Science
Welcome to the Science Faculty – where our vision underpins those of the school. In learning, that is to ensure that each pupil is provided with a relevant, challenging and motivating experience. In the context of science that is to
help pupils understand the physical and natural worlds
develop skills necessary to solve problems using a scientific approach
develop practical skills.
We ensure teaching is of the highest possible quality, supported by strong and positive relationships with pupils.
BGE Science (S1-S3)
In S1 and S2 all pupils take all 3 sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). Each class is taught the sciences discretely – experiencing 2 units from each subject within each year.
In S1 the units are:
Introduction to Science
Biology (Cells, Reproduction and Science and The Environment)
Chemistry (Matter and Everyday Chemistry)
Physics (Energy, and Light and Heat)
In S2 the units are:
Biology (Body Systems and Plants)
Chemistry (Chemical Combinations and Useful Chemicals)
Physics (Electricity and Forces, Space and Sound)
In S2 we also have a 4th period taught by Science teachers. This period is called STEM. Pupils learn to apply practical and problem-solving skills to new challenges with a focus on META-Skills
In S3:
All lessons are as practical as possible and involve a variety of activities which allow pupils to demonstrate learning and progress in investigation skills, problem solving and knowledge developed.
Biology:
Pupils learn about the biology of the cell in terms of key structures, chemical reactions and organism. The detail covered prepares pupils for the National 5 course in S4.
Units taught are:
Cell Biology
Multicellular Organisms
The Living World
Chemistry:
Pupils learn about the basic principles that underpin how chemicals interact and important chemicals and their reactions in society. It provides the groundwork necessary for National 5 Chemistry.
Units taught are:
Chemical Changes and Structure
Chemistry in Society
Nature’s Chemistry
Physics:
Pupils learn about some of the key principles and contexts which underpin the physics courses in senior phase.
Units taught are:
Waves
Space
Electricity
Science and Society:
This course is designed for pupils who are likely to progress to the NPA course in Science and Health rather than take N5 or L5 in any science in S4. The course contains a little of each science taught in separate units.
Units covered are:
Human Health
Metals
Applications of Science.
Senior Phase (S4-S6)
Biology
National 4:
Aim of Course – To develop knowledge and understanding of Biology and its role in society and the environment. To develop experimental skills, planning and analytical thinking. The ability to problem-solve, investigate and communicate information.
Unit One – Cell Biology
Unit Two – Multicellular Organisms
Unit Three – Life on Earth
To achieve the National 4 course, learners must pass all of the required unit assessments plus the Added Value unit which takes the form of a researched and written assignment (200-400 words).
National 5:
Aim of Course – To develop a deeper understanding of biology and a deeper understanding of its role in scientific issues and in society and the environment. To develop experimental skills, planning and analytical thinking. The ability to problem-solve, research and communicate information effectively.
Unit One – Cell Biology
Unit Two – Multicellular organisms
Unit Three – Life on earth
Assessment – A two-section, 100 marks exam paper (2.5 hours) – 25 multiple choice questions and 75 marks in short answer questions. A researched and written assignment (500- 800 words) worth 25 marks.
Higher:
Aim of Course – To develop and apply knowledge and understanding of biology, its applications and its impact on society. To develop analytical thinking, scientific evaluation, problem solving and planning skills. to use and understand scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues, and to develop skills for more advanced learning in biology.
Unit One – DNA And The Genome
Unit Two – Metabolism And Survival
Unit Three – Sustainability And Interdependence
Assessment – 3 hour exam (120 marks). 25 multiple choice questions and 95 marks in extended response questions (including 1 essay). There is also an assignment worth 30 marks.
Higher Human:
Aim of Course – To develop and apply knowledge and understanding of biology, its applications and its impact on society. To develop analytical thinking, scientific evaluation, problem solving and planning skills. to use and understand scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues, and to develop skills for more advanced learning in biology.
Unit One – Human Cells
Unit Two – Physiology And Health
Unit Three – Neurobiology And Immunology
Assessment – 3 hour exam (120 marks). 25 multiple choice questions and 95 marks in extended response questions (including 1 essay). There is also an assignment worth 30 marks.
Advanced Higher:
Aim of Course – Advanced Higher is SQA’s highest level of National Course and is very demanding. Advanced Higher extends students’ knowledge and skills beyond Higher. Students will face new academic and personal challenges, requiring them to develop their knowledge and abilities and to think and work independently.
