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EnglandBiology

Practical and Mathematical Skills

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do I design a valid experiment and use statistics to test whether results are significant?

Experimental design and statistics: variables, controls, validity and reliability; types of error and uncertainty; the chi-squared test; correlation and causation; and choosing an appropriate statistical test.
A focused answer to the experimental-design and statistics requirements of Eduqas A-Level Biology. Covers variables, controls, validity and reliability, types of error and uncertainty, the chi-squared test, correlation and causation, and choosing an appropriate statistical test.
13 min answer →

Which mathematical skills are tested across the Eduqas Biology papers, and how do I apply them?

Mathematical skills: magnification and scale; surface-area-to-volume ratio; percentages and percentage change; standard form and units; the index of diversity; the Hardy-Weinberg equation; and rates from graphs.
A focused answer to the mathematical-skills requirements of Eduqas A-Level Biology. Covers magnification and scale, surface-area-to-volume ratio, percentages and percentage change, standard form and units, the index of diversity, the Hardy-Weinberg equation, and finding rates from graphs.
13 min answer →

What practical techniques must I master for the Eduqas Practical Endorsement and the written papers?

The Practical Endorsement: the specified practicals and core techniques (microscopy, the biochemical tests, enzyme and membrane investigations, dissection, sampling and respirometry); and how practical skills are assessed on paper.
A focused answer to the practical-skills requirements of Eduqas A-Level Biology. Covers the Practical Endorsement, the specified practicals and core techniques (microscopy, food tests, enzyme and membrane investigations, dissection, sampling and respirometry), and how practical skills are tested on paper.
12 min answer →

How are the Eduqas Biology papers structured and marked, and how do I answer the QER question?

The Eduqas exams: the three components and their structure; the assessment objectives and their weightings; the command words; and how to answer the levels-of-response Quality of Extended Response (QER) question.
A focused answer to how Eduqas A-Level Biology is examined. Covers the three components and their structure, the assessment objectives and weightings, the command words, and how to answer the levels-of-response Quality of Extended Response (QER) question.
12 min answer →