SQA Higher Human Biology specification (X840 76)

Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA Higher Human 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 Human 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.

Disclaimer

This page includes a summary of the official SQA Higher Human Biology (X840 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.

Download specification

Specification overview

The Higher Human Biology course (SCQF Level 6) fosters a deep understanding of the human body by exploring cellular, physiological, neurological and immunological processes. Designed for learners with prior biology experience, it emphasises analytical thinking, scientific inquiry and the ethical application of biological knowledge. Through experimental and theoretical contexts, candidates engage with current health and science issues, enabling them to make informed decisions, assess risks, and communicate complex ideas. The qualification supports progression to further education or careers in life sciences, healthcare, and medicine:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

Subject content breakdown

Human Cells

  • Division and differentiation: mitosis vs meiosis; pluripotent vs multipotent stem cells
  • DNA structure and replication: nucleotides, PCR, role of enzymes
  • Gene expression: transcription, RNA splicing, translation
  • Mutations: single-gene and chromosome structure mutations
  • Human genomics: sequencing, pharmacogenetics, personalised medicine
  • Metabolic pathways: enzyme control, inhibition, anabolic/catabolic reactions
  • Cellular respiration: glycolysis, citric acid cycle, ATP synthesis
  • Muscle energy systems: lactate metabolism, slow- and fast-twitch fibres

Physiology and Health

  • Gamete production and fertilisation: testes, ovaries, fertilisation process
  • Hormonal control: puberty, sperm production, menstrual cycle
  • Controlling fertility: infertility treatments (IVF, ICSI), contraception
  • Screening: antenatal (ultrasound, amniocentesis), postnatal (PKU), genetic patterns
  • Cardiovascular system: structure and function of blood vessels and heart
  • CVD pathology: atherosclerosis, thrombosis, DVT, cholesterol management
  • Blood glucose and obesity: insulin control, diabetes types, BMI and lifestyle factors

Neurobiology and Immunology

  • Nervous system and pathways: CNS, PNS, neural pathways
  • The cerebral cortex: brain localisation, inter-hemispheric transfer
  • Memory: sensory, short- and long-term, rehearsal, contextual cues
  • Neurotransmitters: synaptic transmission, endorphins, dopamine
  • Non-specific defences: barriers, inflammation, phagocytosis
  • Specific immunity: lymphocytes, immune responses, autoimmune diseases
  • Immunisation: vaccination, herd immunity, antigenic variation
  • Clinical trials: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled designs

Assessment structure

Question Paper 1: Multiple Choice

  • 25 marks
  • 40 minutes
  • Assesses breadth of knowledge and understanding across course content

Question Paper 2

  • 95 marks
  • 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Restricted and extended-response questions
  • Focus on application, analysis, and interpretation of scientific information

Assignment

  • 20 raw marks (scaled to 30)
  • Research and report based on experimental work and external sources
  • Conducted over 8 hours (2 for report writing)
  • Marked externally by SQA

Assignment Mark Breakdown

  • Aim (1), Underlying biology (4), Data handling (5)
  • Graphing (4), Analysis (1), Conclusion (1), Evaluation (3), Structure (1)

Grading

  • Based on total marks from both question papers and assignment
  • Grades A–D

Conditions

  • Research stage: some supervision
  • Report stage: strict control
  • No templates or pre-written sections allowed during assessment

Key tips for success

Doing well in your SQA Higher Human 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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can download the official specification directly from the SQA website, or right here on this page using the PDF Specification Download button. Alongside the specification, we've made it easy to access all the essential revision resources you'll need, including topic summaries, past papers, and exam-style practice questions, all matched to the current specification.
Treat the specification like a checklist. Use it to track your progress, identify areas that need more work, and ensure you're covering everything that might appear in the exam. Our linked resources for each topic will help you revise more effectively.
Always refer to the Exam Code and First Teaching Year shown at the top of this page. These details confirm which version of the specification you're studying. If your course or materials refer to a different code, double-check with your teacher or exam centre.