What will I learn?

The S3 Biology course is broadly based around the content of level 4 CfE outcomes. These outcomes give teachers scope to explore many interesting and up-to-date aspects of Biology including Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine, Inherited Diseases, Food Production and Animal Behaviour. There are 3 main units described below:

·           Cell Biology- cell variety, growth and repair, enzymes and biotechnology processes.

·           Multicellular Organisms- body systems, reproduction, genetics, animal behaviour and homeostasis.

·           Life on Earth- plant production, growth and development.

What skills will I improve?

The topics have been planned to allow pupils to progress their knowledge of biology from the foundations of S1 and S2 Science. In order to prepare pupils effectively for progression onto N4 and N5 biology the S3 course will also have a strong skills focus. Staff have analysed the new N4/5 qualifications and selected out specific skills which pupils need to develop in order to succeed as they continue to study biology. For example:

·           Numeracy- pupils will develop their selecting, processing, presenting and analysing skills by looking at experimental data.

·           Literacy- pupils will be exposed to increasingly complex vocabulary and encouraged to develop their skills in describing and explaining biological concepts. Scientific report writing skills will also be improved through continued practise and feedback.

·           Practical- pupils will carry out increasingly complex and interesting experiments which they will have a hand in planning.

·           ICT- pupils will make use of the internet to research new and interesting areas of Biology before making summary reports of their findings.

·       HWB- pupils have the chance to discuss a number of ethical and moral issues associated with biology which is intended to improve the awareness of others opinions and their respect for different viewpoints.

How will I be assessed?

The knowledge content of the course will be assessed continuously as the course progresses and through an end of unit test. Literacy and numeracy skills will also be assessed as pupils’ progress in class with some skills based questions in the end of unit test as well.

What homework will I get?

Homework tasks will be issued on a regular basis (around 1 per fortnight) and vary from question sheets to research tasks or posters. It is expected that pupils will also begin looking over work from class at home in order to prepare them for effective study skills in the senior phase.

What can I do next?

The S3 Biology course is essential for studying Biology in the senior phase at various levels and will also be effective preparation for various other courses on offer at the colleges:

·           N4 Biology

·           N5 Biology

·           Higher Biology (in S5/6)

·           Advanced Higher  (in S6)

·           Other Science courses at college

·           University courses