WJEC Biology for A2 Level: Revision Workbook

Mathematical requirements A minimum of 10% of marks across the whole qualification will involve mathematical content. Some of the mathematical content requires the use of a calculator, which is allowed in the exam. The specification states that calculations of the mean, median, mode and range may be required, as well as percentages, fractions and ratios. The additional requirements included at A level are shown in bold. You will be required to process and analyse data using appropriate mathematical skills. This could involve considering margins of error, accuracy and precision of data. Concepts Tick here when you are confident you understand this concept Arithmetic and numerical computation Convert between units, e.g. mm 3 to cm 3 Use an appropriate number of decimal places in calculations, e.g. for a mean Use ratios, fractions and percentages, e.g. calculate percentage yields, surface area to volume ratio Estimate results Use calculators to find and use power, exponential and logarithmic functions, e.g. estimate the number of bacteria grown over a certain length of time Handling data Use an appropriate number of significant figures Find arithmetic means Construct and interpret frequency tables and diagrams, bar charts and histograms Understand the principles of sampling as applied to scientific data, e.g. use Simpson’s Diversity Index to calculate the biodiversity of a habitat Understand the terms mean, median and mode, e.g. calculate or compare the mean, median and mode of a set of data, e.g. height/mass/size of a group of organisms Use a scatter diagram to identify a correlation between two variables, e.g. the effect of lifestyle factors on health Make order of magnitude calculations, e.g. use and manipulate the magnification formula: magnification = size of image / size of real object Understand measures of dispersion, including standard deviation and range Identify uncertainties in measurements and use simple techniques to determine uncertainty when data are combined, e.g. calculate percentage error where there are uncertainties in measurement Algebra Understand and use the symbols: =, <, <<, >>, >, ∝ ,~. Rearrange an equation Substitute numerical values into algebraic equations Solve algebraic equations, e.g. solve equations in a biological context, e.g. cardiac output = stroke volume × heart rate Use a logarithmic scale in the context of microbiology, e.g. growth rate of a microorganism such as yeast Graphs Plot two variables from experimental or other data, e.g. select an appropriate format for presenting data Understand that y = mx + c represents a linear relationship Determine the intercept of a graph, e.g. read off an intercept point from a graph, e.g. compensation point in plants Calculate rate of change from a graph showing a linear relationship, e.g. calculate a rate from a graph, e.g. rate of transpiration Draw and use the slope of a tangent to a curve as a measure of rate of change Geometry and trigonometry Calculate the circumferences, surface areas and volumes of regular shapes, e.g. calculate the surface area or volume of a cell Introduction | 7 Copyright: Sample material