Fundamental Concepts and Scientific Method in Biology

This unit is expiring
The expiry date of this unit is 31/07/2024.

Overview

Framework:
Access to HE
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
QU006307
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
Not available

Qualification Grading Type

Graded

Grade Descriptors

  • GD1-Understanding the subject
  • GD2-Application of knowledge
  • GD3-Application of skills
  • GD4-Use of information
  • GD7-Quality

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand scientific terminology.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1
    Explain appropriate scientific terminology accurately.
2

Understand a range of biological processes.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1
    Explain diffusion and osmosis with reference to a range of examples.
  • 2.2
    Analyse the importance of surface area to volume ratio in biology using appropriate examples.
  • 2.3
    Explain the concept of negative feedback in biology using two examples.
3

Understand the concept of units and scales in biology.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1
    Differentiate the scale of measurement in various biological structures.
  • 3.2
    Measure, reform and calculate magnifications and sizes from diagrams and micrographs.
  • 3.3
    Diagnose various units of measurement and express them in different ways.
4

Know how to tabulate plot and interpret data.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1
    Apply data in fully labelled tables manually and using basic excel functions.
  • 4.2
    Develop graphs from tabulated data both manually and using excel.
  • 4.3
    Calculate and explain the importance of rates of change.
5

Understand scientific reporting.

Assessment Criteria

  • 5.1
    Demonstrate how to record methods and results clearly.
  • 5.2
    Interpret and explain results.
  • 5.3
    Evaluate work (discuss limitations of method, suggest improvements and further experiments).
6

Be able to use a range of apparatus in biological investigations.

Assessment Criteria

  • 6.1
    Prepare specimens for and use a light microscope on high power to produce accurate scaled drawings.
  • 6.2
    Demonstrate use of specialised apparatus competently to gain comprehensive data in an experiment.
  • 6.3
    Demonstrate use of common lab apparatus safely and competently in a range of situations.