Evaluation
WJEC AS-Level Biology 601-5290-0
Chemical Elements Are Joined Together to Form Biological Compounds
Topic overviewInorganic IonsBiological Importance of WaterCarbohydrates: Monosaccharides and DisaccharidesCarbohydrates: Polysaccharides and Alpha/Beta Glucose IsomerismLipids: Triglycerides and PhospholipidsLipids: Saturated and Unsaturated Fat in Human HealthAmino Acids and Proteins: Primary to Quaternary StructureAmino Acids and Proteins: Fibrous and Globular FormsCondensation and Hydrolysis: Peptide and GlycosidicFood Tests for Biological Molecules
Cell Structure and Organisation
Topic overviewEukaryotic Cell Ultrastructure: OrganellesEukaryotic Cell Ultrastructure: FunctionsProkaryotic Cells, Viruses and Cell Theory: Comparing Cell StructuresProkaryotic Cells, Viruses and Cell Theory: Electron MicrographsLevels of Organisation and Light Microscopy: Tissues and OrgansLevels of Organisation and Light Microscopy: Organ Systems and Microscope CalibrationLevels of Organisation and Light Microscopy: Magnification and Scientific Drawing
Cell Membranes and Transport
Topic overviewPlasma Membrane Structure and Permeability: Fluid-Mosaic ModelPlasma Membrane Structure and Permeability: Factors Affecting PermeabilityTransport Across Membranes: Diffusion, Osmosis and Water PotentialTransport Across Membranes: Facilitated Diffusion, Active Transport and PinocytosisTransport Across Membranes: Phagocytosis and Exocytosis
Biological Reactions Are Regulated by Enzymes
Topic overviewEnzymes as Biological Catalysts: Metabolism, Extracellular Action and Induced FitEnzymes as Biological Catalysts: Activation EnergyFactors Affecting Enzyme Activity: Temperature and SubstrateFactors Affecting Enzyme Activity: Enzyme Concentration, Denaturation and BuffersEnzyme InhibitionImmobilised Enzymes in Industry
Nucleic Acids and Their Functions
Topic overviewNucleotides, Chemical Energy and ATP: StructureNucleotides, Chemical Energy and ATP: Role as Energy CarrierDNA and RNA StructureSemi-conservative Replication, Meselson and Stahl experimentThe Genetic Code: Triplet CodeThe Genetic Code: Exons and IntronsProtein Synthesis: Transcription, Translation and tRNAProtein Synthesis: One Gene-One Polypeptide and Polypeptide Modification
Genetic Information Is Copied and Passed on to Daughter Cells
Topic overviewThe Cell Cycle and Mitosis: Interphase and StagesThe Cell Cycle and Mitosis: Cytokinesis, Significance in Renewal and RepairThe Cell Cycle and Mitosis: Root Tip Squash and Mitotic IndexMeiosis: Meiosis I and Meiosis II, crossing over and independent assortmentMeiosis: differences from mitosis
All Organisms Are Related Through Their Evolutionary History
Topic overviewClassification: Hierarchical Groups, Need and Tentative NatureClassification: Three Domains and Five KingdomsAssessing RelatednessSpecies Concept and Binomial SystemBiodiversity and Its Assessment: Habitat LevelBiodiversity and Its Assessment: Genetic Level and Molecular LevelNatural Selection as the Source of Biodiversity and Anatomical, Physiological and Behavioural Adaptations
Adaptations for Gas Exchange
Topic overviewSurface Area to Volume Ratio and Gas Exchange in Small Organisms: AmoebaSurface Area to Volume Ratio and Gas Exchange in Small Organisms: Flatworm and EarthwormSpecialised Respiratory Surfaces and Ventilation in Bony Fish: Counter-currentSpecialised Respiratory Surfaces and Ventilation in Bony Fish: Parallel FlowGas Exchange in Terrestrial Animals: Human Breathing SystemGas Exchange in Terrestrial Animals: VentilationGas Exchange in Terrestrial Animals: the Insect Tracheal SystemThe Angiosperm Leaf: StructureThe Angiosperm Leaf: Photosynthetic RoleThe Angiosperm Leaf: Stomatal Control of Gas Exchange
Adaptations for Transport
Topic overviewVascular Systems Across Animal Groups: Earthworm and InsectVascular Systems Across Animal Groups: Fish and MammalThe Mammalian Heart and Circulation: Blood Vessels and Cardiac CycleThe Mammalian Heart and Circulation: Sino-atrial Node, Purkyne Fibres and ElectrocardiogramsBlood and the Transport of Respiratory Gases: Erythrocytes, Plasma and Dissociation CurvesBlood and the Transport of Respiratory Gases: Bohr Effect and Chloride ShiftTransport of Nutrients, Hormones, Excretory Products and HeatTissue Fluid, Lymph and OedemaWater Uptake and Movement Through the Root: Dicotyledon Root Structure and ApoplastWater Uptake and Movement Through the Root: Symplast, Vacuolar Pathways and EndodermisXylem, the Transpiration Stream and Plant Water Adaptations: Cohesion-Tension TheoryXylem, the Transpiration Stream and Plant Water Adaptations: Hydrophytes and XerophytesPhloem Structure and Translocation from Source to Sink: Mass Flow ModelsPhloem Structure and Translocation from Source to Sink: Experimental Evidence
