Advanced Level Practical Work for Biology

The new A level Specifications for Biology require students to carry out experimental and investigative activities; these are to include an element of synoptic work, and carry up to 20 per cent of the overall marks. Four practical skills are clearly identified: devising and planning experiments; demonstrating safe techniques; making observations and measurements; and, interpreting, explaining, evaluating and communicating the results. This part of the new specifications is the one about which teachers and students feel least certain. Conventional textbooks rarely give the practical element more than a cursory glance. This short guide therefore provides students with the help that they need, whether they are taking a practical exam, or answering questions on experiments in a written paper. The first part of the book focuses on the four main skills, the common element for all awarding bodies. There are then chapters covering the individual features of each of the main awarding bodies, to ensure complete coverage.

Sally Morgan is a writer and chief examiner for a major awarding body. She lives and works in Liphook, Surrey.