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Group 4. Experimental Sciences Physics Chemistry Biology Environmental Systems - Higher and Standard - Higher and Standard - Higher - Standard Physics - (Higher & Standard) - This course is for students wishing to follow a career in science or engineering. The topics covered are mechanics, molecular behaviour, electromagnetism, waves, atomic theory, and nuclear physics. There is also the option to study more advanced topics such as special relativity and particle physics. There is a large amount of practical work with an emphasis on the use of computers for measurement and data handling. Background knowledge of physics is not essential, but would be an advantage. A good working knowledge of basic mathematics is required. Chemistry - (Higher & Standard) - The Chemistry course is mainly for students who will pursue more advanced chemistry or other sciences such as medicine or engineering at the College/university level. The emphasis is on search and discovery and personal experience in scientific method. The course involves extensive laboratory work and includes the study of atomic structure, structure and bonding, energetics, states of matter, equilibrium, kinetics, periodicity and carbon chemistry. Also included are special studies in two specific areas, environmental chemistry and fuels and energy. Previous chemistry is not essential, but is an advantage. Biology - (Higher) - The Biology course suits those intending to pursue careers in the biological sciences (including the applied sciences such as medicine, veterinary science and agronomy) also those who are fascinated with the variety, complexity and beauty of life forms and processes. The main 1st year topics include biochemistry, cytology, genetics, photosynthesis and respiration, diversity of life and ecology. The year concludes with a 3-day field course studying a marine ecosystem. The 2nd year topics include plant biology, further ecology with a focus on human influences on ecosystems, human physiology: digestion, respiration, transport, immunity, excretion, reproduction, muscles and movement and neurobiology and animal behaviour. Through out the course attention is drawn to evolutionary theory and its implications for a unified view of life, and to ethical aspects including environmental ethics. Practical investigations (laboratory and field) form an important part of the course. While some previous study of biology is an advantage, it is not a requirement. Environmental Systems - (Standard) - The Environmental Systems course concerns the interactions and interdependence of living and non-living things. The course builds on information taken from all the main sciences, including geology, meteorology, soils, biology and physical geography. These lead to the study of global weather and energy cycles, food chains and ecosystems and biomes. The course emphasises the interdependency of all living and non-living systems. The impact of man on the earth, resource use, energy production, pollution impact and management are interwoven into the course. There is a 3 day field course and fieldwork and practical investigations are important and regular parts of the work. This subject supports one of the three main aims of the College core in raising environmental knowledge and care. You may NOT take Biology with Environmental Systems Group 4 Science Project - All students work in science teams on a one-day project, bringing together their different skills from the various sciences.