Higher Biology

Unit 1 Cell Biology 40 hours Cell biology, cell structure and function, Photosynthesis, respiration; ATP production, DNA Structure, RNA and protein synthesis, cellular defence in plants and animals

Unit 2 Genetics and Adaptation 40 hours Variation, meiosis, genetics, mutations, evolution, selection, speciation, artificial selection, animal & plant adaptations in relation to maintaining water balance, obtaining food and coping with dangers

Unit 3 Control and Regulation 40 hours Growth in plants and animals; genetic & hormonal control, environmental influences; control of the internal environment in animals and plants; regulation of plant and animal populations

External Assessment

Written Exam 2 hours 30 minutes

30 marks Multiple Choice

80 marks Short Answer

· M/C and S/A questions cover the breadth of Units 1, 2 and 3.

20 marks Essay Questions (2 x 10 marks)

· One essay is structured and one is unstructured with choice between two titles for each. Choice is designed to ensure that pupils will have to write essays covering material from two different units.

Internal Assessment

NAB 1 Cell Biology Minimal Assessment

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

NAB 2 Genetics and Adaptation Minimal Assessment

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

NAB 3 Control and Regulation Minimal Assessment

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

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

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.