Qualifications Scotland (SQA) Higher Human Biology Past Papers 2026

Multiple-choice

Duration: 40 minutes

Structured + extended-response

Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes

Researched investigation

Duration: Coursework — externally assessed (max 2 hours for report stage)

Alternative RNA splicing and gene expression

In 2023, only a few candidates could demonstrate knowledge of alternative RNA splicing (Question 1(b)(ii)). In 2025, it was again only some candidates who could describe how alternative RNA splicing leads to different proteins being expressed from one gene (Question 3(c)). This topic recurs annually.

Question Paper 2

Electron transport chain and the role of electrons

In 2024, the electron transport chain question had a grade-A mark and only some candidates applied their knowledge correctly. In 2025, only a few candidates described the role of electrons in the electron transport chain (Question 4(c)). The concept of electrons passing through protein complexes to drive ATP synthase via a proton gradient is poorly retained.

Question Paper 2

Exchange of materials in capillary networks and pressure filtration

In 2023, the exchange of materials within capillary networks was cited as a topic that very few candidates answered correctly. In 2024, pressure filtration in the exchange of materials between tissue fluid and cells was again cited as a knowledge area where very few candidates answered correctly.

Question Paper 2

Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter removal

In 2024, only a few candidates applied knowledge of neurotransmitters at synapses to the grade-A question; many stated the impulse could not cross the synapse rather than naming neurotransmitters or receptors. In 2025, only some candidates could state a method to remove dopamine from a synapse (Question 12(b)).

Question Paper 2

Immune response — B lymphocyte vs T lymphocyte functions and memory cells

In 2024, a few candidates confused the action of B lymphocytes with T lymphocytes and the function of B lymphocytes was cited as a topic very few candidates answered correctly. In 2025, only a few candidates could describe the role of memory cells in protecting against chicken pox (Question 13(c)) or explain how T lymphocytes destroy infected cells (Question 13(d)).

Question Paper 1, Question Paper 2

Hormonal control of reproduction — progesterone and stimulation of ovulation

In 2023, only some candidates had the knowledge to correctly describe why progesterone concentration decreases at the end of the menstrual cycle and one effect of this decrease (Questions 5(b)(i) and (b)(ii)). Only some candidates described how drugs stimulate ovulation. In 2025, candidates lost marks by using everyday language and not giving the specification-level detail of contraception methods.

Question Paper 2

Blood pressure in the cardiac cycle and the autonomic regulation of heart rate

In 2024, only a few candidates demonstrated knowledge of blood pressure changes in the aorta during the cardiac cycle — a highlighted technique in the specification. In 2025, only some candidates described how impulses from the SAN caused ventricular systole, and only few candidates described how the medulla lowers heart rate following exercise.

Question Paper 2

Atheroma formation and the link between thrombosis and myocardial infarction

In 2023, only a few candidates described the exchange of materials within capillary networks and statin mechanism correctly. In 2025, only a few candidates described how thrombosis can cause myocardial infarction (Question 8(b)), and only some described the formation of an atheroma within an artery (Question 8(a)(i)). The step-by-step causal chain from atheroma to clot to infarction is consistently poorly answered.

Question Paper 2