The Higher Biology Course offers a broad and up-to-date selection of concepts and ideas relevant to the central position of life science within our society. Learners develop a deeper understanding of the underlying themes of biology — evolution and adaptation; structure and function; genotype and niche — and the scale of topics ranges from molecular through to whole organism and beyond. Learners develop scientific inquiry and investigative skills, scientific analytical thinking and evaluation skills, and the ability to understand and use scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues.
This course will prepare you to move onto further study at HN or Degree level.
You will explore biology through completion of the following units:
Biology: DNA and the Genome
The Unit covers the key areas of: structure of DNA; replication of DNA; control of gene expression; cellular differentiation; the structure of the genome; mutations; evolution; genomic sequencing.
Biology: Metabolism and Survival
The Unit covers the key areas of: metabolic pathways and their control; cellular respiration; metabolic rate; metabolism in conformers and regulators; metabolism and adverse conditions; environmental control of metabolism; genetic control of metabolism; ethical considerations in use of microorganisms, hazards and control of risks.
Biology: Sustainability and Interdependence
The Unit covers the key areas of: food supply, plant growth and productivity; plant and animal breeding; crop protection; animal welfare; symbiosis; social behaviour; mass extinction and biodiversity; threats to biodiversity.
Everything you need to know before booking this course.
Students should have successfully completed Biology at National 5 or Intermediate 2 (grade B), or Standard Grade Credit level.
Please send evidence of these qualifications to our Student Advice Centre as evidence of meeting the entry requirements for this course. Please email evidence to enquiry@nescol.ac.uk.
If you do not hold the entry qualifications then you may wish to consider this preparatory programme.
Your course may be free if you are not a full time student with NESCol and you are: in receipt of benefits; or care-experienced; or your household taxable income falls below defined levels.
“One of my highlights so far has been getting the chance to become an Executive Officer with the Students’ Association.”
“I now have qualifications and I’ve found a rewarding career that I love. I’d recommend the Highers course at NESCol to anyone who wants options for entry to a wide range of university degrees. “
“Studying has been such a positive experience for me, challenging myself to learn new things when physically I’ve been limited has undoubtedly been rewarding for my mental wellbeing. I’m looking forward to learning more, achieving my degree and perhaps using it to go into teaching.”
“I’m really glad I did the 2 + 2 Degree link with NESCol as I found myself well prepared with my lab techniques. Last year we had a practical research methods module and I found that a lot of the skills I learnt during my time at College were applicable and really helped me. I achieved an A grade for the unit and I attribute that to my time at NESCol. “
“The lecturers have been great – they are really approachable if you’re stuck with anything or want to ask questions. They have a wide range of industry experience and are very willing to share this with their students.”
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Please note that timetabling changes can often occur after the Part-time Course Guide is published, and as a result the printed version of the guide may not hold the most up-to-date information.
We therefore advise you that all start dates and times listed on the website are at all times accurate, and should be used as your main point of reference before booking your course.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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