Advanced higher biology project investigations

This booklet is designed for teachers/lecturers to use with students who are embarking on an investigation for the Advanced Higher Biology Project. It is relevant to the Investigation of Advanced Higher Biology, Revised Advanced Higher Biology and to the Project of CfE Advanced Higher Biology. The philosophy behind the booklet and the SQA Project Guidance is that students should be supported in developing their skills of investigation.

Students should not be abandoned to their fate, nor should they have their investigation done for them. This can be a fine line to tread. In the early stages of investigation, students are likely to need advice and support in choosing a suitable topic for investigation and in selecting an appropriate experimental design. As the investigation progresses, students should be making more independent decisions in the analysis and evaluation of their results. By referring to the advice in the booklet and in the SQA Instructions for Candidates, teachers can use open questions to assist students to reflect on and review their own work rather than provide excessive direction or support.

The booklet also attempts to cover the theoretical aspects of the Advanced Higher Unit Investigative Biology. Thus as well as supporting candidates in their investigation, it should prepare them for Unit and Course assessment. The underlying aim is that it should improve attainment, not only in the investigation for the Advanced Higher Project but also in the Course examination question paper and Unit assessment items that assess experimental design and data analysis.