Unit One – Cells And Proteins
Unit Two – Organisms And Evolution
Unit Three – Investigative Biology
Assessment – 3 hour exam (100 marks). 20 multiple choice questions and 80 marks in extended response questions (including 1 essay). There is also an assignment worth 30 marks.
Chemistry
National 4:
Aims of the Course – This course will develop pupils understanding of scientific method and include theoretical work and practical experimental work. The course will help to develop a curiosity and understanding of the environment and the material world. In addition, pupils will be able to demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the big ideas and concepts of chemical sciences.
Unit One Chemical Changes And Structure
Unit Two Nature’s Chemistry
Unit Three Chemistry In Society
Assessment To achieve the National 4 course, learners must pass all of the required unit assessments plus the Added Value unit which takes the form of a researched and written assignment [200-400 words].
National 5:
Aims of the Course – This course will develop pupils understanding of scientific method and include theoretical work and practical experimental work. The course will help to develop a curiosity and understanding of the environment and the material world. In addition, pupils will be able to demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the big ideas and concepts of chemical sciences.
Unit One – Chemical Changes And Structure
Unit Two – Nature’s Chemistry
Unit Three – Chemistry In Society
Assessment:
A two-section, 100 marks exam paper (2.5 hours) – 25 multiple choice questions and 75 marks in short answer questions.
A researched and written assignment [500- 800 words] worth 25 marks.
Higher:
Aim of Course – The course is designed for students who wish to continue their study of chemistry beyond Credit level and who may wish to progress to Advanced Higher. As such the Higher course could form the first year of a two-year post National 5 level.
Unit One – Chemical Changes And Structure
Unit Two – Nature’s Chemistry
Unit Three – Chemistry In Society
Unit Four – Researching Chemistry
Assessment – 3 hour exam (120 marks). 25 multiple choice questions and 95 marks in extended response questions. There is also an assignment worth 30 marks.
Advanced Higher:
Aim of Course – This course provides insight into the underlying theories of Chemistry and develops the practical skills used in a chemical laboratory. The study of Chemistry at this level can make a major contribution to your knowledge and understanding of the natural and physical environment. You will have the opportunity to develop the skills of independent study and thought that are essential in a wide range of subjects and occupations. Advanced Higher Chemistry is particularly relevant if you wish to progress to degree courses, either in Chemistry, or in subjects in which Chemistry is a major component, such as medicine, chemical engineering or environmental science. The course also provides a sound basis for direct entry to chemistry related employment.
Unit One – Inorganic Chemistry
Unit Two – Physical Chemistry
Unit Three – Organic Chemistry And Instrumental Analysis
Unit Four – Researching Chemistry
Assessment – 3 hour exam (110 marks). 25 multiple choice questions and 85 marks in extended response questions (including 1 essay). There is also an assignment worth 30 marks.
Physics
National 4:
Aims of the Course – This course will develop pupils understanding of scientific method and include theoretical work and practical experimental work. The course will help you to develop a curiosity and understanding of the environment and the material world. In addition, pupils will be able to demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the big ideas and concepts of chemical sciences.
Unit One – Waves And Radiation
Unit Two – Electricity And Energy
Unit Three – Dynamics And Space
To achieve the National 4 course, learners must pass all of the required unit assessments plus the Added Value unit which takes the form of a researched and written assignment (200-400 words).
National 5:
Aims of the Course – This course will develop pupils understanding of scientific method and include theoretical work and practical experimental work. The course will you help to develop a curiosity and understanding of the environment and the material world. In addition, pupils will be able to demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the big ideas and concepts of chemical sciences.
Unit One – Dynamics
Unit Two – Space
Unit Three – Electricity
Unit Four – Matter
Unit Five – Waves
Unit Six – Radiation
The written exam consists of 25 multiple choice and 110 marks worth of extended answer questions, over 2 and a half hours. This is scaled to 80% of the final grade. An assignment will be undertaken worth the remaining 20%.
Higher:
Aim of Course- The course is designed for students who wish to continue their study of chemistry beyond credit level and who may wish to progress to Advanced Higher. As such the Higher course could form the first year of a two-year post National 5 level.