Adaptations for Nutrition
Topic overviewModes of Nutrition: Autotrophic, Heterotrophic and HolozoicModes of Nutrition: Parasitic, and Digestion in Amoeba and Hydra to Tube GutsThe Human Gut: Adaptations to an Omnivorous DietThe Human Gut: EnzymesThe Human Gut: ConditionsHerbivore, Carnivore and Parasite Adaptations: Guts and DentitionHerbivore, Carnivore and Parasite Adaptations: Ruminants, Taenia and Pediculus
Working Scientifically: Practical Skills
Topic overviewThe A2 Unit 5 Practical Examination Tasks: Experimental TaskThe A2 Unit 5 Practical Examination Tasks: Practical Analysis TaskIndependent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Solving Problems in Practical ContextsIndependent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Identifying and Following InstructionsIndependent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Making and Keeping RecordsIndependent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Presenting DataNumeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Plotting, Interpreting Graphs and ProcessingNumeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Analysing Data, Margins of Error and AccuracyNumeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Precision and OnlineNumeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Offline Research Skills
Use of Apparatus and Techniques
Topic overviewMeasurement and Laboratory Technique: Quantitative ApparatusMeasurement and Laboratory Technique: InstrumentationMeasurement and Laboratory Technique: Glassware Including Serial DilutionsMicroscopy, Scientific Drawing and Separation and Identification Techniques: Light MicroscopeMicroscopy, Scientific Drawing and Separation and Identification Techniques: Annotated Drawings and Food TestsMicroscopy, Scientific Drawing and Separation and Identification Techniques: ChromatographyWorking with Organisms and Aseptic TechniqueViable Counts, Dissection and Fieldwork SamplingMark-Release-Recapture, Quadrats and ICT for Data Collection
Mathematical Requirements (Appendix C)
Topic overviewArithmetic and Numerical Computation: Appropriate Units, Decimal and Standard FormArithmetic and Numerical Computation: Ratios, Percentages and Estimating ResultsArithmetic and Numerical Computation: Power, Exponential and Logarithmic FunctionsHandling Data: Significant Figures, Arithmetic Means and MeanHandling Data: Median, Frequency Tables and HistogramsHandling Data: Scatter DiagramsProbability, Sampling, Statistical Tests and Uncertainty: Simple Probability and SelectingProbability, Sampling, Statistical Tests and Uncertainty: Using the Chi-squared TestProbability, Sampling, Statistical Tests and Uncertainty: Correlation CoefficientProbability, Sampling, Statistical Tests and Uncertainty: Standard DeviationAlgebra and Magnification: Mathematical Symbols and Changing the Subject of an EquationAlgebra and Magnification: Substituting Values, Solving Equations and Using LogarithmsGraphs: Translating Between Graphical, Plotting Two Variables and Linear RelationshipsGraphs: Intercepts, Rate of Change and Slope of a Tangent to a CurveGeometry: Circumferences, Surface Areas and Volumes of Regular Shapes
How Science Works (Appendix D)
Topic overviewDeveloping and Communicating Scientific Explanations: Using Theories, Models and IdeasDeveloping and Communicating Scientific Explanations: Posing Scientific QuestionsScientific Methodology, Evidence and Evaluation: Appropriate Methodology Including ICTScientific Methodology, Evidence and Evaluation: Analysing and Conflicting DataScience, Society and Ethics: How Scientific Knowledge Develops Over TimeScience, Society and Ethics: Risks, Ethical Treatment of Humans and Other OrganismsScience, Society and Ethics: Environment and How Society Uses Science
Working Scientifically: Practical Skills
- 10 subtopics
- 29 things to know
- All units
What Working Scientifically: Practical Skills covers
Working Scientifically: Practical Skills is assessed throughout WJEC Biology and in the unit 5 practical examination rather than in one unit of its own. 98 recall questions across 10 subtopics.
Where it is assessed
All units
Skills assessed throughout, and in the unit 5 practical examination.
Check the WJEC specification ↗The 10 subtopics
Each one has its own page. WJEC AS Biology students sit this topic in the first year.
