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In addition to standard S1/S2 courses, the department also offers the following courses:
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AIMS
To give students an understanding
of how the body works, how living
things depend on one another and
how their actions affect their health
and environment.
CONTENT
In S3 students will study :
BIOSPHERE - what are we doing to the world around us ?
PLANTS - why are they so important to us ?
ANIMAL SURVIVAL - how do you survive and reproduce ?
BIOTECHNOLOGY - how Biology is shaping the future ?
In S4 students will study :
CELLS -the basic building blocks and how they work.
BODY IN ACTION - how do you co-ordinate your movements and how can you improve your performance?
INHERITANCE -why are you both like and unlike your parents and
what can you predict about your children ?
ASSESSMENT
Students are assessed on three areas -
Knowledge & Understanding (KU)
Problem solving (PS)
The grade for these is determined by the final examination in May of S4.
Practical Abilities(PA)
The grade is based on assessments done in class during the course.
The final grade is made up of
KU - 2/5
PS - 2/5
PA - 1/5
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AIMS
To give students an insight into the
importance of Biology in modern society.
Practical work is the main focus of the
course together with the ability to work
on your own and with others.
CONTENT
In S3 students will study :
THE BIOSPHERE - what are we doing to the world around us ?
HEALTH & TECHNOLOGY - using technology to measure, record and monitor health.
In S4 students will study :
GROWING PLANTS - propagation and the growth of plants.
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL INDUSTRIES -the applications of Biology to industry.
ASSESSMENT
INTERNAL
Students will be tested at the end of each unit by sitting a written paper in Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving
A Practical Investigation is also required for each Unit.
EXTERNAL
At the end of S4 students will sit one paper of 1.5 hours for 60 marks.
The paper will consist of two sections:
Section A-20 multiple choice questions, (10 KU and 10 PS).
Section B-Structured questions worth 40 marks (30 PS and 10 KU).
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: STANDARD GRADE BIOLOGY - KU AND PS GRADES 3 OR 4
OR
OTHER STANDARD GRADE SUBJECTS ALL AT GRADES 1 - 3
COURSE CONTENT:
The intermediate 2 Biology course comprises 3 units, each of which has a short introduction indicating links with Standard Grade Biology. The course provides a more thorough understanding of the basic concepts which were covered in this course and further develops the 3 elements of knowledge and understanding, problem-solving and practical abilities.
There are 3 units:
1. Living Cells (40 hours)
2. Environmental Biology and Genetics (40 hours)
3. Animal Physiology (40 hours)
ASSESSMENT
To gain the award for the course, the candidate must pass all the internal component units of the course as well as passing the external examination.
External assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the course award.
Internal component
For each unit the candidate must pass both the following:
1. An end of unit test covering all the performance criteria for the unit; testing knowledge and understanding and problem-solving (pass mark for these tests is 65%; candidates are allowed two attempts at each test).
2. The candidate must also produce a satisfactory written report of one practical experiment. The experiments will normally be carried out as group work, but the report must be individually produced and written in school under teacher supervision. (only one report will be required to demonstrate learning outcome 3 completion).
External component
At the end of the course the candidate will sit an externally produced 2 hour examination paper, worth a total of 100 marks. The paper consists for three sections:
Section A - 25 multiple choice questions
Section B - structured questions
Section C - two extended response questions
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Standard Grade Biology - KU grades 1 or 2 OR Intermediate 2 Biology - grades A - C OR Negotiation with the Principal Teacher
COURSE CONTENT:
The Higher Human Biology course comprises 3 units, each of which has a short introduction indicating links with Standard Grade and Intermediate 2 Biology. The course provides a more thorough understanding of the basic concepts which were covered in these courses and further develops the 3 elements of knowledge and understanding, problem solving and practical abilities.
There are 3 units
1. Cell function and inheritance(40 hours)
2. Continuation of Life(40 hours)
3. Behaviour, Populations and the Environments(40 hours)
ASSESSMENT
To gain the award for the course, the candidate must pass all the internal component units of the course as well as passing the external examination.
External assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the course award.
Internal component
For each unit the candidate must pass both the following:
An end of unit test covering all the performance criteria for the unit; testing knowledge and understanding and problem-solving (pass mark for these tests is 65%; candidates are allowed two attempts at each test).
A candidate must also produce a satisfactory written report of one practical experiment. The experiments will normally be carried out as group work, but the report must be individually produced and written in school under teacher supervision. (only one report will be required to demonstrate learning outcome 3 completion).
