Biology Higher

Calendar iconStudy mode: You study outside of typical working hours, usually in the evenings.

Mortar board iconCourse type: Higher

Pen iconStart in: September

Computer and book iconLearning mode: You access classes and/or materials digitally.

Clock iconDuration: Part-Time: 1 year

Book and tick iconHow: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable.

What is special about this course?

This online course will help you gain an understanding of how the world works whilst also studying major scientific advances such as genomics.

Developing the skills, knowledge and understanding of Biology you will look at how DNA and the structure of the genome lead to the basis of evolution and biodiversity. You'll also explore the interdependence and complex interactions between organisms and investigate sustainable food production, with the fundamental process of photosynthesis at its core. 

Along the way, you'll develop problem solving, analytical and investigative skills that are valuable across a wide range of careers and further study options.

Special features: 

  • Investigate a range of topics from molecular through to whole organism and beyond
  • Evaluate the impact of scientific developments on health and wellbeing, society and the environment
  • You can study part time alongside your employment or another full-time course
  • Covers the full Higher Biology curriculum in preparation for the exam in May

  • One National 5 

Applications are encouraged from mature students who do not possess formal qualifications but have skills to meet the academic demand of the course.

Course content includes:

DNA and the genome 

  • structure of DNA
  • replication of DNA
  • gene expression
  • cellular differentiation
  • the structure of the genome
  • mutations
  • evolution
  • genomic sequencing

Metabolism and survival 

  • metabolic pathways
  • cellular respiration
  • metabolic rate
  • metabolism in conformers and regulators
  • metabolism and adverse conditions
  • environmental control of metabolism
  • genetic control of metabolism

Sustainability and interdependence 

  • food supply, plant growth and productivity
  • plant and animal breeding
  • crop protection
  • animal welfare
  • symbiosis
  • social behaviour
  • components of biodiversity
  • threats to biodiversity

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
  • Online

You will study online through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with support from your lecturers, however you will be required to attend a prelim, an exam and a practical assignment which is spread over 3 to 4 days in the evenings.

How long will my course last?

1 Year

Course cost: £352

    • UHI Moray

Start date

September

Fees

If you are studying part time and are on low income or in receipt of certain benefits your course fees may be covered by a fee waiver.

If you are not Ordinarily Resident in Scotland, you may need to pay course fees.

Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.

Funding

Our Student Finance Advisers can advise you on all aspects of student funding. The support available depends upon your personal circumstances.
Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.

Additional costs

If you are studying part time and are on low income or in receipt of certain benefits your course fees may be covered by a fee waiver.

Equipment

You will be required to purchase a Higher Biology textbook: Second edition (approx. £26) and a scientific calculator (approx. £10). If you are eligible for a bursary these costs will be covered.

What can I do on completion of my course?

On successful completion of this course, you may progress onto: 

  • Environmental science and sustainability (SCQF Level 6) 
  • Higher Environmental Science 
  • HNC Bioscience

Alternatively, can progress onto further study where Higher Biology is an entry requirement.

Apply for Biology Higher

I want to start in 2026/27

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Moray. UHI Moray operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.