biology nat 5 assignment

National 5 Biology Revision

Welcome to your interactive National 5 Biology Revision site. Here you will find past papers and marking instructions, summary notes, problem solving activities and much more.

Each section has a link to BBC Bitesize, a selection of past paper questions and a youtube video.

Course Content

National 5 Biology consists of 3 units of work: Cell Biology, Multicellular Organisms and Life on Earth.

Cell Structure

Transport across the cell membrane

Proteins and Enzymes

Genetic engineering, respiration.

Producing new cells

Control and communication

Reproduction

Variation and inheritance, transport in plants, transport in animals, absorption of materials.

Photosynthesis

Food production.

Evolution of Species

Cells are the most basic units of life. There are a few cell types you need to be able to identify and state the functions of their organelles. Below you will find links to BBC bitesize and a google document with past paper questions.

Transport Across the Cell Membrane

All cells are enclosed by a cell membrane, which is selectively permeable. Molecules can move into or out of cells by diffusion and active transport. Cells can gain or lose water by osmosis.

DNA carries the genetic information in the cells of all living organisms. It contains codes for the assembly of amino acids into all the proteins required in the body.

Proteins consist of combinations of amino acids. Body proteins include structural proteins, enzymes, hormones and antibodies. The shape of an enzyme allows it to speed up a biological reaction.

Bacteria exchange DNA using plasmids; viruses invade cells by first inserting their genetic material. Genetic engineering is the transfer of DNA between organisms using biotechnology.

Most cell activity requires chemical energy. Respiration is the cellular process of releasing energy from food and storing it as ATP.

Producing New Cells

Cell division allows for growth and replacement of dead cells. Most multicellular organisms are made of different cell types that are specialised to carry out specific functions.

Control and Communication

Communication between cells in a multicellular organism occurs by use of nerve impulses or hormones. The central nervous system produces electrical impulses for rapid response.

New organisms are produced when male and female haploid gametes fuse. In mammals, gametes are produced in the testes or ovaries of individuals but anthers and ovaries are on the same flowering plant.

The phenotype for a characteristic like eye colour is the result of the combination of alleles. If the alleles in the parental genotype are dominant or recessive, probable outcomes can be predicted.

Multicellular organisms require transport systems to supply their cells and remove waste products. Plants transport substances through xylem and phloem.

Multicellular organisms require transport systems to supply their cells and remove waste products. The heart uses blood vessels to transport these substances around the body.

Humans require transport systems to supply their cells and remove waste products. Gas exchange occurs in the lungs and food molecules are absorbed by the digestive system.

An ecosystem is a community of animals, plants, micro-organisms, non-living things and their shared environment. Find out about energy transfer, niches and competition in ecosystems.

Abiotic factors are non-living variables. Biotic factors are the interactions between organisms. Both affect diversity and distribution. Sampling helps us to estimate numbers of organisms in an area.

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight energy to make their own food. It takes place inside the chloroplasts of plant cells.

All organisms require energy. The feeding relationship in an ecosystem can be shown in a foodchain. Learn about pyramids of biomass, energy and numbers.

A growing human population demands increased food production. Farmers try to meet that demand by intensive farming, using fertilisers and pesticides that are impacting on the environment.

Mutations can alter the genes of individuals in a beneficial or detrimental way and introduce variety into a species.

Problem Solving

Below you will find examples of scientific literacy questions, problem solving and extended response questions.

National 5 Biology Resources

Materials for the study of N5 SQA Biology courses.

SQA Past Papers - N5

Sqa past papers - int 2, sqa past papers - standard grade (credit), sqa past papers - standard grade (general).

National 5 Biology Assignment

• A Teacher / Technician Guide.
• A Student Guide.
• A generic risk assessment which might be used as the basis for the circumstances which exist in your own school / college.

Resource Pack 1 – Limiting Factors in Photosynthesis

The elements of this resource pack can be accessed:

• Teacher / Technical Guide ( Microsoft Word version, pdf version).
• Student Guide ( Microsoft Word version; pdf version).
• Risk assessment ( Microsoft Word version).

Resource Pack 2 – Fertiliser and the Growth of Algae

• Teacher / Technical Guide (includes Risk Assessment) ( Microsoft Word version, pdf version).

Resource Pack 3 – Catalase Activity in Immobilised Yeast

Please note – this resource pack has not been endorsed by SQA. The elements of this resource pack can be accessed:

• Teacher / Technical Guide ( Microsoft Word version , pdf version ).
• Student Guide ( Microsoft Word version , pdf version ).

Understanding Standards Events

SSERC has been invited to attend a series of Understanding Standards events organised by SQA. The SSERC presentation, delivered as part of these events, can be downloaded here .

SSERC is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a registered educational charity.

Headquarters 1-3 Pitreavie Court, South Pitreavie Business Park, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU

Registered Office 5th Floor, Quartermile Two, 2 Lister Square, Edinburgh EH3 9GL.

Material on this website, including text and images, is protected by copyright. It may not be copied, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, broadcast or transmitted in any way except for your own personal, non-commercial use, or for educational use. Prior written consent of the copyright holder must be obtained for any other use of material. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with SSERC and other copyright owner(s) as specified. No part of this site or sub-domains of this site may be distributed or copied for any commercial purpose.

© Copyright 2021 Copyright SSERC Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

National 5 Biology (Course Code: C807 75)

Scqf level 5 (24 scqf credit points).

Why study Biology?

