Advanced Higher Biology

 

 

Unit 1 Cell and Molecular Biology        40 hours Structure, function and growth of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; Structure and function of cell components; Molecular interactions in cell events; Applications of DNA technology

 

Unit 2 Environmental Biology               40 hours     Circulation in ecosystems; Interactions in ecosystems; Human impact on the environment

 

Unit 3 Exercise, Health and Physiology 20 hours   Selected Optional Unit

                                                                                        Exercise and the cardiovascular system; Exercise and metabolism

External Assessment

 

Written Exam 2 hours 30 minutes

 

25 marks               Multiple Choice 

·         This section will contain 25 multiple choice questions based on the two mandatory units.

 

55 marks               Structured Questions                     

·         This section will contain structured questions, data handling questions and extended response questions based on the two mandatory units.

 

20 marks               Structured Questions on Optional Unit

·         This section will contain structured questions, extended response questions and data handling questions based on each of the optional units. Candidates will be expected to answer questions on one of the optional units.

 

Independent Investigation                     20 hours 

·         The final investigation report will be worth 20% of the total marks.

·         A total of 25 marks will be allocated to the investigation report which should be around 2000-2500 words in length excluding contents page, tables, graphs etc. 

 

Internal Assessment

 

NAB 1   Cell and Molecular Biology            Minimal Assessment

·         45 minutes, 26/40 required to pass, Pass or Fail

 

NAB 2   Environmental Biology                   Minimal Assessment

·         45 minutes, 26/40 required to pass, Pass or Fail

 

NAB 3    Exercise, Health and Physiology  Minimal Assessment

·         30 minutes, 13/20 required to pass, Pass or Fail

 

NAB 4   Practical Report                                Formal Lab Report of one Experimental Procedure,

Pass or Fail

 

NAB 5   Independent Investigation             Internally moderated Laboratory Journal of activity                                                                                          throughout pupil investigation.  Pass or Fail.

 

NB          The November Term Exam will cover Unit 1, the Prelim will cover Units 1 and 2 and finally the Unit 3 exam in the summer Term will cover predominantly Unit 3 but also contain material from Units 1 and 2.  These assessments are of ‘past paper’ level difficulty and will give pupils a realistic indication of their comprehension of and application of material in the course.