CIE AS-LEVEL BIOLOGY//9700

PRACTICAL NOTES  Dilution is of 2 types:

o Simple, where a mother solution is diluted by different
ratios:
1. SKELETAL MARK-SCHEME
Mother solution Volume Final solution
SKILL BREAKDOWN
of 𝐇𝟐 𝐎
MANIPULATION Conc. / Volume / Conc. / Volume /
added
OF APPARATUS,  Making decisions about 𝐦𝐨𝐥 𝐝𝐦 −𝟑 𝐜𝐦 −𝟑
𝐦𝐨𝐥 𝐝𝐦 −𝟑 𝐜𝐦−𝟑
/ 𝐜𝐦−𝟑
MEASUREMENT, measurements or observations [8]
1.0 80 2.0 0.8 10.0
AND  Successfully collecting data &
OBSERVATION observations [8] 1.0 6.0 4.0 0.6 10.0
[16] 1.0 4.0 6.0 0.4 10.0
 Recording data and observations 1.0 2.0 8.0 0.2 10.0
PRESENTATION
[4]
OF DATA AND o Serial, where previously diluted solution is diluted by
 Displaying calculations and
OBSERVATIONS same ratio:
reasoning [2]
[12]
 Data or observations layout [6]
 Interpreting data or observations
ANALYSIS, and identifying sources of error [6]
CONCLUSIONS,  Drawing conclusions [3]
AND EVALUATION  Suggesting improvements to
[12] procedure, modifications to extend
investigation [3]

2. MANIPULATION OF APPARATUS,
 Other variables must be identified and standardized:
MEASUREMENT & OBSERVATION
VARIABLE STANDARDISING METHOD
TEMPERATURE Thermo-statically controlled water bath
2.1 Variables
PH Buffer solution of known concentration
 Independent variable is the factor that changes in an LIGHT Heat-shielded lamp set at constant
investigation and dependent variable is the factor that INTENSITY distance/power
changes as a result. WIND SPEED Fan set at constant distance & power
 Other variables that may affect the dependent variable HUMIDITY Solid anhydrous Calcium Chloride
must be identified and kept constant, i.e. standardized. o Other standardised variables include: mass,
 Control samples are standardized ones with effect of concentration, volume, source, age, storage,
independent variable also removed. conditions, genotype of sample.
 Qualitative (non-numerically observable) variables can  Dependent variables must be measured by proper
be nominal (categorisable) or ordinal (rank-able). instrument:
 Quantitative (numerically representable) variables can o Temperature – Thermometer.
be continuous or discrete. o Colour – Colorimeter.
o pH – Indicator/pH meter.
2.2 Experimental Skills o No. of cells – Haemocytometer.
 Range (spread between highest and lowest value) and o Power – Voltmeter & ammeter.
intervals (difference between values) of independent o Mass – Balance.
variable must be decided. o Time – Clock/Stopwatch.
 Concentration of a sample is a common independent o Length – Microscope with calibrated eyepiece
variable, thus dilution becomes an important skill. graticule/Ruler.
o Volume – Beaker/Measuring cylinder/Burette/Pipette.
 Note: Read from bottom of meniscus and estimate to
half of smallest division in analogue scales, e.g. burette.
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 CIE AS-LEVEL BIOLOGY//9700
2.3 Quality of Measurements  Use most space available to make drawing large enough
TERM EXPLANATION IMPROVEMENT to show essential features.
Better  Draw clear, single lines with sharp HB pencil (keep a
Accuracy Closeness to true value
instruments clean eraser).
Precision
Closeness to repeated Control all  Show overall shape and ensure proportions are correct.
readings variables  Don’t shade or colour.
Repeat readings  Label using accurate, straight, horizontal, non-
Reliability Confidence in results
and take mean
intersecting ruled lines.
Agreement between Check relation
Validity hypothesis and between key and 3.4 Mathematical Skills
investigation derived variables No. of readings × Half of smallest scale division
 % error = Total reading
×
3. PRESENTATION OF DATA & OBSERVATIONS 100%
Sum of data
 Mean =
3.1 Tabulating Results No. of data
o Useful for replicated readings.
 Draw table with neat, ruled pencil lines. Δ𝑦
 Gradient = , where Δ𝑦 & Δ𝑥 are height and width of
 Give each column suitable heading (Quantity/SI unit) Δ𝑥
 Arrange columns in order: independent, dependent & triangle.
derived variable.  Draw right-angled triangle from 2 points on straight line
 Round data to some no. of decimal places to maintain graph or tangent of curve; Ensure that triangle exceeds
consistency. half of graph.
Final − Initial
 % change = Initial
× 100%
3.2 Plotting Graphs  It makes comparing easier by negating effects of
 Decide type of graph: differences in initial readings between samples.
o Line graph (Both variables are continuous)  Magnification is no. of times image is larger than actual:
o Histogram (Independent variable is continuous) Image
o Bar chart (Dependent variable is continuous) Magnification =
Actual
o Bars touch in histograms only, not in bar charts. o Resolution indicates amount of detail.
 Independent variable at x-axis and dependent at y-axis. o It is shortest distance between 2 points that can be
 Use linear scale with sensible (1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, …) distinguished or separable.
intervals. o It is equal to half of wavelength of light used.
 Axes don’t have to stand out. If they do, a break should
be indicated. 4. ANALYSIS, CONCLUSION & EVALUATION
 Use as much of graph paper as possible.
 Label each axis fully, according to variable’s column 4.1 Describing & Interpreting Data
heading.  Describe overall trend.
 For line graphs:  Comment on changes in gradient.
o Plot points with ✕ or ⊙ marks.  Quote figures to support claim.
o Join successive points with straight lines.  Avoid phrases that suggest something is happening over
o If there is clear relation, draw smooth wave, or line of time, unless it is the independent variable.
best fit.  Draw a conclusion by connecting it to description using
 Don’t extrapolate line. theoretical reasoning.
 Conclusion should be simple, clean, focused and
3.3 Making Biological Drawings scientifically explainable statement describing deduction
 Drawings can be low-power plan (showing distribution of regarding the hypothesis from results.
tissue without outlining cells), or high-power detail
(showing details of small group of individual cells).
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 CIE AS-LEVEL BIOLOGY//9700
4.2 Identifying Errors
 Systematic errors are equal throughout investigation, as
they result from uncertainties in measurements.
 Random errors differ across investigation as they arise
owing to difficulties in controlling standardised variables
and measuring dependent variable.
 Common error sources include:
o Anomalous readings (owing to inadequate
technique/replicates)
o Inadequate range and intervals.
o Uncontrolled variables.

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