experiment and relating to an aspect of the course content.
External Examination: This will involve assessment of KU, PS and practical abilities based on the course content described for the three units of study and will include more complex items than unit assessments. There will be one paper lasting 2.5 hours worth 130 marks, sub-divided as follows:
» Section A - 30 multiple choice questions (10 problem solving/practical + 20 knowledge and understanding)
» Section B - Structured questions worth 80 marks including 25-30 problem solving/practical with the remainder KU.
» Section C - 4 extended response questions. Answer 2 our of 4 (10 marks each).
Homework
On a daily basis students are expected to study and review the work done in class.
Regular homework exercises are given to reinforce the concepts and problem solving skills covered in class.
Progression Routes / Potential Future Use
Students can progress to an advanced course in S6. University and College course involving Biology, such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dentistry etc.
Core Skills
The core skills of problem solving and numeracy (using graphical information) will be credited on successful completion of the course.
Entry Requirements
Biology Standard Grade 1 or 2 in both KU and PS is essential.
S6 students will only be considered if they have a good Higher pass in one or more of the other sciences. Intermediate 2 entry at the discretion of the department.
Learning and Teaching Methods
Emphasis is placed on investigative and practical work both on an individual and group basis and provides a basis for developing problem solving skills and delivering related theoretical knowledge. There will be one internally assessed practical investigation in each unit of study but there will be no compulsory practicals for the purpose of external assessment. Whole class teaching, research projects, use of information technology, fieldwork and data logging will be used where appropriate.
Course Content
The Higher Human Biology course comprises three units of study and provides for a more thorough understanding of the basic concepts which are covered in the Standard Grade and Intermediate 2 Biology courses. The course further develops the Standard Grade and Intermediate 2 outcomes of knowledge and understanding, problem solving and practical abilities. The course content considers those aspects of biological science which have more immediate relevance for the biology of the human species and the influence of mankind on the biological world.
The three topics covered in the course are as follows:
Cell Function and Inheritance |
|---|
The Role of Enzymes in Cell Metabolism ; Protein Synthesis ; Energy Transfer ; Cell Transport ; Cellular Response in Defence; Inheritance. |
The Constitution of Life: Reproduction |
|---|
Development; Transport Mechanisms; Delivery of Materials to Cells; Removal of Materials from the Blood; Regulating Mechanisms. |
Behaviour, Population and the Environment |
|---|
Nervous System and Memory ; Behaviour ; Population Growth and the Environment. |
Assessment Arrangements
To gain the course award, students must achieve all the units of the course as well as the external assessment. External assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the course award.
Homework
On a daily basis students are expected to study and review the work done in class.
Regular homework exercises are given to reinforce the concepts and problem solving skills covered in class.
Progression Routes / Potential Future Us
Students can progress to Advanced Higher in S6. University and College courses involving Biology, such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dentistry etc.
Core Skills
The core skills of problem solving and numeracy (using graphical information) will be credited on successful completion of the course.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a grade C award in Higher Biology or Higher Human Biology.
Course Content
The course provides a broad based study of a wide range of biological topics built on the concepts developed in Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology and consists of two mandatory 40 hour units, a 20 hour investigation and one optional 20 hour unit from a choice of three. The content of the two mandatory units reflects the importance of cell and molecular and environmental biology as fundamental areas of science and is designed to develop an understanding of the way in which biological principals can be applied to the issues facing the individual in modern society. The topics emphasise the socially and economically relevant applications of biology such as DNA technology and the impact of the human species on the environment. The optional unit provides the opportunity to select an area of study of intrinsic interest and relevance to the student while the investigation is designed to further develop the student's problem solving and practical abilities in an extended piece of scientific work.
Cell and Molecular Biology |
|---|
Structure, function and growth of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; Structure and function of cell components; Molecular interactions in cell events ; Applications of DNA technology . |
Environmental Biology |
|---|
Circulation in ecosystems ; Interactions in ecosystems ; Human impact on the environment. |
Biological Investigation |
|---|
This unit is designed to provide opportunities to further develop investigative skills through the planning of an investigation and the collection and analysis of the information obtained from the investigation |
Assessment Arrangements
To gain the course award, students must achieve all the units of the course as well as the external assessment. External assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the course award.
Unit Assessments |
|---|
These will consist of end of unit tests containing a mixture of KU and PS items relating to the course content. A pass mark of 65% will be set for all such tests. In addition, students will be required to prepare a report which will involve the collection and analysis of information gained through experiment and relating to an aspect of the course content. |
Biological Investigation |
|---|
The investigation may relate to the planning, collection and analysis of information through experimental, observational or survey work. Both components of the investigation must be the individual work of the student and will be internally assessed. |
External Examination |
|---|
This will involve assessment of KU, PS and practical abilities based on the course content described for the three units of study and will include more complex items than unit assessments. |
Progression Routes / Potential Future Use
Students can progress to Advanced Higher in S6. University and College courses involving Biology, such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dentistry etc.
Core Skills
The core skills of problem solving and numeracy (using graphical information) will be credited on successful completion of the course .