Biology

Biology, the study of living organisms, plays a crucial role in our everyday existence and is an increasingly important subject in the modern world. Biology affects everyone and aims to find solutions to many of the world’s problems. Advances in technologies have made this varied subject more exciting and relevant than ever.

BGE Biology

A general introduction to Biology covering

Rewilding
Micro-organisms and the human immune system
Life on Mars
Biodiversity and interdependence
Cells, organs and systems
Chemicals in agriculture

National 5 Biology

At the National 5 level, the key concepts are a broad introduction to the main areas of biology.

Unit 1: Cell Biology

Cell structure: The function of organelles in plant, animal, fungal, and bacterial cells.
Transport across membranes: Understanding passive transport (diffusion and osmosis) and active transport.
Proteins and enzymes: The role of proteins and how enzymes function as biological catalysts.
DNA and protein production: The structure of DNA, the genetic code, and the role of messenger RNA (mRNA).
Genetic engineering: A basic overview of how genetic information can be transferred between cells.
Respiration: The process of releasing chemical energy from glucose, including aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Unit 2: Multicellular Organisms

Producing new cells: The process of mitosis and the role of stem cells.
Control and communication: Basic nervous and hormonal control systems.
Reproduction: Asexual and sexual reproduction in plants and animals.
Inheritance: Understanding inheritance through monohybrid crosses and related genetic terms.
Transport systems: The function of transport systems in both plants (xylem and phloem) and animals (the circulatory system).
Absorption of materials: Key concepts related to the absorption of materials in the lungs and small intestine.

Unit 3: Life on Earth

Ecosystems: Concepts such as food webs, niches, and different types of competition.
Distribution of organisms: The effects of biotic and abiotic factors on organisms, as well as ecological sampling techniques.
Photosynthesis: The process by which plants produce their own food.
Energy in ecosystems: The transfer of energy between trophic levels.
Food production: The use of fertilisers and pesticides, and their environmental impact.
Evolution of species: An introduction to mutation, natural selection, and speciation.

Higher Biology

The Higher level expands on the National 5 topics with more detailed, molecular-level concepts.

Unit 1: DNA and the Genome

DNA structure and replication: The molecular detail of DNA structure and the processes of DNA replication.
Gene expression: The processes of transcription and translation, including RNA splicing.
Mutations: The different types of single gene and chromosome mutations.
Cellular differentiation: How cells become specialised and the potential of stem cells.
Evolution: The mechanisms of natural selection and speciation, including different types of selection.
Genomic sequencing: The process and applications of determining the order of DNA bases.

Unit 2: Metabolism and Survival

Metabolic pathways and control: How enzyme-controlled reactions are regulated within a cell.
Cellular respiration: A detailed examination of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain.
Metabolic rate: Factors affecting an organism's metabolic rate.
Conformers and regulators: How different organisms manage their internal environment in response to external factors.
Genetic control of metabolism: Using technologies like recombinant DNA to improve microorganisms.

Unit 3: Sustainability and Interdependence

Food supply and productivity: The biology of photosynthesis and how to sustainably increase food yield.
Breeding: The use of plant and animal breeding to improve desired characteristics.
Crop protection: Methods for protecting crops and the environmental consequences of pesticide use.
Symbiosis and social behaviour: The complex relationships between species, such as parasitism and mutualism, and social behaviours in animals.
Biodiversity: The threats to biodiversity and the consequences of mass extinction.

Advanced Higher Biology

This course is for students with a strong background in biology and is focused on research and advanced concepts. It is structured around the principles of modern biology and experimental investigation.

Unit 1: Cells and Proteins

Laboratory techniques: Advanced lab skills, including working with liquids and solutions, as well as separation techniques like chromatography.
Protein structure and function: A deeper understanding of the proteome and protein synthesis.
Membrane proteins: The role of membrane proteins in transporting molecules and cell communication.
Cell communication and signalling: How cells coordinate their activities using chemical signals.
Protein control of cell division: The protein-level mechanisms that regulate the cell cycle.

