GCE Biology AS & A Level Coursework Guidelines for Teachers Issued August 014
Contents Page Unit AS 3: Assessment of Practical Skills in AS Biology 1 Unit A 3: Assessment of Investigational and Practical Skills in Biology 3 Guidance to Candidates (extracts from JCQ Instructions for conducting coursework) 4 Acknowledgement of Sources 5 Marking Guidelines for AS 3 Biology using revised marking criteria 6 Marking Guidelines for A 3 Biology using revised marking criteria 13 Appendix 1: CCEA Circular S/IF/109/11 on resitting coursework units Appendix : Summary of Amendments to Coursework Assessment Criteria 1
Unit AS 3: Assessment of Practical Skills in AS Biology At AS level each practical task will involve an experimental test of a prediction provided by the teacher candidates should therefore be given a hypothesis as a focus for their interpretation and evaluation, as well as a plan for the task. Candidates should make appropriate use of scientific terminology taught at AS level. It is assumed that a wide range of basic skills has been acquired at GCSE level. The practical tasks to be assessed at AS level should, therefore, be technically and intellectually more demanding, requiring a higher level of technical expertise and intellectual ability. Each candidate must be able to apply a wide range of practical, intellectual and communication skills in the context of a practical exercise so it is necessary to ensure that the two tasks come from different areas of the specification. A variety of practicals suitable for AS Biology include: Additional guidance: Both of these tasks should not be submitted as the two tasks for AS coursework as they are too similar. Suitable tasks for AS 3 Biology Determination of water potential using the weighing method Determination of solute potential by incipient plasmolysis The effect of ph, temperature or detergent concentration on membrane permeability, e.g. in beetroot Management of hedgerows comparing biodiversity Line transects, e.g. investigating zonation, the effect of independent variables along a biological gradation Guidelines to ensure task is of appropriate technical and intellectual demand for AS Biology. Preferably comparison of two different tissues Good description necessary for how incipient plasmolysis is determined Use of colorimeter Calculation of Simpson s Index Correct identification of organisms e.g. using a key etc Yeast Populations Population count i.e. count mm -3 1
Suitable tasks for AS 3 Biology Investigating Enzymes: ph / Temperature / Concentration (if goes to saturation) Limpet profiles Guidelines to ensure task is of appropriate technical and intellectual demand for AS Biology Measurement needs to involve a calculation of rate or use of a colorimeter Concentration must involve discussion of saturation point An appropriate range is particularly necessary A simple reaction profile over time is not sufficient, unless there is a further calculation of rate Must refer to type of selection. Pupils need to collect from shore so as not to collect dead limpets/empty shells Starch synthesis (using an enzyme extracted from potato) Stomata count At least 3 species of plants need to be used and preferably a comparison of xerophytic mesophytic or hydrophytic leaves. (Variegated non variegated may not be suitable) An appropriate range should be used where necessary (especially for membrane permeability and enzyme tasks). For both AS 3 and A 3, please see the CCEA guidance document on Biology Graphical Techniques for construction of appropriate graphs.
