Standard Grade Biology

AIM OF COURSE

This course shows pupils the importance of Biology to themselves and to the natural world in which they live, as well as providing a sound basis for further study of the subject.  The Standard Grade Biology course is largely based on experiments and includes the study of plants and animals and their environments. 

COURSE CONTENT

The course is based on seven separate but overlapping topics which includes areas as diverse as the microscopic structure of cells, the functioning of the heart and lungs, the effects of pollution on the environment, the role of the senses and the brain, the life cycle of plants, inheritance and genetic engineering.  Several important ideas run through all the topics such as health and fitness, energy use and production, care of the environment and the uses of biological products in industry and medicine.

ASSESSMENT

The course is assessed in three different areas -Knowledge and Understanding (KU), Problem Solving (PS) and Practical Abilities (PA).  Each topic is assessed in KU and PS in a written end of topic test by the department.  At the end of S4, pupils are assessed in these two areas, in all seven topics, by the Scottish Qualifications Authority in a written exam.  Practical Abilities are assessed by the class teacher in a formal way throughout the course.  Pupils are assessed in their ability to carry out successfully biological techniques and also in their ability to design and carry out an experiment.  Pupils are given many opportunities to prepare for these practical assessments throughout the course.