The Higher Biology Podcast

Mr Downie

Hosted by award-winning biology teacher Paul Downie, The Higher Biology Podcast connects students with leading scientists from around the world. Designed to support students studying the Scottish Higher Biology qualification, the podcast brings real-world biology into the classroom through conversations with experts including astronaut Tim Peake, naturalist Chris Packham, primatologist Frans de Waal, and forensic anthropologist Prof Lady Sue Black. The Higher Biology Podcast aims to provide insight into the SQA Higher Biology Course with interviews with scientists, authors, filmmakers, broadcasters, journalists, politicians as well as input from classroom teachers. This podcast is sponsored by Leckie textbooks, revision guides and practice papers; everything you need to learn, review and prepare for your SQA Exams. Browse the books at www.leckiescotland.co.ukMany thanks also to Education Scotland for their support.

  1. Jun 11

    World Cup Special: Scotland's American Dream

    After 28 long summers, Scotland have qualified for The World Cup. In this special episode, Mr Downie is joined by the voice of Scottish football Hugh Keevins to explore why football means so much to so many people and why football memories can last a life time. They are joined by Mark Beaumont to chat with Craig Ferguson who is walking across America from LA to Boston in a kilt to raise money for SAMH, and speak to Keith Salmon of Tuckahoe Turf about what it takes to grow the perfect World Cup grass pitch. Former Scotland legend, Tosh McKinlay shares his experience of playing against both Brazil and Morocco the last time Scotland featured at a World Cup in 1998. This is more than football. You can donate to Craig's Tartan Trek, by clicking HERE Special thanks to The Scottish Football Museum at Hampden for hosting us.  You can ask questions or get in touch  via @BiologyHigher on Twitter This podcast is sponsored by Leckie textbooks, revision guides and practice papers; everything you need to learn, review and prepare for your SQA Exams. Browse the books at www.leckiescotland.co.uk You can also find the Leckie store on Amazon HERE Thanks also to Education Scotland for their support. YoungScot Rewards Code: ZYA1U815  You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/ You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/

  2. Jun 1

    Conservation Biology with Dr Joseph Bull

    Mr Downie is joined by Dr Jospeph Bull, an Associate Professor in Climate Change Biology at Oxford University. Dr Bull's research aims to explore whether and how net positive biodiversity outcomes and climate change mitigation can be achieved alongside economic development activities. In this episode he helps explore the diverse world of Conservation Biology. You can ask questions or get in touch  via @BiologyHigher on Twitter This podcast is sponsored by Leckie textbooks, revision guides and practice papers; everything you need to learn, review and prepare for your SQA Exams. Browse the books at www.leckiescotland.co.uk You can also find the Leckie store on Amazon HERE Thanks also to Education Scotland for their support. YoungScot Rewards Code:  KIPX73U2 You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/ You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/

  3. Feb 28

    When the Dead Teach the Living with Prof Lady Sue Black

    Mr Downie is joined by Prof Lady Sue Black, a world leading forensic anthropologist whose work spans human anatomy, education and the investigation of war crimes. From her early days working in a butcher's shop, she has risen to become the 37th President of St John's College at Oxford University and a member of the House of Lords. Her groundbreaking research and real-world application of biological science have helped bring justice, advanced forensic identification and inspired countless students and scientists across the planet. In March 2024 Professor Lady Black was appointed to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the highest honour in Scotland. You can ask questions or get in touch  via @BiologyHigher on Twitter This podcast is sponsored by Leckie textbooks, revision guides and practice papers; everything you need to learn, review and prepare for your SQA Exams. Browse the books at www.leckiescotland.co.uk You can also find the Leckie store on Amazon HERE Thanks also to Education Scotland for their support. YoungScot Rewards Code:  9WF6AU4E You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/ You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/

  4. 05/26/2025

    Revision Shorts: Genetic Control of Metabolism

    Following feedback from Higher Biology students, this short revision episode aims to provide a quick summary of some of the key points from the Genetic Control of Metabolism Key Area. This episode aims to supplement your revision and should not be seen as a replacement for other revision/retrieval techniques. This episode is based on the Genetic Control of Metabolism key area of the SQA Higher Biology Course. You can ask questions or get in touch  via @BiologyHigher on Twitter This podcast is sponsored by Leckie textbooks, revision guides and practice papers; everything you need to learn, review and prepare for your SQA Exams. Browse the books at www.leckiescotland.co.uk You can also find the Leckie store on Amazon HERE Thanks also to Education Scotland for their support. YoungScot Rewards Code: C7DBN6TG You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/