Unit One – Our Dynamic Universe
Unit Two – Particles And Waves
Unit Three – Electricity
There are two exam papers – paper 1 is 45 minutes and comprises 25 multiple choice questions and is worth 17% of the final grade; paper 2 is a 130 mark question paper lasting 2 hours 15, worth 63%. An assignment provides the remaining 20%.
Advanced Higher:
Aims of the Course- Advanced Higher is SQA’s highest level of National Course and is very demanding. Advanced Higher extends students’ knowledge and skills beyond Higher. Students will face new academic and personal challenges, requiring them to develop their knowledge and abilities and to think and work independently.
Unit One – Rotational Motion And Astrophysics
Unit Two – Quanta And Waves
Unit Three – Electromagnetism
The final exam is a 3 hour paper worth 75% of the final grade. There is no multiple-choice component at this level. An experimental project comprises the remaining 25% of the final grade.
Pathways & Careers Links
There are a wide range of careers that are linked to science qualifications, depending on your interests and the level of qualification you hold.
Whether you end up in a career specifically linked to the sciences or not; the analytical, processing and critical thinking skills you will develop can be applied across all carrers. However, here are some examples of careers tied to different branches of science:
1. Life Sciences:
Biologist: Study organisms and ecosystems, with opportunities in fields like genetics, marine biology, or microbiology.
Biochemist: Work in laboratories studying chemical processes within living organisms.
Biomedical Scientist: Conduct research and tests to improve health and medical treatments.
Pharmacologist: Study the effects of drugs and chemicals on the human body.
Zoologist: Study animals and wildlife, often focusing on their behavior, physiology, and genetics.
2. Environmental Science:
Environmental Consultant: Advise businesses and government bodies on environmental policies, regulations, and sustainable practices.
Ecologist: Study ecosystems and how organisms interact with their environment.
Climate Scientist: Research climate change, atmospheric conditions, and their effects on the planet.
Conservation Biologist: Focus on protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity.
3. Chemistry:
Chemist: Work in areas like organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry to develop new materials and processes.
Chemical Engineer: Apply chemistry principles to design processes and systems for large-scale manufacturing, such as in pharmaceuticals or petrochemicals.
Forensic Scientist: Work in criminal investigations using chemical analysis to help solve crimes.
4. Physics:
Physicist: Study the fundamental properties of matter, energy, and the universe, with applications in technology, engineering, and healthcare.
Astronomer: Study celestial bodies and the universe using telescopes and other equipment.
Quantum Physicist: Research the behavior of matter and energy at very small scales.
Medical Physicist: Work in healthcare to apply physics concepts to medical imaging, radiation therapy, and more.
5. Engineering and Technology:
Civil Engineer: Plan and design infrastructure like buildings, bridges, and roads.
Mechanical Engineer: Design machines, tools, and mechanical systems.
Electrical Engineer: Work on electrical systems, from power generation to consumer electronics.
Aerospace Engineer: Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Software Engineer: Develop software and applications, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence or computational biology.
6. Data Science and Mathematics:
Data Scientist: Analyze and interpret complex data sets, often using statistical methods, to help businesses make decisions.
Statistician: Apply mathematical theories to collect, analyze, and interpret data for various industries like healthcare, sports, or finance.
Actuary: Use statistics to assess financial risk, especially in the insurance industry.
Mathematics Teacher/Professor: Teach mathematics at various educational levels.
7. Health and Medical Fields:
Doctor: Specialize in various fields such as general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, or psychiatry.
Nurse: Provide care to patients in hospitals or clinics.
Dentist: Focus on oral health, diagnosing and treating dental problems.
Physiotherapist: Help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility.
Public Health Expert: Focus on health policies, epidemiology, and improving health outcomes for communities.
8. Agricultural Science:
Agronomist: Study soil and crops to improve agricultural production.
Food Scientist: Research food production, preservation, and safety.
Horticulturist: Focus on the cultivation and management of plants, from landscaping to food crops.
9. Science Communication:
Science Journalist: Report on scientific discoveries, research, and innovations in media outlets.
Public Relations Specialist: Help scientific organizations communicate their findings or mission to the public. Technical Writer: Create clear and concise documentation, manuals, or guides for scientific concepts or products.
10. Other Specialized Careers:
Patent Examiner: Review new inventions and innovations to determine if they are eligible for patents.
Toxicologist: Study harmful substances and their effects on living organisms, working in areas like law enforcement or environmental protection.
Genetic Counselor: Advise individuals on genetic disorders and their risks.