- The A2 Unit 5 Practical Examination Tasks: Experimental TaskRecall questions on Experimental Task.Open →
- The A2 Unit 5 Practical Examination Tasks: Practical Analysis TaskRecall questions on Practical Analysis Task.Open →
- Independent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Solving Problems in Practical ContextsRecall questions on Solving Problems in Practical Contexts, Applying Knowledge, Investigative Approaches and Safe Use of Equipment.Open →
- Independent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Identifying and Following InstructionsRecall questions on Identifying, Controlling Variables and Following Instructions.Open →
- Independent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Making and Keeping RecordsRecall questions on Making, Recording Observations and Keeping Records.Open →
- Independent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Presenting DataRecall questions on Presenting Data, Using Software, Evaluating Results Against Uncertainties, Errors and Commenting on Experimental Design.Open →
- Numeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Plotting, Interpreting Graphs and ProcessingRecall questions on Plotting, Interpreting Graphs and Processing.Open →
- Numeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Analysing Data, Margins of Error and AccuracyRecall questions on Analysing Data, Margins of Error and Accuracy.Open →
- Numeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Precision and OnlineRecall questions on Precision and Online.Open →
- Numeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Offline Research SkillsRecall questions on Offline Research Skills and Correct Citation of Sources.Open →
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Your recallNot started
Key term
Besides the readings themselves, what should be recorded during an investigation?
Key term
Why does a correlation between two variables not on its own establish a cause?
Evaluation
Why is a tangent drawn to a curve, why are figures quoted when describing a trend, and when is a line of best fit used?
Key term
Why must information taken from websites be treated with particular caution?
Key term
What details are needed to cite a book correctly?
Key term
State the equation linking magnification, image size and actual size.
Key term
What is the independent variable in an investigation?
Process
Distinguish between a control experiment and a controlled variable.
Process
Distinguish between raw data and processed data.
Evaluation
Distinguish between a hazard and a risk.
Key term
Which test would you select to find out whether stomatal density is associated with light intensity along a transect?
Evaluation
Distinguish between accuracy and precision.
Key term
You are given a set of apparatus and a written method. What should you do before touching any of the apparatus?
Key term
Why must a provided method be followed exactly rather than adapted as you go?
Key term
Define resolution.
Key term
The readings taken at the highest temperatures in an enzyme investigation are widely scattered. Suggest a cause and an improvement.
Key term
How does a histogram differ from a bar chart?
Key term
Define the range and the standard deviation of a set of data.
Key term
Can a set of readings be precise but not accurate?
Key term
What should you do about a reading that looks anomalous while you are working?
Key term
Why can a light microscope not separate two structures that are 0.1 μm apart?
Key term
What is the dependent variable?
Key term
What is meant by the reliability of a set of results, and how is it improved?
Key term
Why is it often better to express a result as a percentage change rather than as an absolute change?
Key term
When is a scattergram the appropriate way to display results?
Key term
When is a chi-squared test used?
Key term
How is the percentage error of a measurement calculated?
Key term
Convert a volume of 2.5 mm³ into cm³, giving your answer in standard form.
Take Working Scientifically: Practical Skills further
The same content, four other ways.
Questions from this topic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
You are given a set of apparatus and a written method. What should you do before touching any of the apparatus?
Model answer
You should read the whole method through and carry out a risk assessment, identifying the hazards and the precautions needed.
- 2
What are two reasons for reading a whole method before beginning?
Model answer
It shows what has to be done at each stage so that no timed reading is missed, and it reveals which apparatus is needed at which point so the equipment can be set up in the right order.
- 3
Why must a provided method be followed exactly rather than adapted as you go?
Model answer
The method has been designed so that the intended variables are controlled, and departing from it introduces uncontrolled variation that makes the results invalid and not comparable with anyone else's.
- 4
Which aspects of your work at the bench matter besides obtaining a result?
Model answer
Handling the apparatus safely and correctly, measuring accurately, working methodically and recording every observation honestly all matter.
- 5
Why should raw readings be written straight into a prepared table rather than onto rough paper?
Model answer
Recording directly into a table avoids transcription errors and lost data and forces consistent units and decimal places from the start.
- 6
What should you do about a reading that looks anomalous while you are working?
Model answer
Record it exactly as measured, repeat that reading if there is time, and identify it as anomalous at the analysis stage rather than altering or deleting it.
What is inside Levo
Six ways to work the same material.
Working Scientifically: Practical Skills revision questions
- Is Working Scientifically: Practical Skills examined at AS in WJEC Biology?
- Yes. It sits in All units, which you take in the first year, so it is on the AS paper as well as counting towards the full A level.
- What does Working Scientifically: Practical Skills cover in WJEC AS-Level Biology?
- 10 subtopics: the a2 unit 5 practical examination tasks: experimental task, the a2 unit 5 practical examination tasks: practical analysis task, independent thinking and use of scientific methods and practices: solving problems in practical contexts, independent thinking and use of scientific methods and practices: identifying and following instructions, independent thinking and use of scientific methods and practices: making and keeping records, independent thinking and use of scientific methods and practices: presenting data, numeracy in practical contexts, research and referencing: plotting, interpreting graphs and processing, numeracy in practical contexts, research and referencing: analysing data, margins of error and accuracy, numeracy in practical contexts, research and referencing: precision and online and numeracy in practical contexts, research and referencing: offline research skills. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.
- How is Working Scientifically: Practical Skills organised?
- By the WJEC 601-5290-0 specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.
Every question in Working Scientifically: Practical Skills, on a schedule.
Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.
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