Biology

• How many exam papers will you sit for GCSE Biology?


  Two exam papers
• What is the duration of each GCSE Biology exam paper?


  1 hour 45 minutes
• How many marks are each of the GCSE Biology exam papers worth?


  100 marks
• What topics are assessed in Paper 1 of the GCSE Biology exam?


  Topics 1, 2, 3, and 4
• What topics are assessed in Paper 2 of the GCSE Biology exam?


  Topics 5, 6, and 7
• What types of questions can you expect in the GCSE Biology exams?


  A mixture of multiple choice, structured, short closed, and open response questions
• What should you ensure when answering open response questions in the exam?


  Answer the question fully with detailed, relevant information
• What percentage of the total marks for GCSE Biology will come from maths questions?


  At least 10%
• What should you do when answering maths questions in the exam?


  Show your working and check units
• What is the significance of significant figures in your answers?


  Your answer should be given to an appropriate number of significant figures
• How many required practical activities are there in GCSE Biology?


  10 required practical activities
• What percentage of the total marks will be for questions testing practical skills?


  At least 15%
• What might you be asked to comment on regarding practical activities in the exam?

  The design of an experiment, predictions, and analysis of results
• What does "Working Scientifically" refer to?


  How science is applied in the outside world by real scientists
• Why is it important to communicate scientific discoveries to the public?


  To inform people about changes they should make or new technologies
• What is a potential issue with how scientific evidence is presented in the media?


  It may be oversimplified or biased
• What are some types of issues that scientific developments can raise?


  Economic, personal, social, and environmental issues
• Why can't science answer every question?


  Some questions lack sufficient data or are ethical in nature
• What is a hazard?


  A hazard is something that could potentially cause harm
• What is risk in relation to a hazard?


  Risk is the chance that the hazard will cause harm
• How can new technology create risks?

  New technology can introduce unknown risks that need to be evaluated
• How can you estimate the size of a risk?


  By analyzing how many times something happens in a large sample over a given period
• What are the steps in the scientific method?


  1. Observe something you don’t understand
  2. Formulate a hypothesis
  3. Make predictions based on the hypothesis
  4. Test the hypothesis by gathering evidence
  5. Share findings and undergo peer review
  6. Modify or accept the hypothesis based on evidence
• What are the types of models used in scientific theories?


  • Representational models: Simplified descriptions or pictures
  • Computational models: Simulations of complex processes
  • Limitations: All models have constraints on their explanatory power
• What are the potential biases in scientific reporting?


  • Oversimplification of data
  • Presentation of data that supports a single viewpoint
  • Lack of peer review in media reports
• What are the implications of scientific developments on society?


  • Economic implications: Costs of recommendations
  • Personal implications: Individual impacts of decisions
  • Social implications: Effects on lifestyle choices
  • Environmental implications: Impact on natural ecosystems
• What are the ethical considerations in scientific inquiry?


  • Some questions cannot be answered due to lack of data
  • Ethical dilemmas may arise from scientific advancements
  • Society must decide on the implications of scientific findings
• What is the relationship between hazards and risks?


  • A hazard is a potential source of harm
  • Risk is the likelihood that the hazard will cause harm
  • Understanding both is crucial for safety assessments
• How can new technologies introduce risks?


  • New technologies may have unknown effects
  • Risks must be weighed against benefits
  • Continuous evaluation is necessary as technology evolves
• How can risks be estimated in scientific studies?


  • Analyze occurrences in large samples
  • Consider timeframes for risk assessment
  • Use statistical methods to quantify risk
• What is a hazard?


  A hazard is something that could potentially cause harm.
• What is the difference between hazard and risk?


  A hazard is a potential source of harm, while risk is the chance that the hazard will cause harm.
• Give an example of a well-known risk.


  The risk of causing acid rain by polluting the atmosphere.
• How can new technology introduce risks?

  New technology can bring risks that were previously unknown, such as the potential harm from nanoparticles in cosmetics.
• How can you estimate the size of a risk?


  You can estimate the size of a risk by analyzing how many times an event occurs in a large sample over a given period.
• What factors should be considered when making decisions about activities involving hazards?


  The likelihood of the hazard causing harm and the seriousness of the consequences if it does.
• Why might people accept higher risks in certain situations?


  People may accept higher risks if the consequences are short-lived and fairly minor.
• How does the perception of risk differ between familiar and unfamiliar activities?


  People tend to view familiar activities as low risk and unfamiliar activities as high risk, regardless of the actual risk.
• What are some hazards that might be encountered in science experiments?

  Microorganisms, chemicals, fire, and electricity.
• What is the importance of identifying hazards in an investigation?


  Identifying hazards is crucial for planning a safe investigation.