9700_y16_sy

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology 9700 syllabus Practical assessment
Presentation of Data and Observations (PDO):
These marks are awarded for three strands of skills:
• Recording data and observations
• Displaying calculations and reasoning
• Data or observations layout.
Recording data and observations
This strand uses a light microscope, prepared slides and photomicrographs.
Candidates should be able to:
• Record the fine details of the specimen including drawing of detailed shapes of layers or outlines of
specimens in plan diagrams and drawing of the shape and position of observable cell organelles in cells.
Displaying calculations and reasoning
This strand uses a light microscope, prepared slides and photomicrographs.
Candidates should be able to show calculations, clearly showing all the steps in the calculation and their
reasoning, including:
• The calibration of the eyepiece graticule
• The actual size (using an eyepiece graticule or magnification scale bar)
• The linear magnification
• The total number, e.g. stomata per unit of area (for example field of view)
• The mean measurement of length or number
• Determining the simplest ratio (expressed as larger whole number to smaller whole number, to the
lowest common denominator)
• Using the correct number of significant figures for calculated quantities.
Data or observations layout
This strand uses a light microscope, prepared slides and photomicrographs.
Candidates should be able to:
• Make drawings, using a sharp pencil, to give finely drawn lines. Drawings should:
– have clear, sharp, unbroken lines
– be unshaded
– use most of the available space to show all the features observed in the specimen
• Organise comparative observations, showing differences and/or similarities, of specimens of biological
material.
Analysis (interpretation of data or observations), conclusions and evaluation (ACE)
These marks are awarded for three strands of skills:
• Interpreting data or observations and identifying sources of error
• Drawing conclusions
• Suggesting improvements or modifications to extend investigation.
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