COURSE INFORMATION

The course provides opportunities for you to acquire and apply knowledge to evaluate biological issues, assess risk, make informed decisions and develop an ethical view of complex issues. You will develop your communication, collaborative working and leadership skills, and will be able to apply critical thinking in new and unfamiliar contexts to solve problems.


Biology, the study of living organisms, plays a crucial role in our everyday existence and is an increasingly important subject in the modern world. Biology affects everyone and aims to find solutions to many of the world’s problems. Successful candidates in biology think creatively, analyse and solve problems. Studying relevant areas of biology such as health, environment and sustainability produces responsible citizens.

  • ​The National 5 Biology course allows candidates to understand and investigate the living world in an engaging and enjoyable way. It develops candidates’ abilities to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations.
  • The course provides opportunities for candidates to acquire and apply knowledge to evaluate biological issues, assess risk, make informed decisions and develop an ethical view of complex issues. Candidates are able to develop their communication, collaborative working and leadership skills, and are able to apply critical thinking in new and unfamiliar contexts to solve problems.
  • The course provides students with the skills to progress to Higher Human Biology SCQF Level 6.
  • One Year (August-June)
  • Part-time evenings – six hours per week (three hours class time plus minimum three hours self-study)
  • Tuesdays 6-9pm at Dunfermline Campus

The course content includes the following areas of biology:


  • Cell biology key areas covered are: Cell structure; transport across cell membranes; DNA and the production of proteins; proteins; genetic engineering; cellular respiration.
  • Multicellular organisms key areas covered are: producing new cells; control and communication; reproduction; variation and inheritance; transport systems - plans; transport systems - animals; absorption of materials.
  • Biology: life on Earth key areas covered are: ecosystems, distribution of organisms; photosynthesis; energy in ecosystems; food production; evolution of species.
  • Only candidates who are not planning to undertake national 5 biology at another SQA centre (eg at school) are eligible to apply for this course. 
  • A pass at National 4 Biology, or standard grade 3 or above.  
  • National 5 Biology is highly valued by employers and educational institutes alike, and a C pass or above in National 5 biology can also open up progression and opportunities to Higher Human Biology at SCQF level 6, or the National Certificate in Applied Sciences at SCQF level 6. 
  • There is an external SQA examination at the end of the course which determines whether you have passed, and the grade achieved. Please note that all learners need to achieve a satisfactory mark in the prelim in order to be presented for the SQA exam. 
  • National 5 Biology is highly valued by employers and educational institutes alike, and a C pass or above in National 5 biology can also open up progression and opportunities to Higher Human Biology at SCQF level 6, or the National Certificate in Applied Sciences at SCQF level 6. 
  • There is an external SQA examination at the end of the course which determines whether you have passed, and the grade achieved. Please note that all learners need to achieve a satisfactory mark in the prelim in order to be presented for the SQA exam. 
  • You may have to attend a group interview and successfully complete a diagnostic test to satisfy the entry criteria for the course. Proof of qualifications must be brought to the interview.