The Course has four mandatory Units including the Added Value Unit.

Cell Biology (National 4)

In this Unit, learners will develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context of cell biology. Learners will research issues and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.

The key areas covered are: cell division and its role in growth and repair, DNA, genes and chromosomes, therapeutic use of cells, properties of enzymes and use in industries, properties of microorganisms and use in industries, photosynthesis — limiting factors, factors affecting respiration, and controversial biological procedures.

Multicellular Organisms (National 4)

In this Unit, learners will develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context of multicellular organisms. Learners will research issues and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.

The key areas covered are: sexual and asexual reproduction and their importance for survival of species, propagating and growing plants, commercial use of plants, genetic information, growth and development of different organisms, and biological actions in response to internal and external changes to maintain stable body conditions.

Life on Earth (National 4)

In this Unit, learners will develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding in the context of life on Earth. Learners will research issues and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.

The key areas covered are how animal and plants species depend on each other, impact of population growth and natural hazards on biodiversity, nitrogen cycle, fertiliser design and environmental impact of fertilisers, adaptations for survival, and learned behaviour in response to stimuli linked to species survival.

Added Value Unit: Biology Assignment (National 4)

In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.

Assessment

All Units are internally assessed. They will be assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Conditions of Award

To achieve the National 4 Biology Course, learners must pass all of the required Units, including the Added Value Unit. The required Units are shown in the Course content section. National 4 Courses are not graded.

Homework

Homework is an essential part of the course. Homework will include practice problems, questions from the textbook and regular revision of all the material covered in the course.