Unit A 3: Assessment of Investigational and Practical Skills in Biology Many of the topics used at AS can also be used at A, however at A a complete investigation is undertaken including planning and statistical analysis. A variety of suitable tasks for A Biology include: Suitable investigations for A 3 Biology Permeability of beetroot membrane Stomata counts Yeast populations Guidelines to ensure investigation is of appropriate technical and intellectual level for A Biology. Avoid use of multiple t-tests Link with sun/shade plants or compensation point Ensure replication is of the treatment, not of the counts Enzyme investigations: use of pineapple bromelain inhibitors e.g. malonic acid Aspergillus/fungal growth Succession/Zonation/Biodiversity These may include line transects Use of respirometer to measure rate of respiration in yeast at different temperatures or at different concentrations For both AS 3 and A 3, centres are not restricted to those tasks/investigations included in these lists. Teachers are free to use other tasks/investigations that are at an appropriate technical and intellectual level. Please contact CCEA if you wish to confirm that a particular task/investigation satisfies the requirements of the specification. 3
Guidance to Candidates (extracts from JCQ Instructions for Conduction Coursework) The centre should ensure that candidates are clear about the assessment criteria which they are expected to meet in their coursework. Specifications usually explain the criteria in detail, but candidates may require some further explanation or interpretation before they fully understand the nature of the skills which they are expected to demonstrate. Any explanation or interpretation given by teaching staff must be general and not specific to a candidate s work. When marking the coursework, teachers must not give credit in regard to any additional assistance given to candidates beyond that which is described in the specification. Teachers/assessors must give details of any additional assistance on the appropriate record form(s). Examples would include: having reviewed the candidate s coursework giving (either to individual candidates or to groups) detailed advice and suggestions as to how the work may be improved in order to meet the assessment criteria; giving detailed indications of errors or omissions which leave the candidate no opportunity for individual initiative; giving advice on specific improvements needed to meet the criteria; providing writing frames specific to the coursework task (e.g. outlines, paragraph headings or section headings); intervening personally to improve the presentation or content of the coursework. Candidates are free to revise and re-draft a piece of coursework without teacher involvement before submitting the final piece. Candidates should be advised to spend an appropriate amount of time on the work, commensurate with the marks available. A clear distinction must be drawn between any interim review of coursework and final assessment for the intended examination series. Once work is submitted for final assessment it must not be revised. Under no circumstances are 'fair copies' of marked work allowed. Adding or removing any material to or from coursework after it has been presented by a candidate for final assessment will constitute malpractice. If a candidate requires additional assistance in order to demonstrate aspects of the assessment, the teacher must award a mark which represents the candidate s unaided achievement. The authentication statement must be signed and information given on the Candidate Record Sheet. Teachers must keep live coursework secure and confidential at all times whilst in their possession. It is not acceptable for teaching staff to share live coursework with other candidates. 4
Acknowledgement of Sources In many subjects candidates will need to use information from published sources (including the internet) when carrying out their coursework. However, candidates must not copy published material and claim it as their own work. If candidates use the same wording as a published source, they must place quotation marks around the passage and state where it came from. Candidates must give detailed references even where they paraphrase the original material. A reference from a printed book or journal should show the name of the author, the year of publication and the page number. For material taken from the internet, the reference should show the date when the material was downloaded and must show the precise web page, not the search engine used to locate it. This can be copied from the address line. Candidates should be encouraged as a means of good practice to state the actual date when the material was downloaded. Candidates must also include a bibliography which lists the full details of publications used to research and support their coursework, even where these are not directly referred to. 5
Marking Guidelines for AS3 Biology A: Implementing Marks Additional Marking Guidance A 1.1 Skilful handling of apparatus and materials A 1. A 1.3 Adherence to appropriate safety procedures and care of living organisms observed as identified in a risk assessment (before practical work begins) Organised and methodical carrying out of the practical procedure Award 1 mark if any errors Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt A 1.4 Adhering to the instructed sequence of actions A 1.5 Measurements at the level of precision required Award 1 mark if precision not as given in plan/as other results (e.g. rounding up too early/inconsistencies in rounding) Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt 6
