Higher Biology
Course Specification (16/08/2022)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- Higher 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).
- Higher Biology Specimen Question Paper 1
September 2018 - Higher Biology Specimen Question Paper 2
October 2022
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.
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 (81 KB)
- Coursework assessment task for Higher Biology
June 2020
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 (05/12/2023)
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 Higher Biology Course Report
September 2023 - 2022 Higher Biology Course Report
September 2022 - 2019 Higher Biology Course Report
September 2019 - 2018 Higher Biology Course Report
September 2018 - 2017 Higher Biology Course Report
October 2017
Ushare open learning resources
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000