CIE A-level Biology
A Guide to Paper 3 (Practical Exam)
, Contents
Basic Information ................................................................................................................. 3
Key Skills Tested ................................................................................................................... 3
Section 1 - “Wet” Practical .................................................................................................... 4
1. Following Instructions ................................................................................................ 4
2. Dilution Series ............................................................................................................ 4
3. Water Baths ................................................................................................................ 5
4. Food Tests .................................................................................................................. 6
5. Collecting and Presenting Data .................................................................................. 6
6. Graphs ........................................................................................................................ 7
7. Experimental Design & Improvements ....................................................................... 9
Section 2 – Microscopes ..................................................................................................... 10
Essential Additional Reading........................................................................................ 10
The Microscope ............................................................................................................ 10
Tips for Focusing .......................................................................................................... 10
Plan Drawings .............................................................................................................. 12
Cell Drawings ............................................................................................................... 12
Microscope Graticules ...................................................................................................13
Table of Comparison .................................................................................................... 15
2
A Guide to Paper 3 (Practical Exam)
, Contents
Basic Information ................................................................................................................. 3
Key Skills Tested ................................................................................................................... 3
Section 1 - “Wet” Practical .................................................................................................... 4
1. Following Instructions ................................................................................................ 4
2. Dilution Series ............................................................................................................ 4
3. Water Baths ................................................................................................................ 5
4. Food Tests .................................................................................................................. 6
5. Collecting and Presenting Data .................................................................................. 6
6. Graphs ........................................................................................................................ 7
7. Experimental Design & Improvements ....................................................................... 9
Section 2 – Microscopes ..................................................................................................... 10
Essential Additional Reading........................................................................................ 10
The Microscope ............................................................................................................ 10
Tips for Focusing .......................................................................................................... 10
Plan Drawings .............................................................................................................. 12
Cell Drawings ............................................................................................................... 12
Microscope Graticules ...................................................................................................13
Table of Comparison .................................................................................................... 15
2
