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Unit 3: Practical Skills in Biology I

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  1. Practical Skills in Biology I

    1. 3P.1—Practical problem solving

      • Solve problems set in practical biology contexts.

    2. 3P.2—Applying biology to practical contexts

      • Apply biological knowledge and understanding to practical situations.

    3. 3P.3—Experimental design and method evaluation

      • Comment on experimental design and evaluate scientific methods.

    4. 3P.4—Presenting data

      • Present practical information and data in appropriate scientific formats.

    5. 3P.5—Evaluating results, uncertainty and errors

      • Evaluate results and draw conclusions. • Refer to measurement uncertainty and errors.

    6. 3P.6—Variables and controls

      • Identify independent, dependent and controlled variables in investigations.

    7. 3P.7—Plotting and interpreting graphs

      • Plot and interpret graphs in practical biology contexts.

    8. 3P.8—Processing and analysing practical data

      • Process and analyse data using appropriate mathematical skills.

    9. 3P.9—Apparatus, materials and safe technique

      • Know and understand safe use of appropriate apparatus, materials and techniques.

    10. 3P.10—Planning investigations

      • Plan investigations to test hypotheses.

    11. 3P.11—Practical skills developed through teaching and learning

      • Apply investigative approaches, use practical equipment and materials safely, follow written instructions, make and record observations, present data scientifically, use software and tools, research sources online and offline, cite sources correctly. • Use appropriate experimental instruments and techniques.

    12. 3P.12—Unit 3 planning an experiment

      • Plan an experiment by identifying apparatus, independent and dependent variables, controlled variables, measurement methods and techniques, fair-test controls, repeat readings, health and safety issues, data use, uncertainty or systematic error sources and ways to reduce them, and biological implications or context. • Use examples such as benefits, risks, social, environmental or historical aspects.

    13. 3P.13—Unit 3 implementation and measurements

      • Evaluate implementation by commenting on number and range of readings, significant figures, inconsistent readings such as anomalous graph points, and possible improvements. • Include additional apparatus to reduce errors.

    14. 3P.14—Unit 3 processing results

      • Process results by calculating with appropriate significant figures, plotting graphs with suitable scales, using correct units, commenting on graph relationships, determining relationships or constants. • Use examples such as gradients from large triangles, and suggesting realistic modifications to reduce errors, improve the experiment and discuss uncertainties qualitatively and quantitatively.