Unit 3
Practical Skills in Biology I
AS practical skills, drawing on Units 1 and 2 and Core Practicals 1–9.
What this unit covers
AS practical skills bring together Core Practicals 1–9 with planning, measurement and processing of results. Use the guides to practise how a method supports a conclusion.
- Plan a fair and safe investigation.
- Record measurements with suitable units and precision.
- Evaluate results, uncertainty and improvements.
Practical work and skills
ASSkillsSkillsSkills
Core Practicals 1 to 9
Practical investigations
Planning for Unit 3
Exam technique for planning an investigation: variables, apparatus, repeats, risk and error.
Implementation and Measurements for Unit 3
Exam technique for commenting on a method you are shown: readings, range, anomalies and records.
Processing Results for Unit 3
Exam technique for tables, graphs, gradients, uncertainty and a conclusion that matches the evidence.
Unit 3 practical guides
Browse the nine AS core practical guides used to develop and assess Unit 3 skills.
- Core Practical 1: Estimating Reducing Sugar and Starch Concentrations
- Core Practical 2: Vitamin C Content of Food and Drink
- Core Practical 3: Membrane Properties and Permeability
- Core Practical 4: Factors Affecting Enzyme-catalysed Reactions
- Core Practical 5: Animal Cells and Measurements Using a Light Microscope
- Core Practical 6: Mitosis in a Root Tip Squash
- Core Practical 7: Plant Structures and Tissues Using a Light Microscope
- Core Practical 8: Tensile Strength of Plant Fibres
- Core Practical 9: Antimicrobial Properties of Plants