External component
At the end of the course the candidate will sit an externally produced 2.5 hour examination paper, worth a total of 130 marks. The paper consists for three sections:
Section A-30 multiple choice questions
Section B-structured questions
Section C-two extended response questions
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: HIGHER BIOLOGY - A, B, OR C
OR
HIGHER HUMAN BIOLOGY - A, B, OR C
COURSE CONTENT:
The course has two mandatory Theory units and one mandatory Investigation unit. In addition, there is one Optional theory unit.
Theory units, each of which has associated practical work are as follows :
Cell and Molecular Biology ( 40 hours) - mandatory unit - (including structure, function and growth of cells; cell components; molecular interaction with cells; and DNA technology).
Environmental Biology (40 hours) - mandatory unit - (including energy and nutrient cycles; interactions in ecosystem; human impact on the environment).
Physiology, Health and Exercise (20 hours) - optional unit (including Exercise and the cardiovascular system; exercise and metabolism).
Investigation Unit (20 hours) - mandatory unit - involving the individual accumulation, analysis and presentation of information through experimental work. This is written up as a report not exceeding 2500 words in length.
METHODOLOGY
The course presents the opportunity to develop further the learning outcomes, problem solving and practical abilities acquired at Higher level. In addition, the investigation provides the opportunity to study a selected topic in depth.
ASSESSMENT
External examination - 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks (80% of the total marks):
Section A - 25 m/c questions based on the two mandatory theory units 25 marks
Section B - Structured questions and data handling questions based on the two mandatory units 30 marks
Section C - Four extended response questions ( essay); two from each mandatory unit. Candidates are expected to answer one question from each unit. 30 marks
Section D - Six extended response questions, two on each unit of the optional units. Candidates are expected to answer one of the two questions based on the unit studied. 15 marks
Investigations Assessment - (20% of the total marks) 25 marks
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AIMS
To expand the students’ knowledge
of Chemistry in relation to industrial
and social aspects;
to develop skills in problem solving
in relation to knowledge of Chemistry
and to develop skills in practical techniques
based on Knowledge & Understanding
and Problem Solving.
CONTENT
The course is divided up into eight units -
INTRODUCING CHEMISTRY
BLAZING AWAY : fuels and related substances.
SEE HOW THEY REACT : metal reactions.
ELECTRIC CHEMISTRY
ACIDS IN ACTION
PLANTS AND FERTILISERS
CORROSION OF METALS
POLYMERS AND PLASTICS
ASSESSMENT
All students who sit a final examination will receive an award for attainment in Standard Grade Chemistry in each of three areas:
Knowledge & Understanding
Problem solving
Practical abilities
Students’ progress will be monitored with regular homework and end of unit tests using
student record cards.
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AIMS
Because Chemistry affects our everyday lives -
everything around us, all the materials we touch
are made of chemicals - it is important to learn
about them, how they behave and how they can
be made into new and useful substances.
The course will also develop problem solving
and practical skills.
Intermediate 1 can be used as an alternative to
Standard Grade for entry into S5 Chemistry courses.
CONTENT
The course is divided into three interesting units which you will study over two years. In the units some of the things you will learn about are listed below.
CHEMISTRY IN ACTION Symbols, Elements, Compounds, Formula. Chemical Reactions, Acids and Alkalis.
EVERYDAY CHEMISTRY Metals, Corrosion, Fuels, Plastics.
CHEMISTRY AND LIFE Photosynthesis and Respiration, Fertilisers, Food and Diet, Alcohols and other drugs.
ASSESSMENT
INTERMEDIATE 1
At the end of each unit you will be given a written test which will include knowledge and understanding and problem solving questions. Also a practical experiment will be assessed.
At the end of S4 an external examination will test everything you have learned in the course.
ACCESS 3
For each unit there are 3 assessments. One practical experiment is also assessed for the course.
There is no final exam at the end of S4.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Standard Grade Chemistry - KU grades 3 or 4
OR
Pass at Intermediate 1
OR
1 or 2 for the KU element in Standard grade Biology, Physics.
