Course

The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
AO1 Knowledge and understanding
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: • scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories • scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units) • scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety • scientific quantities and their determination • scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications.
AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information
Candidates should be able to handle, apply and evaluate information, in words or using other forms of presentation (e.g. symbols, graphical or numerical) to: • locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources • translate information from one form to another • manipulate numerical and other data • use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw conclusions • give reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships • make predictions and construct arguments to support hypotheses • apply knowledge, including principles, to new situations • evaluate information and hypotheses • demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of biological theories and models • solve problems.
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations
Candidates should be able to: • plan experiments and investigations • collect, record and present observations, measurements and estimates • analyse and interpret experimental data to reach conclusions • evaluate methods and quality of experimental data and suggest possible improvements to experiments.