Advanced Higher Biology
Course Specification (April 2022)
Explains the structure of the Course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Specimen Question Papers
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
- Advanced Higher Biology Specimen Question Paper
September 2019
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.
Understanding Standards (March 2021)
Additional resources session 2021-22
New – New materials not previously published
Updated – published in 2020/21 but amended for 2021/22
Carried forward – published in 2020/21 carried forward to 2021/22
- Carried forward – Guidance on assessment construction and marking assessments
- Carried forward - Question paper analysis (2016-2019)
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Please note: For session 2021-22 there are modifications to this course. Understanding Standards materials should therefore be viewed along with the National Course modification summary available in the Course information 2021-22 section.
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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.
Course assessment overview
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
Course reports
Course Reports
- 2019 Advanced Higher Biology Course Report
September 2019 - 2018 Advanced Higher Biology Course Report
September 2018 - 2017 Advanced Higher Biology Course Report
October 2017 - 2016 Advanced Higher Biology Course Report
September 2016
2021 Key Messages
The Alternative Certification Model included a national quality assurance activity, carried out in May 2021.
This report provides information on any common themes and key points from the evidence submitted.
- Advanced Higher Biology 2020-21 key messages (140 KB)
June 2021
Verification Reports
In 2019, a single qualification verification summary report replaced the verification key messages.
- Biology Verification Key Messages Round 2
May 2017 - 2019 Advanced Higher Biology Course Report
September 2019 - Biology Qualification Verification Summary Report June 2019
June 2019
- 2018 Advanced Higher Biology Course Report
September 2018 - Biology Verification Key Messages Round 1
March 2017 - Biology Verification Key Messages Round 1
March 2018 - Biology Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2017
Organisms and Evolution: selection materials
SQA is working in partnership with Glasgow University to deliver twilight sessions to support the delivery of Advanced Higher Biology.
Access the Advanced Higher Biology materials used at the events
Ushare open learning resources
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000