Marking Guidelines for AS3 Biology B: Recording and Communicating Marks Additional Marking Guidance B1: The Tabulation of Raw and Derived Data B 1.1 Organisation of the raw data with the dependent variable in the body of the table and treatments or range of the independent variable as columns or rows Award 1 mark if independent variable not in sequence Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt B 1. B 1.3 A caption, which is a concise statement identifying the variables included in the table and states the biological material used as the source of the data Logical construction of the table (organised for analysis) Award 1 mark if caption is too long/biological material not mentioned/missing independent or dependent variable Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt Award 1 mark if missing data Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt B 1.4 Explanatory column headings Award 1 mark if not specific enough, e.g. concentration must be specified as concentration of Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt B 1.5 Units for all variables and calculated values Award 1 mark if units in body of table/incorrect units Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt 7
Marking Guidelines for AS3 Biology B: An Appropriate Graphical Presentation of Marks Additional Marking Guidance the Data B.1 Select an appropriate form of graph Award 1 mark if inappropriate graph Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/not addressed B. A caption which is a concise statement identifying the variables included in the graph and states the biological material used as the source of the data Award 1 mark if any of the following missing: biological material independent or dependent variable Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/not addressed B.3 Variables plotted correctly with appropriate scales Award 1 mark if: independent variable not on horizontal axis non-linear scale Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/not addressed B.4 Labels for axes including units Award 1 mark if error in label or unit Award 0 marks if incorrect/absent labels or units B.5 Values accurately plotted/key for multiple plots and appropriate bars/lines of best fit/lines drawn Award 1 mark if: one error inappropriate bars/line of best fit/lines drawn Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/not addressed 8
Marking Guidelines for AS3 Biology C: Interpretation Marks Additional Marking Guidance C 1 C C 3 Describe fully the trend shown by your results (in your graph). Provide evidence from your results to support or reject the prediction provided by your teacher Explanation of the trend(s) using appropriate biological knowledge, understanding and terminology Award 1 mark if: no link between independent and dependent variables incomplete reference to shape/direction of graph Award 0 mark if completely incorrect/not addressed Award 1 mark if: incorrect statement/incorrect assessment of outcome incorrect identification of significant point(s) no units no link with prediction Award 0 marks if or more of above errors present 4 Award 4 marks for: shape of graph fully explained with correct relevant biological knowledge including appropriate terminology. Deduct marks (1 mark each) for: incomplete explanation any errors in biology omission of relevant specific biological terms 9
Marking Guidelines for AS3 Biology C: Interpretation (cont.) Marks Additional Marking Guidance C 4 Quality of Written Communication Ideas expressed clearly and fluently through well linked sentences. The account concisely presents relationships, not merely listing features. Points are relevant and well structured. There are few errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Award 1 mark for ideas expressed clearly, if not always fluently. The account may stray from the point or may not indicate relationships. There are some errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Award 0 marks for an account that is of doubtful relevance or obscurely presented with little evidence of linking ideas. Errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling are sufficiently intrusive to disrupt the understanding of the account. D: Evaluation of the Experimental Design Marks Additional Marking Guidance D 1 D Comments on the appropriateness of the observations or measurements with justification of/specific reference to precision of the apparatus used The procedures used to prevent variation of factors not under investigation Award 1 mark if: apparatus not justified no reference to precision Award 0 marks if no appreciation of appropriateness Award 1 mark if one or more key variables specific to task not addressed Award 0 marks if no appreciation of procedures used to prevent variation of factors under investigation Additional guidance for D There is no requirement for a particular number of variables to be listed but key variables must be included. 10
Marking Guidelines for AS3 Biology D 3 D: Evaluation of the Experimental Design (cont.) Comments on the validity of experimental design and procedures with reference to possible errors/factors which were not fully controlled Marks Additional Marking Guidance Award 1 mark if: omission of obvious factor which could impact on validity vague general statement such as we found out what we intended to find, therefore it is valid Award 0 marks if no appreciation of validity Additional guidance for D3 With biological material it is not always possible to fully control all variables not being investigated D 4 An assessment of the variation shown within the replicates across the range of the independent variable Award 1 mark if: only a range in the dependent variable is considered specific values are not referenced obvious differences in variation at different values of the independent variable are not referenced Award 0 marks if no assessment of variation Additional guidance for D4 This is not just a calculation of the range but should reference the extent of clustering/variation from the mean. Candidates should reference specific values of the independent variable to illustrate their judgement. 11