Biology is the study of all living things, from the tiniest organisms to the largest lifeforms. You will learn how nature and the human body work, and how different forms of life eat, make energy and reproduce. You will also find out how Biology is helping to find solutions to world problems.

There are many career opportunities connected with biology, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, food science, sport science, pharmacology and beauty therapy.

Career Pathways

To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:

• Animals, Land and Environment
• Hairdressing, Beauty and Wellbeing
• Health and Medicine

Science and Maths

• Uniformed and Security Services

What do I need to get in?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved one of the following:

• National 4 Biology
• National 4 Chemistry
• National 4 Environmental Science
• National 4 Physics
• National 4 Science

What will I study?

Biology is a hands-on that develops your skills of scientific inquiry, and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding, by undertaking practical activities in the classroom/local environment. You will research issues and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop your skills of scientific literacy.

The course comprises  three areas of study.

Cell biology

You will learn about:

cell structure; transport across cell membranes; DNA and the production of proteins; proteins; genetic engineering; and respiration.

Biology: multicellular organisms

producing new cells; control and communication; reproduction; variation and inheritance; transport systems — plants; transport systems — animals; and absorption of materials.

Biology: life on Earth

ecosystems; distribution of organisms; photosynthesis; energy in ecosystems; food production; and evolution of species.

How will I be assessed?

The course assessment has two components worth 120 marks :

• Component 1: question paper – worth 100 marks (two sections, section 1 worth 25 marks and section 2 worth 75 marks)
• Component 2: assignment – worth 20 marks.

For the assignment component, you will be asked to choose a relevant topic to research, plan and carry out relevant experimental work, process and present this, compare information and data, and draw your conclusion. You will present your findings in a report. The assignment component will be set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The question paper will be set and marked externally by the SQA.

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.

The course assessment is graded A–D. 

Study Materials

• SQA Past Papers Biology National 5
• SQA Specimen Paper Biology National 5
• SQA Understanding Standards Biology
• BBC Bitesize National 5 Biology

What can I go on to next?

 If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:

• Higher Biology
• Higher Environmental Science
• Higher Human Biology

Further study, training or employment in:

• Science and Mathematics

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• Biology - Related Careers

Where can my parents find out more?

Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.

They can also read the information leaflet(s):

Nationals in a Nutshell - Biology (National 5)

Expressive Arts

Art and design, art and design (design), art and design (expressive), creative arts, music technology, performance arts, photography, health and wellbeing, childcare and development, fashion and textile technology, food, health and wellbeing, health and food technology, physical education, english and communication, gaelic (learners), gàidhlig, mandarin (simplified), mandarin (traditional), mathematics, applications of mathematics, lifeskills mathematics, mathematics of mechanics, religious and moral education, religious, moral and philosophical studies, environmental science, human biology, science in the environment, social studies, administration and it, business in practice, business management, classical studies, hospitality: practical cake craft, hospitality: practical cookery, modern studies, people and society, social subjects, technologies, computing science, design and manufacture, design and technology, engineering science, graphic communication, information and communications technology, practical craft skills, practical electronics, practical metalworking, practical woodworking, skills for work, sfw automotive skills, sfw building services engineering, sfw creative digital media, sfw creative industries, sfw early learning and childcare, sfw engineering skills, sfw financial services, sfw food and drink manufacturing industry, sfw hairdressing, sfw health and social care, sfw health sector, sfw hospitality, sfw laboratory science, sfw maritime skills, sfw practical experiences: construction and engineering, sfw retailing, sfw rural skills, sfw sport and recreation, sfw textiles industry, sfw travel and tourism, sfw uniformed and emergency services.

• Accessibility
• Privacy Policy
• Pocket Guide
• feedback form
• @planitcareers
• Publications

National 5 Biology

This exciting course in Biology covers three main subject areas:

Unit 1: Cell Biology - What happens inside the tiny cells which make up our bodies, and the all other living things, which help to keep us alive? This will include: study of cell structure and function, transport in cells, production of new cells, DNA and protein production, enzymes and their role in cells, genetic engineering, photosynthesis, and respiration.

Unit 2: Multi-cellular Organisms - How do plants and animals control their bodies and behaviour to survive? This will include: Specialisation of cells and tissues, the role of stem cells, controlling the body (role of the brain, nerves and hormones), reproduction and inheritance, transport systems in animals (heart and blood) and plants, and effect of lifestyle on health and wellbeing.

Unit 3: Life on Earth - How is all life on the Earth interconnected, and what are the current threats to life on earth? This will include: Factors affecting Biodiversity and distribution of life on Earth, how energy moves in the ecosystem, how nutrients (e.g. nitrogen) are recycled in the ecosystem, sampling and measuring of environmental factors, natural selection and evolution, and the human impact on the environment.

How will the course be assessed?

The National 5 course is assessed by a mixture of internal assessment and a final external exam in May.

At the end of each unit there is a NAR ( National Assessment Resource). These tests assess key area knowledge and problem solving skills . A pass in each unit is essential to be presented for the National 5 Exam. In Graeme High 'AB' tests are also given at the end of each unit. These tests reflect the standard of questions learners will be presented with in the final exam.

Learners have to complete the formal write up of an assessed practical (experiment/investigation) as part of the National 5 Biology course. Learners must also produce an assignment in which 20 marks are available and count towards their overall total mark.

Need help revising?

These booklets will give you some help with revising:

The following websites are really useful and are a great way to study when you need a change from your notes and summary sheets.  

This is a great website with many learning activities

Use N5 BBC Bitesize to revise

Online text book to help with revision