Unit 2: Organisms and Evolution

Evolution: In-depth study of genomic variation and selection.
Sexual reproduction and variation: The role of sexual reproduction in creating genetic variation.
Ecology and ethology: Advanced techniques for ecological field studies and studying animal behaviour.
Parasitism: Complex understanding of parasitic relationships and their evolutionary impact.

Unit 3: Investigative Biology

Experimental design: The principles of planning and executing scientific investigations.
Data analysis: Critical evaluation of research and data.
Communication: Communicating research findings effectively.

Staff

Mr J Robinson

Courses taught (BGE and Senior phase)

S1 Science

S2 Biology

S3/4 National 5 Biology

S5/6 Higher Biology

S6 Advanced Higher Biology

Homework requirements

Regular homework will be issued and used to inform learning and next steps.

Assessment details

To test knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills, short class tests/assignments will be undertaken throughout the session as directed by the class teacher. In addition, further extended assessments will take place at specific points throughout the session (S3 exams, S4/5/6 prelims etc.), which will require pupils to undertake extensive revision. Pupils in the Senior Phase (S4-S6) will also be expected to undertake assignment tasks as directed by the SQA.

Family learning/useful resources

Useful resources will be posted on Google classroom, such as powerpoint slides and assessment dates.

Links to wider achievements

Pupils will have the opportunity to take part in the University of St Andrews Greenshores project. This is an established environmental project which aims to reduce coastal erosion on the Dornoch Firth. It involves the cultivation and propagation of saltmarsh plants in the school garden polytunnel and the planting out of plant plugs on the Dornoch Firth saltmarsh.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, composition, and reactions at an atomic and molecular level, exploring how these substances interact and change. Students learn core concepts like the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions. The subject develops scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through practical investigations in the lab, leading to a deeper understanding of the world and its applications in various industries.

Key Concepts and Topics

Atomic Structure: Understanding the fundamental particles of matter (protons, neutrons, electrons) and their arrangement.
The Periodic Table: Using the periodic table to understand the properties and relationships of elements.
Chemical Bonding: How atoms form bonds to create molecules and compounds.
Chemical Reactions: Studying how substances change through reactions, including energy changes involved.
Acids and Bases: Exploring the properties of acidic and basic compounds.

Skills Developed

Logical Thinking & Problem-Solving:

Developing the ability to analyse problems and apply scientific principles to find solutions.

Scientific Inquiry:

Planning and conducting experiments, making careful observations, and interpreting results.

Critical Thinking:

Evaluating scientific information and forming reasoned judgments.

Practical Skills:

Gaining experience in a laboratory setting, using scientific equipment, and understanding safety procedures.

Relevance and Applications

"The Central Science":

Chemistry connects to and provides a deeper understanding of other sciences like physics, biology, and geology.

Real-World Connections:

Students learn about chemistry's role in everyday life, such as in food, health, manufacturing, and creating new materials and drugs.

Career Opportunities:

A strong chemistry background opens doors to careers in science, medicine, veterinary science, engineering, and other fields.

Staff

Dr Adrian Allan

Mr Iain Mackenzie

Courses taught (BGE and Senior phase)

S1 Science (4 periods per week)

S2 Chemistry ( 2 periods per week)

N4 and 5 Chemistry in S3 and 4

Higher Chemistry

Advanced Higher Chemistry

Homework requirements

Regular homework will be issued to pupils. For those doing Chemistry SQA courses, homework will consist of exam past paper questions and quizzes on Google Classroom.

Assessment details

Family learning/useful resources

Useful resources will be posted on Google classroom, such as powerpoint slides, quizzes and revision resources.

Links to wider achievements

Pupils who are keen to develop their science skills will have the option of participating in the Young STEM Leader Programme (YSLP). The Young STEM Leader Programme enables young people in Scotland to inspire, lead and mentor their peers through the delivery of STEM activities, events or interactions within their learning communities.
As well as developing important leadership, communication and employability skills, completing a Young STEM Leader award will motivate young people to progress their STEM studies leading towards positive destinations in STEM.