Marking Guidelines for AS3 Biology D 5 D: Evaluation of the Experimental Design (cont.) Comments on the reliability of the observations/measurements and the need for further replication Marks Additional Marking Guidance Award 1 mark if decision in D5 on need for further replication does not match assessment of variation given in D4 Award 0 marks if no appreciation of the reliability of observations/measurements Additional guidance for D5 Judgement on reliability should refer to the extent of the variation. The need for further replication should depend on their decision on reliability. 1
Marking Guidelines for A3 Biology A1: Developing a Hypothesis Marks Additional Marking Guidance A 1.1 A 1. A 1.3 Outline the nature of the problem under investigation State a hypothesis linked to the problem which can be tested Using appropriate biological knowledge, understanding and terminology, select relevant ideas to explain and support your hypothesis 1 1 6 Award 4 marks for biological knowledge, understanding and terminology appropriate to level, specific to the variable chosen to be tested. Full explanation of how this supports the hypothesis. Deduct 1 mark for each error/omission marks available for Quality of Written Communication (QWC) according to the criteria below: Award marks for ideas expressed clearly and fluently through well linked sentences. The account concisely presents relationships, not merely listing features. Points are relevant and well-structured. There are few errors of grammar punctuation and spelling. Award 1 mark for ideas expressed clearly, if not always fluently. The account may stray from the point or may not indicate relationships. There are some errors of grammar punctuation and spelling. Award 0 marks for an account that is doubtful relevance or obscurely presented with little evidence of linking ideas. Errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling are sufficiently intrusive to disrupt the understanding of the account. A 1.4 Predict the result of the test of the hypothesis Award 1 Mark if: prediction not directional dependent variable not mentioned Award 0 marks if completely wrong prediction or no prediction 13
Marking Guidelines for A3 Biology A: Planning a Procedure Marks Additional Marking Guidance A.1 Use suitable equipment and materials Award 1 mark if key piece of apparatus missing which is not subsequently mentioned in method Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt A. A.3 Select and justify a suitable range for the independent variable or suggest conditions for the experimental treatment Communicate an ordered sequence to follow as a procedure 3 3 marks available as follows: 1 mark for selection 1 mark for suitability 1 mark for justification Award 1 mark if order not appropriate/incomplete Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt A.4 Identify key variables and justify their control 3 3 marks available Deduct 1 mark for each missing key variable Deduct 1 mark for incorrect or no justification Award 0 marks if several key variables not identified A3: Planning for Analysis Marks Additional Marking Guidance A 3.1 Clearly state what must be recorded Award 1 mark if none of the following mentioned here or subsequently: degree of accuracy of measurement units to be used how measurement is carried out (only one of the above has to be mentioned to get full marks) Award 0 marks if not addressed A 3. Specify the format to be used to present the results Award 1 mark if description of table/graph not given Award 0 marks if not addressed 14
Marking Guidelines for A3 Biology A3: Planning for Analysis (cont.) Marks Additional Marking Guidance A 3.3 A 3.4 Decide which method of analysis will be the most appropriate and justify your selection Considering the time and materials available, decide how much replication would give successful analysis 3 Award 1 mark if not justified or inappropriate method given Award 0 marks if not addressed. 3 3 marks available as follows 1 mark for number of replicates 1 mark for this number being suitable for the analysis 1 mark for reference to time/materials/class size B1: Implementing Marks Additional Marking Guidance B 1.1 Skilful handling of apparatus and materials B 1. Appropriate safety procedures and care of living organisms they observed B 1.3 Organised and methodical carrying out of the practical procedure Award 1 mark if any errors Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt B 1.4 Adhering to the sequence of planned actions and making modifications as appropriate B 1.5 Measurements at the level of precision required Award 1 mark if precision not as given in plan/as other results (e.g. rounding up too early/inconsistencies in rounding) Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt 15
