National 5 Biology
Course Specification (August 2022)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- National 5 Biology Course Specification
August 2022
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Additional question papers resources
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
- Biology Specimen Question Paper National 5
September 2017
2021
There were no exams in 2021. The 2020-21 question paper resources are, for most subjects, modified papers which reflect the modifications put in place for session 2020-21.
- National 5 Biology questions section 1 (882 KB)
- National 5 Biology questions section 2 (0.99 MB)
- National 5 Biology marking instructions (286 KB)
Coursework
This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.
- List of possible assignment investigations (83 KB)
- Coursework assessment task for National 5 Biology
June 2020 - Guidance on conditions of assessment
Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
- Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)
Understanding Standards (18/09/2023)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Audio presentation
- Biology Units: assessment and external verification (SCQF level 3 - SCQF level 7) (22.52 MB) Updated September 2023
Changes to understanding standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Additional resources session 2020-22
Please note: Additional resources published during sessions 2020-2022 are currently under review. Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (14/09/23)
Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.
Course Reports
- 2023 National 5 Biology Course Report
September 2023 - 2022 National 5 Biology Course Report
September 2022 - 2019 National 5 Biology Course Report
September 2019 - 2018 National 5 Biology Course Report
September 2018 - 2017 National 5 Biology Course Report
October 2017
Verification Reports
There was no round 2 verification activity at this level in 2017.
Course support
National 5 Biology Assignment SSERC resource
SSERC (with SQA) have produced teacher/technician guides providing information to teachers/lecturers. Candidate guides have also been created.