COURSE CONTENT:
Unit 1 Building Blocks |
Unit 2 Carbon Compounds |
Unit 3 Acids, Bases and Metals |
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| Substance Reaction rates The structure of the atom Bonding, structure, formulae and equations Chemical symbols, formulae and equations The mole |
Fuels Naming and structural formulae Reactions of carbon compounds Plastics and synthetic fibres Natural products |
Acids, bases, pH, concentration and strength Preparation of salts Reaction of metals Metal ores and corrosion |
METHODOLOGY
Both resource-based learning and teacher-led lessons are used. Pupils are encouraged to generate some of their own notes.
The course also involves practical work
ASSESSMENT
Progress of each pupil is maintained throughout the course by mini-tests.
For each unit, pupils must pass an end of unit test. One practical must be written up to a required standard.
The external exam consists of one paper of 2 hours
Section I multiple choice 30 marks
Section 2 written questions 50 marks
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Standard Grade Chemistry - KU grades 1 or 2
OR
Pass at Intermediate 2
COURSE CONTENT:
Unit 1 Energy Matters |
Unit 2 The World of Carbon |
Unit 3 Chemical Reactions |
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Reaction rates |
Fuels Polymers Natural products |
The Chemical Industry Hess's Law Equilibrium Acids and bases Redox reactions Nuclear chemistry |
METHODOLOGY
Both resource-based learning and teacher-led lessons are used. Pupils are encouraged to generate some of their own notes. The course also involves practical work.
ASSESSMENT
Progress of each pupil is maintained throughout the course by mini-tests.
For each unit, pupils must pass an end of unit test. One practical must be written up to a required standard.
The external exam consists of one paper of 2 hours 30 minutes::
Section I: multiple choice 40 marks
Section 2: written questions 60 marks
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Minimum "C" at Higher Chemistry.
COURSE CONTENT:
Unit 1
Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table
Electromagnetic radiation arid how electrons behave in an atom
Chemical bonding: covalent bonding, shapes of molecules and polyatomic ions, ionic lattices and superconductors and semiconductors;
Some chemistry of the Periodic Table: the oxides, chlorides and hydrides of periods 2 and 3 Transition metals: oxidation states, complexes
Spectroscopy: atomic emission, UV and visible spectroscopy
2 Prescribed Practical Activities
Unit 2
Principles of Chemical Reactions
Stoichiometry and quantities
Chemical equilibrium, different phases, acidlbase, indicators and buffers
Thermochemistry, Hess's law, bond enthalpies, Born-Haber cycle; reaction feasibility, entropy, free energy
Electrochemistry
5 Prescribed Practical Activities
Unit 3
Organic Chemistry
Reactions, mechanisms, physical properties, hydrocarbons, halogenoalkanes, alcohols ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, aromatics, stereoisomerism, structural analysis, including IR and NMR spectroscopy, medicines
5 Prescribed Practical Activities
Unit 4
Chemical Investigation
METHODOLOGY:
The theory is based on lectures and tutorials.
The prescribed practicals are carried out within double periods in school, but reports a written up at home. Additional time should be allocated for the practicals and the chemical investigation.
ASSESSMENT:
Progress of pupils is maintained throughout the course by mini-tests.
For units 1 - 3, pupils must pass an internal test.
The external exam consists of one paper of 2 hours 30 minutes - 100 marks
and for the chemical investigation, a written report - 25 marks
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AIMS
Students will examine and
investigate how physics affects
them in their everyday life.
CONTENT
The course is made up of seven units -
In S3 students will study:
TELECOMMUNICATION
USING ELECTRICITY
HEALTH PHYSICS
TRANSPORT
Some areas to be investigated in third year -
How does a television picture end up on your screen ?
What are the medical uses of radiation ?
Why do seat belts save so many lives ?
In S4 students will study:
ELECTRONICS
ENERGY MATTERS
SPACE PHYSICS
Each unit contains a series of student based experiments, teacher demonstrations and tutorial sheets.
ASSESSMENT
At the end of each unit students will be given a short assessment to monitor progress.
Knowledge & Understanding
Problem solving
written exam in May of fourth year;
Practical Abilities continually assessed in class.
Overall grade KU 40% PS 40% PA 20%
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Standard Grade Physics grades 5 or 6
OR
Standard Grade Chemistry, Biology grades 4 or 5
OR
Int 1 / Acc 3 Chemistry or Biology
COURSE CONTENT:
Unit 1 Telecommunications
Unit 2 Practical Electricity
Unit 3 Movement
Unit 4 Radiations
Unit 5 Electronics
Unit 6 Sound and Music
METHODOLOGY
A variety of teaching and learning approaches is used. This varies from teacher led to pupils centred, with the emphasis on pupil centred when practical work is being carried out.