Marking Guidelines for A3 Biology B: Recording and Communicating Marks Additional Marking Guidance B.1 Organisation of the raw data with the dependent variable in the body of the table and treatments or range of the independent variable as columns/rows Award 1 mark if independent variable not in sequence Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt Additional guidance for B.1 Candidates must use their own raw data in own table for full marks to be awarded B. B.3 A caption, which is a concise statement identifying the variables included in the table and states the biological material used as the source of the data Logical construction of the table (organised for analysis) Award 1 mark if caption is too long/biological material not mentioned/missing independent or dependent variable Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt Award 1 mark if data missing Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt B.4 Explanatory column headings Award 1 mark if not specific enough, e.g. concentration must be specified as concentration of Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt B.5 Units for all variables and calculated values Award 1 mark if units in body of table/incorrect units Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/no attempt Additional guidance for B.5: See CCEA Biology Graphical Techniques for guidance on correct presentation of units i.e. using a solidus etc. 16
Marking Guidelines for A3 Biology C1: Analysis (Graphical) Marks Additional Marking Guidance C 1.1 A table of statistical parameters Award 1 mark if mean, standard deviation or standard deviation of the mean (standard error) missing. Award 0 marks if not addressed. C 1. Accurate calculation of confidence limits Award 1 mark if error in calculation (will be obvious in plots for C1.5) Award 0 marks if not addressed C 1.3 A caption fully explaining the data plotted Award 1 mark if any of the following missing: biological material independent or dependent variable mean % confidence limits Award 0 marks if not addressed C 1.4 Appropriate scale and labels for axes Award 1 mark if: inappropriate scale (guideline is that graph is bigger that 1/3 of all graph paper) non-linear scale Award 0 marks if: axes wrong way round graph paper not used C 1.5 Correct plotting of means and confidence limits Award 1 mark if: one error plotting not symmetrical Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/not addressed 17
Marking Guidelines for A3 Biology C1: Analysis (Statistical) Marks Additional Marking Guidance C 1.1 A table of statistical parameters Award 1 mark if mean, standard deviation or standard deviation of the mean (standard error) missing Award 0 marks if not addressed C 1. Statement of an appropriate null hypothesis Award 1 mark if: mean not mentioned when using t-test some indication of significance not mentioned. Award 0 marks if not addressed C 1.3 Accurate calculation of statistic Award 1 mark if error in calculation Award 0 marks if completely incorrect Additional guidance for C1.3: Candidates not to use a software package to do the statistical calculations. C 1.4 Correct determination of probability value Award 1 mark if incorrect value but correct use of < and > symbols Award 0 marks if probability value not determined or incorrect C 1.5 Correct decision regarding null hypothesis Award 0 marks if incorrect decision 18
Marking Guidelines for A3 Biology C: Interpretation Marks Additional Marking Guidance C.1 Assessment of the reliability of the data using statistical evidence Award 1 mark if stats not used/not specific to own results Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/not addressed C. Comments about the reliability of the data Award 1 mark if comment not linked to their assessment in C.1 Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/not addressed C.3 Trend(s) clearly identified using statistical evidence Award 1 mark if statistical evidence not referred to or, if using confidence levels, there is no specific reference to results. Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/not addressed. C.4 Explanation of the trend(s) Award 1 mark if any errors or, if applicable, no attempt to explain nonsignificant trend(s) Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/not addressed Additional guidance for C.4. Need to reflect information given in C1.: Either accept/reject null hypothesis or State if significant difference in confidence limits i.e. highlight which overlap and which don t. C.5 Use of appropriate biological knowledge and understanding Award 1 mark if any errors in biology. Award 0 marks if completely incorrect/not addressed. 19
Marking Guidelines for A3 Biology C3: Evaluation of the Practical Procedures Marks Additional Marking Guidance C 3.1 C 3. Comments on the appropriateness of the range of the independent variable or the conditions for the experimental treatment The procedures used to prevent variation of factors not under investigation Award 1 mark if limited appreciation of need to change range or conditions, where applicable Award 0 marks if no appreciation of need to change range or conditions, where applicable Award 1 mark if limited appreciation of procedures used to prevent variation of factors under investigation Award 0 marks if no appreciation of procedures used to prevent variation of factors under investigation Additional guidance for C3. There is no requirement for a particular number of variables to be listed but key variables must be included. C 3.3 C 3.4 Comments on the appropriateness of the observations/measurements with justification of/specific reference to precision of the apparatus used Comments on the validity of experimental design and procedures with reference to possible errors/factors which were not fully controlled Award 1 mark if: apparatus not justified no reference to precision Award 0 marks if not addressed/completely incorrect Award 1 mark if: omission of obvious factor which could impact on validity vague general statement such as we found out what we intended to find, therefore it is valid Award 0 marks if no appreciation of validity Additional guidance for C3.4 With biological material it is not always possible to fully control all variables not being investigated. C 3.5 An outline of how another independent variable could be investigated Award 1 mark for only naming another independent variable Award 0 marks if not attempted 0
