BIOLOGY

AIMS

Senior science education begins for Dollar Academy pupils in Junior 1 (Primary 6). The Biology Department aims to

COURSES AVAILABLE

Form II Biology. In Form II we complete the 5-14 National guidelines for Science, and prepare the ground for the Intermediate 2 Biology course. We concentrate, in particular, on developing practical investigative skills and cover the topics of Bones and Teeth, Diet and Digestion, the Senses and Bio-technology. Weekly homework of about thirty minutes is given.

Intermediate 2 Biology. The Intermediate 2 course has replaced the Standard Grade Biology course for Forms III and IV. The aim is to provide a better grounding for Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology so that there is a smoother transition from third and fourth years to Higher. Form III begins with a study of the environment and local ecosystems. Pupils are involved in fieldwork in the Academy grounds, Dollar Glen, and a rocky shore near St Andrews. Work continues with the study of Cell Processes and Human Physiology. Topics covered in Form IV include Reproduction, Genetics, Evolution and Biotechnology. Pupils have around one hour of homework weekly and are provided with two general Biology textbooks. They also have the opportunity to purchase other booklets to help with preparation for the final examinations. There are two field trips organised in Form III to Kingsbarns and Loch Lomond.

Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology. Both courses are based on ring-bound booklets, which are provided for the pupils. Pupils purchase past-paper booklets to complete for homework, and have access to a variety of Biology textbooks. These two Highers have equal status as a University entrance qualification. Both courses cover a wide range of Biological topics including Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology, Regulation and Behaviour.

Pupils wishing to study Advanced Higher in Form VI can study Higher Biology or Higher Human Biology in Form V. Homework is given on a regular basis.

Advanced Higher Biology for Form VI. The course contains units on Cell Biology and Ecology, along with a half unit on Exercise and Health. Pupils must also complete a project, which is carried out during a three-day field trip to the University Marine Biology Station at Millport on the island of Cumbrae in September.

Biotechnology. We offer a full Scottish Higher in Biotechnology. The course familiarises pupils with this rapidly expanding area of industry, and provides them with an experience of some of the latest biological techniques, such as DNA isolation and gel electrophoresis. As an integral part of the course there are visits to a variety of industries and research institutions.

Human Biology for Medical Science. Pupils planning to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine at University have the opportunity to take this course, which includes two hours of study per week in Higher Human Biology. Pupils are taken beyond the syllabus to study physiology at a higher level in preparation for university.

Psychology. This introductory course, which takes two hours per week, includes topics such as motivation, learning, stress and the evolution of behaviour, and includes an SQA unit.

Field trips at Kingsbarn and Loch Lomond

STAFF

Marjorie Smith is Head of Department. However, she spends much of her time out of school engaged in National development work. This involves the production of materials for use in the classroom and in the training of Primary and Secondary teachers. The teaching materials support the Curriculum for Excellence

John Fraser runs the highly successful Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. Well over two hundred senior pupils participate in this scheme each year.

Lucy Payne takes an active part in developments in Biotechnology. She also co-ordinates the European Comenius project on PSE and runs the Boarders’ Riding Club.

Charlie Ainge is Head of Year for Form IV. In addition, he organises a surfing club and runs the “Four Tunas” fishing club for pupils.

Frances McDonald is Assistant Head of Year for Form III and coaches a Form II hockey team. She also assists with the French exchanges.

Andrew Morton, was Head of Department for 25 years and is now employed by the school to help run the Biology Department on a day-to-day basis. He also has a small teaching commitment. He and Mrs Smith offer twilight CPD classes at Dollar Academy each term, for Scottish Secondary and Primary teachers

Rosemary Jarvis is a highly experienced retired Biology teacher who has a small permanent teaching commitment and covers for absences when members of the department are out of school.

Jane Inglis is Biology Technician, who also assists with the teaching of Biotechnology in the school and, with Mrs Smith, in the training of teachers in the UK.

Mr Morton, Mrs Smith and Mrs Jarvis all teach on part-time contracts.

FIELD TRIP TO MALAYSIA

Pupils studying Biology in Forms IV to VI have an opportunity to go on a two-week expedition to Malaysia during the first two weeks of the summer holidays. The trip includes exploration of mangrove swamps, coral reefs and tropical jungle on the island of Tioman. The high point is four days of scuba diving in the tropical reefs, of the South China Sea with PADI Open-Water certification. At the end of the trip, two days are spent in Singapore.

In preparation for the trip, pupils are trained in the Dollar Academy swimming pool by the Forth Valley Sub-Aqua Club. Full details are available on the school Website, and pupils may apply at any time by downloading and completing an application form. A trip is planned for 2011. Mr Morton, Mrs McDonald and Mrs Inglis will run this trip.

DEVELOPMENT PLANS

The aim of the department is to continue to implement and develop the National Qualifications programme and to be involved in the new initiatives associated with the Curriculum for Excellence.

Currently, our prime objective is to make best use of the wide variety of IT support materials for the teaching of Biology. To this end, we have data projectors and digital microscopes installed in all five laboratories.

Work at the Marine Station, Millport