SQA Higher Biology specification (X807 76)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA Higher Biology exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official SQA Higher Biology specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official SQA Higher Biology (X807 76) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official SQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Higher Biology course (SCQF Level 6) equips students with in-depth knowledge of DNA, metabolism, and ecosystems while developing key scientific inquiry skills. Through a balance of theoretical learning and experimental investigation, learners explore molecular biology, physiological systems, and global sustainability. It prepares candidates for further education or careers in biological sciences by fostering analytical thinking, ethical reasoning, and scientific literacy. Emphasis is placed on evaluating biological issues, interpreting data, and applying understanding in novel contexts, using interdisciplinary links with other sciences and mathematics:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
DNA and the genome
- DNA structure and organisation: nucleotides, base pairing, prokaryotic vs eukaryotic genomes
- DNA replication: polymerase, primers, PCR, practical applications
- Gene expression: transcription, RNA splicing, translation, protein structure and function
- Cellular differentiation: stem cells, therapeutic uses, ethical considerations
- Mutations: single-gene (missense, nonsense, splice-site), chromosome structure mutations, gene duplication
- Evolution: natural selection, stabilising/directional/disruptive selection, speciation
- Genomic sequencing: bioinformatics, phylogenetics, molecular clocks, personalised medicine
Metabolism and survival
- Metabolic pathways: reversible/irreversible reactions, enzyme control, inhibition
- Cellular respiration: glycolysis, citric acid cycle, electron transport, fermentation
- Metabolic rate: oxygen consumption, circulatory adaptations in vertebrates
- Conformers and regulators: thermoregulation, behavioural and physiological responses
- Adverse conditions: dormancy types, migration strategies
- Environmental control: microbial culture techniques, growth phases, viable/total counts
- Genetic control: mutagenesis, recombinant DNA, vectors, selectable markers
Sustainability and interdependence
- Food supply: plant productivity, photosynthesis (light-dependent and Calvin cycle)
- Plant/animal breeding: field trials, inbreeding depression, F1 hybrids, genetic modification
- Crop protection: pest control (cultural, chemical, biological), pesticide issues
- Animal welfare: behavioural indicators, ethics, intensive vs free-range systems
- Symbiosis: parasitism, mutualism, transmission mechanisms
- Social behaviour: hierarchy, cooperation, altruism, social insects, primates
- Biodiversity: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; threats including habitat loss and invasive species:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Question Paper 1: Multiple Choice
- 25 marks
- 40 minutes
- Covers breadth of course knowledge
Question Paper 2
- 95 marks
- 2 hours 20 minutes
- Restricted and extended response questions (including data handling and experimental design)
Assignment
- 20 raw marks (scaled to 30)
- Research and report based on experimental work and literature data
- 8 hours total, with 2 hours for the report under high control
- Assesses skills like planning, data analysis, evaluation, and communication
Assignment Mark Breakdown
- Aim (1), Underlying Biology (4), Data Collection (3), Graphical Presentation (4)
- Analysis (1), Conclusion (1), Evaluation (3), Structure (1)
Grading
- Grade based on combined total of question papers and assignment
- Grades awarded A–D
- Grade A requires consistently high performance (approx. top 25%)
Assessment Objectives
- Demonstrating understanding
- Applying knowledge
- Designing investigations
- Handling and processing data
- Drawing and justifying conclusions
- Evaluating procedures and findings:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA Higher Biology isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
Share this article