Appendix 1 Circular S/IF/109/11 September 011 To: The Principals of Post-primary Schools and Directors of Further and Higher Education For circulation to: Head of Biology / Teacher in charge of Biology GCE Biology Resitting Coursework Units (AS3 and A3) Candidates who wish to resit the practical assessment units in GCE Biology (AS3 and/or A3) must repeat the practical tasks or investigation in order to submit new coursework. Amended or enhanced pieces of existing coursework that has been previously submitted will not now be accepted. This affects coursework units in GCE Biology being submitted from May 01 onwards. 1
Appendix Summary of Amendments to Coursework Assessment Criteria Amendments to Unit AS3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria A: Implementing marks A1.1 Skilful handling of apparatus and materials A1. Adherence to appropriate safety procedures and care of living organisms observed as identified in a risk assessment (before practical work begins A1.3 Organised and methodical carrying out the practical procedure A1.4 Adhering to the instructed sequence of actions No changes to Section A: Implementing A1.5 Measurements at the level of precision required
Amendments to Unit AS3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria B: Recording and Communicating marks B1: The tabulation of raw and derived data B1.1 Organisation of the raw data with the dependent variable in the body of the table and treatments or range of the independent variable as columns or rows B1. A caption, which is a concise statement identifying the variables included in the table and states the biological material used as the source of the data B1.3 Logical construction of the table (organised for analysis) B1.4 Explanatory column headings B1.5 Units for all variables and calculated values No changes to Section B: Recording and Communicating 3
B: An appropriate graphical presentation of the data B.1 Select an appropriate form of graph B. A caption which is a concise statement identifying the variables included in the graph and states the biological material used as the source of the data B.3 Variables plotted correctly with appropriate scales B.4 Labels for axes including units B.5 Values accurately plotted/key for multiple plots and appropriate bars/lines of best fit/lines drawn No changes to Section B: Recording and Communicating 4
Amendments to Unit AS3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria C: Interpretation marks Explanation of Changes C: Interpretation marks C.1 Written communication of the data Communication aspects of C1 and C5 now assessed by C4: Quality of Written Communication (QWC) using the same criteria as used in the examination papers. C.1 Describe fully the trend shown by your results (in your graph) C. Trend(s) clearly identified C now becomes C1 C. Provide evidence from your results to support or reject the prediction provided by your teacher. C.3 Explanation of the trend(s) C3, C4 and aspects of C5 merged to become C3 worth 4 marks C.3 Explanation of the trend(s) using appropriate biological knowledge, understanding and terminology 4 C.4 Using appropriate biological knowledge and understanding New C criterion added to focus on possible link between results and the prediction provided by teacher. C.4 Quality of Written Communication Ideas expressed clearly and fluently through well-linked sentences. The account concisely presents relationships, not merely listing features. Points are relevant and well-structured. There are few errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling. C.5 Communication of information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate terminology 5
Amendments to Unit AS3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria D: Evaluation of the Experimental Design D.1 Comments on the appropriateness of the observations/measurements D. The procedures used to prevent variation of factors not under investigation marks Explanation of Changes D: Evaluation of the Experimental Design Additional detail to better D.1 Comments on the appropriateness explain skill being assessed of the observations/measurements with justification of/specific reference to precision of the apparatus used No change D. The procedures used to prevent variation of factors not under investigation marks D.3 Comments on the validity of experimental design and procedures Additional detail to better explain skill being assessed D.3 Comments on the validity of experimental design and procedures with reference to possible errors/factors which were not fully controlled D.4 An assessment of the variation shown within the replicates Additional detail to better explain skill being assessed D.4 An assessment of the variation shown within the replicates across the range of the independent variable D.5 Comments on the reliability of the observations/measurements Additional detail to better explain skill being assessed D.5 Comments on the reliability of the observations/measurements and the need for further replication 6
Amendments to Unit A3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria A1: Developing a Hypothesis marks Explanation of Changes A1: Developing a Hypothesis marks A1.1 Outline your biological knowledge or research related to the problem under investigation A1.1 reduced to describing problem under investigation and reduced from to 1 mark A1.1 Outline the nature of the problem under investigation 1 A1. Use appropriate biological knowledge and understanding New A1. worth 1 mark for stating a hypothesis which can be tested A1. State a hypothesis linked to the problem which can be tested 1 A1.3 Select ideas from the information relevant to the investigation New A1.3 amalgamating many aspects of A1 covering biological knowledge, understanding and terminology and quality of written communication (QWC). Worth 6 marks A1.3 Using appropriate biological knowledge and understanding and terminology, select relevant ideas to explain and support your hypothesis 6 A1.4 Link your ideas together to suggest an explanation New A1.4 was previously A.5 A1.4 Predict the result the test of the hypothesis A1.5 State precisely in a hypothesis the most appropriate explanation 7