Above all, the Programme aims to promote curiosity in STEM, allowing Young STEM Leaders to learn about the world around them in a fun, engaging and accessible way.

https://www.youngstemleader.scot/the-programme

Physics

Staff

Miss Catriona Ainsworth

Courses taught (BGE and Senior phase)

S1 Science (4 periods per week)

S2 Physics ( 2 periods per week)

N4 and 5 physics in S3 and 4

Higher Physics

Homework requirements

One piece of homework per topic in S2

Homework roughly every month in S3 and 4

Homework every two weeks in Higher

Assessment details

S2 - assessment through research and presentation tasks, investigation write up and unit assessment for each topic

N4 - unit assessments and added value unit

N5 - exam (80%) and assignment (20%)

Higher - exam (80%) and assignment (20%)

National 5 Laboratory Science

National 5 Skills for Work: Laboratory Science is an introductory qualification. The course provides a broad experiential introduction to laboratory science. Learners will explore a variety of industries and services, and career opportunities, in science laboratories locally, nationally, and globally.

They will develop the basic practical skills and knowledge needed for working in a laboratory: measuring, weighing and preparing compounds and solutions; and health and safety requirements. Practical skills in microbiology, measuring radioactivity, chemical handling and laboratory instrumentation will be developed.

Learners will work with others to produce a plan to undertake a practical investigation to test scientific hypotheses. This will also involve reporting of the results, conclusions and evaluations of the investigation.

Throughout all units the course emphasises the employability skills and attitudes valued by employers which will help to prepare learners for the workplace. Learners will review their own employability skills, and will seek feedback from others on their strengths and weaknesses.

At SCQF level 5, learners work alone or with others on straightforward tasks with support.

Staff

Dr Adrian Allan

Courses taught (BGE and Senior phase)

National 5 Laboratory Science (S5-S6)

Homework requirements

This is a practical Skills for Work course that should be able to be completed within school without homework.

Assessment details

There are four units in the course pupils must pass to achieve an award.

Laboratory Science: Careers using Laboratory Science (National 5)

This unit introduces learners to the wide range of industries and services that use scientific knowledge and laboratory skills. They learn about the variety of ways in which science and laboratory skills are used in different industries and services and about the job roles that use these skills. Learners investigate a range of career opportunities in industries and services that use laboratory science. They investigate the skills, qualifications and experience required for a job role of personal interest in the field of laboratory science. Learners prepare for employment, further education or training through producing their own curriculum vitae (CV) for a specific job role in a laboratory science setting.

Learners reflect on and evaluate their own employability skills and attributes throughout the unit.

Laboratory Science: Working in a Laboratory (National 5)

This unit provides learners with the opportunity to learn basic laboratory skills such as handling chemicals and preparing solutions, and calculate and present results of their practical work. To maintain health and safety while working in a laboratory environment, learners follow safety and security procedures, and carry out a risk assessment. There are opportunities for learners to develop numeracy and communication skills when they record and report on their practical work.

Laboratory Science: Practical Skills (National 5)

This unit provides learners with the opportunity to develop the skills most commonly used in laboratories. Health and safety is integral to the unit. Learners learn how to:

work safely with potentially hazardous materials, such as microorganisms

measure radioactivity

develop competence using laboratory equipment

perform a titration, chromatography and distillation

Laboratory Science: Practical Investigation (National 5)

In this unit, learners work to produce a plan, including practical procedures, to investigate a scientific topic. They devise methods that include a practical procedure to test the aim. Learners are assessed on their ability to carry out the practical procedure competently and safely. Learners produce a scientific report with their individual analysis and evaluation.

Conditions of award

To achieve the award of the National 5 Laboratory Science Skills for Work Course, learners must achieve all the required units. Skills for Work courses are not graded. They will be assessed on a pass/fail basis within centres.

Links to wider achievements

Above all, the Programme aims to promote curiosity in STEM, allowing Young STEM Leaders to learn about the world around them in a fun, engaging and accessible way.

https://www.youngstemleader.scot/the-programme

Any other useful information

A folio of all the evidence the pupil has completed can be kept by the pupil to provide evidence of STEM skills to future employers if required.