National 5 Biology

National 5 Biology consists of three units:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Cell Biology                                    • Multicellular Organisms                                • Life on Earth

By studying National 5 Biology our learners will be able to understand a range of biology concepts, which can then be used to understand biology’s role in scientific issues.  Through a range of practical and research activities investigative skills, analytical thinking skills and problem solving skills will be developed.

The course is assessed through a question paper (exams) and an assignment, which will be marked by SQA and graded A to D.  The question paper is worth 100 marks, which makes up 80% of the total assessment mark. The assignment makes up 20% of the total assessment mark. 

National 5 courses can stand alone or follow on from National 4 qualifications.  National 5 awards may lead to Highers and a range of qualifications within Further Education.

Click to Download National Biology Option Choice [pptx 19MB] Click to Download
Click to Download Higher Biology Option Choice [pptx 21MB] Click to Download

Homework

At the start of each unit pupils are issued with a homework booklet.  This booklet is separated into the Key Areas (topics) covered within the unit and comprises of questions taken from previous exam papers.  Additionally pupils are issued with an extended response booklet.  The extended response booklet contains a selection of longer questions, also taken from previous years exams. 

Pupils are also issued with a data handling booklet, which allows additional practice of problem solving questions.

Click to Download National 5 extended response (1) [pdf 1MB] Click to Download
Click to Download Whole of unit 1 (1) [pdf 4MB] Click to Download
Click to Download Whole of unit 2 [pdf 6MB] Click to Download
Click to Download Whole of unit 3 [pdf 4MB] Click to Download

Useful websites

Follow the links to access a range of useful materials.

External Link Icon Dynamic Learning
Access to the National 5 Biology (digital) textbook.
External Link Icon GLOW
Student e-mail and Teams access.
External Link Icon Oronsay
Power point presentations and revision notes.
External Link Icon Mr Mitchell's YouTube channel
Power point presentations with audio explanations.
External Link Icon JAB Biology
Past papers
External Link Icon SQA
A range of materials including past papers and marking schemes.
External Link Icon Scholar
Notes, animations and practice tests. Allpupils have been issued with a username and password.
External Link Icon BBC Bitesize
Notes, video clips and quizzes.