Amendments to Unit A3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria A: Planning a Procedure marks Explanation of Changes A: Planning a Procedure marks A.1 Use suitable equipment and materials No change A.1 Use suitable equipment and materials A. Select a suitable range for the independent variable or suggest conditions for the experimental treatment Candidates must also justify their chosen range for the independent variable. Mark increased from to 3 A. Select and justify a suitable range for the independent variable or suggest conditions for the experimental treatment 3 A.3 Communicate an ordered sequence to follow as a procedure No change A.3 Communicate an ordered sequence to follow as a procedure A.4 Provide a fair test More detail required around the principle of fair testing. Mark increased from to 3 A.4 Identify key variables and justify their control 3 A.5 Predict the result of the test of the hypothesis Moved to previous section to become A1.4 8
Amendments to Unit A3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria A3: Planning for Analysis marks Explanation of Changes A3: Planning for Analysis marks A3.1 Clearly state what must be recorded A3. Specify the format to be used to present the results No change A3.1 Clearly state what must be recorded No change A3. Specify the format to be used to present the results A3.3 Decide which method of analysis will be the most appropriate and justify your selection Increased to 3 marks to better reflect the demand of this criterion A3.3 Decide which method of analysis will be the most appropriate and justify your selection 3 A3.4 Decide how much replication is required for successful analysis A3.4 and A3.5 combined to give new A3.4 worth 3 marks A3.4 Considering the time and materials available, decide how much replication would give successful analysis 3 A3.5 Consider the feasibility of replication, considering the time and materials available 9
Amendments to Unit A3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria B1: Implementing marks B1.1 Skilful handling of apparatus and materials B1. Appropriate safety procedures and care of living organisms they observed B1.3 Organised and methodical carrying out of the practical procedure B1.4 Adhering to the sequence of planned actions and making modifications as appropriate No changes to Section B1: Implementing B1.5 Measurements at the level of precision required 30
B: Recording and Communicating marks B.1 Organisation of the raw data with the dependent variable in the body of the table and treatments or range of the independent variable as columns/rows B. A caption, which is a concise statement identifying the variables included in the table and states the biological material used as the source of the data B.3 Logical construction of the table (organised for analysis) B.4 Explanatory column headings B.5 Units for all variables and calculated values No changes to Section B: Recording and Communicating 31
Amendments to Unit A3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria C1: Analysis (graphical) marks C1.1 A table of statistical parameters C1. Accurate calculation of confidence limits C1.3 A caption fully explaining the data plotted C1.4 Appropriate scale and labels for axes C1.5 Correct plotting of means and confidence limits C1: Analysis (statistical) C1.1 A table of statistical parameters C1. Statement of an appropriate null hypothesis C1.3 Accurate calculation of statistic No changes to Section C1: Analysis C1.4 Correct determination of probability value C1.5 Correct decision regarding null hypothesis 3
Amendments to Unit A3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria C: Interpretation marks C.1 Assessment of the reliability of the data using statistical evidence C. Comments about the reliability of the data C.3 Trend(s) clearly identified using statistical evidence C.4 Explanation of the trend(s) C.5 Use of appropriate biological knowledge and understanding No change to Section C: Interpretation 33
Amendments to Unit A3 Biology Coursework Assessment Criteria C3: Evaluation of the Practical Procedures C3.1 Comments on the appropriateness of the range of the independent variable or the conditions for the experimental treatment C3. The procedures used to prevent variation of factors not under investigation marks Explanation of Changes C3: Evaluation of the Practical Procedures No change C3.1 Comments on the appropriateness of the range of the independent variable or the conditions for the experimental treatment No change C3. The procedures used to prevent variation of actors not under investigation marks C3.3 Comments on the appropriateness of the observations/measurements Additional detail to better explain skill being assessed C3.3 Comments on the appropriateness of the observations/measurements with justification of/specific reference to the apparatus used C3.4 Assessment of the validity of the implementation of the procedure Additional detail to better explain skill being assessed C3.4 Comments on the validity of experimental design and procedures with reference to possible errors/factors which were not fully controlled C3.5 An outline of how another independent variable could be investigated No change C3.5 An outline of how another independent variable could be investigated 34