Engineering
Biology National 5
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Part time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
National 5 Biology is a part-time course designed to teach you a deep understanding of subjects such as Cell Biology, Multicellular Organisms and Life on Earth. Biology is the study of living organisms and aims to find solutions for many of the world’s problems. Biology plays a crucial role in our everyday existence and due to advances in technologies, this varied subject is now more exciting and relevant than ever.
Our Science department offers you the opportunity to study in purpose-built laboratories. These will support the development of your general and specialist practical skills whilst enhancing your theoretical understanding of science. This course will help you progress towards a career in the science and biology industry or further study at a university level.
National 5 courses, accredited by the SQA, are typically studied at high school and college. These qualifications act as pathways to further study including university entry. Edinburgh College offers a selection of subjects at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level on a part-time basis. You may choose to study up to two subjects. These courses are challenging and require the ability to study independently.
What you will learn
Cell Biology
- Cell structure
- Transport across cell membranes
- DNA and the production of proteins
- Proteins
- Genetic engineering
- Respiration
Multicellular Organisms
- Producing new cells
- Control and communication
- Reproduction
- Variation and inheritance
- Transport systems - plants and animals
- Absorption of materials
Life on Earth
- Ecosystems
- Distribution of organisms
- Photosynthesis
- Energy in ecosystems
- Food production
- Evolution of species
How the course is assessed
- The course assessment determines the final grade and has two components. Both are marked externally by the SQA. The first component is a question paper of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The second component is an assignment completed within 8 hours, which includes 1hour and 30minutes for a report stage.
Number of days per week
- Day class – 4 hours per week across 2 days (Monday and Wednesday)
Entry requirements
- National 4 Biology (or equivalent) at a minimum of grade B
- National 4 English is recommended but not mandatory
- Pass at National 4 (with added value unit), Intermediate 1 at A or B, or Standard Grade 3 or 4 in Maths. We accept Applications of Maths for this course.
- Applicants should clearly identify the reason they chose to study National 5 Biology in their course application
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- You will be invited to a short entry test if your qualifications are five years old or older.
- Applications from students who wish to repeat a course, have previously been enrolled on any Science course, apply again and/or have previously withdrawn from any Science course will be placed on the waiting list. Applications will only be considered in August if there are places available on the course. If the course reaches capacity before August, an offer will not be possible. Therefore, we advise students to consider other options within the College.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- This course and its units will provide progression to other qualifications in Biology or related areas as well as further study, employment and/or training.
- You can progress to further study at a university level by using this course in conjunction to others.
Career options
Careers in the field of:
- Biological and biomedical sciences
- Various science industries
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Part time | 25/08/25 |
