Advanced Higher Biology
Course Specification (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.
- Advanced 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).
- Advanced Higher Biology Specimen Question Paper
September 2019
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.
May 2019
Understanding Standards (03/04/2024)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Further examples of candidate evidence and commentaries can be found on SQA's secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.
Audio presentation
- Advanced Higher Biology - Project Audio Presentation (22.30 MB)
- Advanced Higher Biology - Question Paper Audio Presentation (12.88 MB)
- Biology Units: assessment and external verification (SCQF level 3 - SCQF level 7)(29.08 MB)(22.52 MB)Updated September 2023
Changes to Understanding Standards materials
Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all subjects
Please note: Understanding Standards material are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date
Additional Resources session 2020-22
Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (14/09/23)
Course Reports
- 2023 Advanced Higher Biology Course Report
September 2023 - 2022 Advanced Higher Biology Course Report
September 2022 - 2019 Advanced Higher Biology Course Report
September 2019
Verification Reports
In 2019, a single qualification verification summary report replaced the verification key messages.
- Biology Qualification Verification Summary Report
June 2019 - Biology Verification Key Messages Round 1
March 2018 - Biology Verification Key Messages Round 2
May 2017 - Biology Verification Key Messages Round 1
March 2017 - Biology: Quality Assurance - external verification
Course support (14/03/2024)
Advanced Higher Biology project support
To support with project planning, we have produced a limited list of suggestions for project topics with accompanying questions and an example project plan with commentary.
Advanced Higher Biology project: supporting candidates with planning (160 KB)
Advanced Higher Biology: example project plan with commentary (155 KB)
Organisms and Evolution: selection materials
We worked with Glasgow University on sessions to support the delivery of Advanced Higher Biology.
Find the Advanced Higher Biology materials used at the events
Ushare open learning resources
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000