ASSESSMENT
Internally Assessed
End of Unit Assessment: A pass must be achieved in all six end of unit assessments to gain
the course award. There is an opportunity for re-assessment if insufficient of the performance criteria are achieved.
Practical Assessment:Three reports must be submitted.
Externally Assessed
External Examination: This is an examination, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, consisting of a combination of objective, short answer and restricted response questions.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Standard Grade Physics, KU grades 3 or 4 in both the knowledge and
understanding element and the Problem Solving Element
OR
Pass at Intermediate 1 Physics AND Standard Grade Mathematics at Grades 3 or 4 or a pass in Intermediate 1 Mathematics
OR
Standard Grade Biology, Chemistry, Grades 1, 2 or 3 in both the KU and PS elements
COURSE CONTENT:
Unit 1 Mechanics and Heat
Unit 2 Electricity
Unit 3 Waves and Optics
Unit 4 Radioactivity
METHODOLOGY
A variety of teaching and learning approaches is used. This varies from teacher led to pupils centred, with the emphasis on pupil centred when practical work is being carried out.
ASSESSMENT
Internally Assessed:
End of Unit Assessment: A pass must be achieved in all four end of unit assessments to gain the course award. There is an opportunity for re-assessment if insufficient of the performance criteria are achieved.
Practical Assessment: A report of one experiment activity related to one of the four units
must be submitted. If the report does not meet the performance criteria, there is an opportunity to write a report of another experimental activity.
Externally Assessed:
External Examination: This is an examination, lasting 2 hours, consisting of a combination
of objective, short answer and restricted response questions.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Standard Grade Physics, Grades 1 or 2 in both the knowledge and understanding element and the Problem Solving element
OR
A pass in Intermediate 2 Physics AND Standard Grade Mathematics at Grades 1 or 2 or a pass in Intermediate 2 Mathematics
COURSE CONTENT:
Unit 1 Mechanics and Properties of Matter
kinematics;
dynamics;
properties of matter
Unit 2 Electricity and Electronics
resistance;
alternating current and voltage;
capacitance;
analogue electronics.
Unit 3 Radiation and Matter
waves and light;
optoelectronics and semiconductors ;
radioactivity.
METHODOLOGY
A variety of teaching and learning approaches is used. This varies from teacher led to pupils centred, with the emphasis on pupil centred when practical work is being carried out.
ASSESSMENT
Internally Assessed
End of Unit Assessment: A pass must be achieved in all three end of unit assessments to gain the course award. There is an opportunity for re-assessment if insufficient of the performance criteria are achieved.
Practical Assessment: A report of one experimental activity in one of the three units must be submitted If the report does not meet the performance criteria, there is an opportunity to write a report of another experimental activity.
Externally Assessed
External Examination: This is an examination, lasting 2 hours 30 minutes, consisting of a
combination of objective, short answer and restricted response questions.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: HIGHER PHYSICS AND HIGHER MATHEMATICS
COURSE CONTENT:
The course consists of four mandatory units as follows:
Mechanics (AH) - 1 credit (40 hours)
Electrical Phenomenon (AH) - 1 credit (40 hours)
Wave Phenomenon (AH) - 0.5 credit (20 hours)
Physics Investigation - 0.5 credit (20 hours)
CORE SKILLS:
It is possible that attainment of this course at a C grade would lead to the automatic award of :
Critical Thinking at Higher
Planning and Organising at Higher
Reviewing and Evaluating at Higher
Using Graphical Information at Higher
Using Number at Higher
METHODOLOGY:
Theory consists of lectures and tutorials.
Practical work is carried out in a laboratory under the supervision of a member of the Physics department.
ASSESSMENT:
Internally Assessed:
End of Unit Assessment: A level of attainment must be achieved in an end of unit test in each of the three units, Mechanics, Electrical Phenomena and Wave Phenomena Practical Assessment A report of one experimental activity in each of the three units, Mechanics, Electrical Phenomena and Wave Phenomena must be submitted and meet the performance criteria to achieve a pass.
Externally Assessed:
End of Course Exam: This is an examination of 2 hours duration, consisting of short answer and restricted response questions. There is a total of 100 marks for this paper.
Report of a Physics Investigation. A total of 25 marks is allocated to the investigation.
The grade awarded for the course depends on the total marks obtained for the written question paper and the investigation.
