Chapter 19 Practical guidance

These practicals are included to give ideas for activities to support teaching of the Cambridge
International AS and A Level Biology syllabus.

The practicals chosen relate closely to the learning outcomes, and may be used to develop students’
practical skills in preparation for practical assessment. However, they are not intended to form a
complete practical course.

Safety
Although great care has been taken in checking the accuracy of the information provided, Cambridge
University Press shall not be responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies.

Teachers and technicians should always follow their school and departmental safety policies. You must
ensure that you consult your employer’s model risk assessments and modify them as appropriate to
meet local circumstances before starting any practical work. Risk assessments will depend on your
own skills and experience, and the facilities available to you. Everyone has a responsibility for his or
her own safety and for the safety of others.

The practicals should be carried out by teachers themselves before they are presented to students.
Additional notes relating to each activity in this chapter are given below, but should not be regarded as
risk assessments.

Activity 19.1 Investigating the primary structure of ribonuclease

Students will require internet access to get the most out of this activity; however, the Coursebook acts
as a useful reference and other reference books may assist.

This activity contains two sections, the first containing a number of worksheet-style questions and the
second making use of an online resource to investigate amino acid sequences.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology © Cambridge University Press 2014 1