  5. 05/09/2025

    Revision Shorts: Environmental Control of Metabolism

    Following feedback from Higher Biology students, this short revision episode aims to provide a quick summary of some of the key points from the Environmental Control of Metabolism Key Area. This episode aims to supplement your revision and should not be seen as a replacement for other revision/retrieval techniques. This episode is based on the Environmental Control of Metabolism key area of the SQA Higher Biology Course. You can ask questions or get in touch  via @BiologyHigher on Twitter This podcast is sponsored by Leckie textbooks, revision guides and practice papers; everything you need to learn, review and prepare for your SQA Exams. Browse the books at www.leckiescotland.co.uk You can also find the Leckie store on Amazon HERE Thanks also to Education Scotland for their support. YoungScot Rewards Code: ZD4CWOK7 You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/

  6. 05/07/2025

    Revision Shorts: Metabolism and Adverse Conditions

    Following feedback from Higher Biology students, this short revision episode aims to provide a quick summary of some of the key points from the Metabolism and Adverse Conditions Key Area. This episode aims to supplement your revision and should not be seen as a replacement for other revision/retrieval techniques. This episode is based on the Metabolism and Adverse Conditions key area of the SQA Higher Biology Course. You can find the extended episode with Prof Ken Whelan mentioned in this episode HERE or wherever you get your podcasts! You can ask questions or get in touch  via @BiologyHigher on Twitter This podcast is sponsored by Leckie textbooks, revision guides and practice papers; everything you need to learn, review and prepare for your SQA Exams. Browse the books at www.leckiescotland.co.uk You can also find the Leckie store on Amazon HERE Thanks also to Education Scotland for their support. YoungScot Rewards Code: ILRMXWGO You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/

  7. 04/23/2025

    Revision Shorts: Metabolism in Conformers and Regulators

    Following feedback from Higher Biology students, this short revision episode aims to provide a quick summary of some of the key points from the Metabolism in Conformers and Regulators Key Area. This episode aims to supplement your revision and should not be seen as a replacement for other revision/retrieval techniques. This episode is based on the Metabolism in Conformers and Regulators key area of the SQA Higher Biology Course. You can ask questions or get in touch  via @BiologyHigher on Twitter This podcast is sponsored by Leckie textbooks, revision guides and practice papers; everything you need to learn, review and prepare for your SQA Exams. Browse the books at www.leckiescotland.co.uk You can also find the Leckie store on Amazon HERE Thanks also to Education Scotland for their support. YoungScot Rewards Code: 64DXKIOP You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/

  8. 04/17/2025

    Revision Shorts: Metabolic Rate

    Following feedback from Higher Biology students, this short revision episode aims to provide a quick summary of some of the key points from the Metabolic Rate Key Area. This episode aims to supplement your revision and should not be seen as a replacement for other revision/retrieval techniques. This episode is based on the Metabolic Rate key area of the SQA Higher Biology Course. You can ask questions or get in touch  via @BiologyHigher on Twitter This podcast is sponsored by Leckie textbooks, revision guides and practice papers; everything you need to learn, review and prepare for your SQA Exams. Browse the books at www.leckiescotland.co.uk You can also find the Leckie store on Amazon HERE Thanks also to Education Scotland for their support. YoungScot Rewards Code: 4WIRZYVS You can contact Lucienne McCallum to discuss Timstar products, support, Grants and training by emailing: e: lucienne.mccallum@wf-education.com w: https://shop.wf-education.com/science/

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About

Hosted by award-winning biology teacher Paul Downie, The Higher Biology Podcast connects students with leading scientists from around the world. Designed to support students studying the Scottish Higher Biology qualification, the podcast brings real-world biology into the classroom through conversations with experts including astronaut Tim Peake, naturalist Chris Packham, primatologist Frans de Waal, and forensic anthropologist Prof Lady Sue Black. The Higher Biology Podcast aims to provide insight into the SQA Higher Biology Course with interviews with scientists, authors, filmmakers, broadcasters, journalists, politicians as well as input from classroom teachers. This podcast is sponsored by Leckie textbooks, revision guides and practice papers; everything you need to learn, review and prepare for your SQA Exams. Browse the books at www.leckiescotland.co.ukMany thanks also to Education Scotland for their support.

Information

  • Creator
    Mr Downie
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Higher Biology Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Higher Biology Podcast

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