LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The learner should be able to:.

The learner has achieved this outcome because s/he can:

1. Conduct practical scientific work in a safe manner.

1.1    Complete risk assessments for

(a)                 three procedures carried out by a technician or tutor; including one involving a biohazard, one involving a chemical hazard and one involving a physical hazard

(b)                 three procedures s/he carries out.

1.2    Take the necessary precautions to ensure safety during and after undertaking practical work.

1.3    Describe the standard procedures for dealing with situations involving spills, sharps and injury.

2. Carry out a range of practical scientific procedures

2.1 Set up and demonstrate competent use of a range of laboratory equipment.

2.2 Conduct a range of laboratory and fieldwork procedures of varying complexity.

2.3 Carry out practical work in a methodical and logical manner.

3. Select a topic for investigation

3.1 Independently select a topic for investigation and critically select relevant background information.

3.2 Devise a hypothesis or null hypothesis.

3.3 Make a prediction of the outcome supported by the background material.

4. Design and plan a scientific investigation.

4.1 Select suitable techniques for obtaining primary data for the purposes of testing a hypothesis.

4.2 Identify resources and sources of information that are required to carry out the investigation.

4.3 Describe how constraints and problems are to be addressed.

4.4 Provide justification for the decision to trial or not trial.

5. Develop the ability to observe and record information under practical conditions.

5.1 Collect and record qualitative data in an appropriate format.

5.2 Accurately collect and record quantitative data in an appropriate format using SI units.

5.3 Identify random and systematic sources of error.

6. Write a scientific report of a personal practical

5.1 Present a report in scientific style describing,  discussing and evaluating findings in relation to a personal investigation testing an independently formulated hypothesis.

Version II June 2002

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The learner should be able to:.

The learner has achieved this outcome because s/he can:

1. Select a topic for investigation

1.1 Independently select a topic for investigation and critically select relevant background information.

1.2 Devise a hypothesis or null hypothesis.

1.3 Make a prediction of the outcome supported by the background material.

2. Design and plan a scientific investigation.

2.1 Select suitable techniques for obtaining primary data for the purposes of testing a hypothesis.

2.2 Identify resources and sources of information that are required to carry out the investigation.

2.3 Describe how constraints and problems are to be addressed.

2.4 Provide justification for the decision to trial or not trial.

3. Write a scientific report of an individual scientific investigation.

3.1 Present a written report in scientific style describing,  discussing, analysing and evaluating findings in relation to a personal investigation testing an independently formulated hypothesis.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The learner should be able to:.

The learner has achieved this outcome because s/he can:

1.Describe key features of the structure of cell walls and cell surface membranes.

1.1  Describe the generalised fluid mosaic model of cell membranes

1.2  Account for differences in membrane permeability.

2.       Describe the sedimentation characteristics of cell organelles.

2.1 Compare the pattern of sedimentation of organelles following centrifugation.

3.       Describe the structure and function of enzymes.

3.1 Account for the specific.nature of enzyme activity

3.2 With reference to structure, explain how enzyme activity may be affected by various factors (eg pH, substrate concentration, temperature).

4.       Describe substances in terms of their molecular composition.

4.1 Distinguish between the overall molecular structure of mixtures and compounds.

4.2 Explain observed reactions/processes in terms of molecular kinetics.

4.3 Distinguish between different uses of the term 'concentration' (e.g. molarity, % etc)

5.Discuss the occurrence of different photosynthetic plant pigments.

5.1 Interpret an action spectrum of photosynthesis.

5.2 Identify different pigments by their R­­_f value.

5.3 Account for the pigments present in given different plant species.

6.Describe key pollutants of freshwater ecosystems.

6.1 Describe possible reasons for enhanced levels of nitrate and, phosphate in a given freshwater location.

6.2 Describe key ecological effects of increased levels of nitrate and phosphate.

7.Recognise the dynamic nature of ecosystems...

7.1 Describe with reference to a named example, the processes of succession and zonation.

7.3 Explain the meaning and significance of diversity.