Biology National 5

What is special about this course?

National 5 Biology is recognised as a supporting qualification for many institutions offering Teacher Training, Health and Social Care and Sport courses. This online course is ideal for anyone wishing to develop their interest and enthusiasm for biology in a range of contexts.

Providing you with a good foundation for progression to Higher Biology or Higher Human Biology, this course will:

• help you understand how the world around you functions
• cover major areas of biology ranging from cellular to whole organism and includes the study of ecosystems
• develop scientific inquiry and investigation skills by investigating the applications of biology 
• cover the key areas of biodiversity and interdependence along with the processes leading to evolution as well as food security and ethical issues.

The skills developed throughout the course will enable you to become scientifically literate citizens and be able to review the science-based claims you meet.

Special features:

• You can study part time alongside your employment or another full-time course.
• Covers all the content of the National 5 course, in preparation for the exam which takes place in May
• Recognised as a supporting qualification for many institutions.
   

Entry requirements

No formal entry requirements however a National 4 in a science subject may be beneficial.

Course content includes:

Cell biology
The key areas covered are: cell structure; transport across cell membranes; DNA and the production of proteins; proteins; genetic engineering; respiration.

Biology: multicellular organisms
The key areas covered are: producing new cells; control and communication; reproduction; variation and inheritance; transport systems — plants; transport systems — animals; absorption of materials.

Biology: life on Earth
The key areas covered are: ecosystems; distribution of organisms; photosynthesis; energy in ecosystems; food production; evolution of species.
 

Equipment

You will be required to purchase a National 5 Biology textbook (approx £24) and a scientific calculator (approx. £10). If you are eligible for a bursary these costs will be covered.

Fees

If you are studying part time and are on low income or in receipt of certain benefits your course fees may be covered by a fee waiver.

If you are not Ordinarily Resident in Scotland, you may need to pay course fees.

Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.

Funding

Our Student Finance Advisers can advise you on all aspects of student funding. The support available depends upon your personal circumstances.
Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.

Additional costs

If you are studying part time and are on low income or in receipt of certain benefits your course fees may be covered by a fee waiver.