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15 Week Revision Timetable
Exam advice o READ THE WHOLE QUESTION CAREFULLY before starting to write your answer o Make sure you have all the necessary equipment o It’s ok to draw diagrams even if there are lines for writing. Don’t forget to label them. o Underlining key words in the question may help to focus your mind o Show all your workings in the space provided for each question o Don’t alter your working – cross it out and replace it o Don’t give the markers a choice of answers or methods o Before rounding, show more figures than the question asks for o Make a rough estimate of calculations. When estimating work to 1sf. o Whenever possible, ask yourself “is my answer sensible?” o Check your answers, especially if you have used a calculator! o Don’t rush but use time carefully o Use the mark allocation to inform your answers o Check the units given in the question and in your answer o Remember to use the appropriate number of decimal places or significant figures. When revising… o don’t leave your revision until the night before the examination o create a revision timetable and stick to it o study in a place where you can concentrate o do lots of questions, especially past examination questions o start revising by topics and nearer the examination mix up the questions o focus on your weaker topics but revise others as well o learn formula and facts off by heart, consider writing prompt sheets o know which topics are covered on paper 1 and which are on paper 2. o revise REQUIRED PRACTICALS very carefully o consider using a revision workbook o use online revision websites especially You Tube as there are lots of suitable GCSE tutorials there.. Some useful websites………
- https://www.gcsepod.com/
- http://app.gojimo.co/product/945a58eb-bc96- 4242 - 89e8-2fa555978fa
- https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461/assessment-resources
- https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/zpgcbk
15 Week Revision Timetable
Here is a summary of the topics to be covered in this revision timetable
Weeks before the exam Topic
15. Paper 1 Topic: Cell structure and cell division
14. Paper 1 Topic: Transport in cells
13. Paper 1 Topic: Tissues, Organs and Organ Systems
12. Paper 1 Topic: Health and Disease
11. Paper 1 Topic: Enzymes and Digestion
10. Paper 1 Topic: Infection and Response
9. Paper 1 Topic: Bioenergetics
8. Paper 2 Topic: The Nervous System
7. Paper 2 Topic: The Endocrine System
6. Paper 2 Topic: Animal and Plant Hormones
5. Paper 2 Topic: DNA and Reproduction
4. Paper 2 Topic: Genetics
3. Paper 2 Topic: Evolution and Classification
2. Paper 2 Topic: Organisms and Their Environment + Human Impacts
1. Paper 2 Topic: Biomass, Food and Biotechnology
DON’T FORGET TO REVISE REQUIRED PRACTICALS (Both in Paper 1 and Paper 2)
15 Week Revision Timetable
Explain how the small intestine and lungs in mammals, gills in fish, and the roots and leaves in plants, are adapted for exchanging materials
List factors that increase the effectiveness of an exchange surface
Describe osmosis
Recall that active transport moves substances from a more dilute solution to a more
concentrated solution (against a concentration gradient). This requires energy from respiration. Link the structure of a root hair cell to its function.
Describe a use for active transport in both plants and animals.
Explain the difference between diffusion, osmosis and active transport
Week 13 ☺
Tissues, Organs and Organ Systems
Explain organisational hierarchy Define a cell, tissue, organ and organism Recall the structure and functioning of the human heart and lungs, including how lungs are adapted for gaseous exchange. Recall that the heart is an organ that blood around the body in a double circulatory system. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs where gas exchange takes place. The left ventricle pumps blood around the rest of the body. Name the major blood vessels Describe the structure of the lungs Explain natural and artificial pacemakers Name the three different types of blood vessel and explain how the structure of these vessels relates to their functions. Describe the components of blood and who they are adapted to function Know the function of epidermal tissues palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, xylem and phloem and meristem tissue Describe the structures of tissues in the leaf and relate to their functions Explain how root hair cells are adapted for the efficient uptake of water and mineral ions Know the structure and function of xylem tissue. Define factors which affect the rate of transpiration Explain the role of stomata and guard cells Explain the role of phloem tissue and name this process
Week 12
Health and Disease
Describe coronary heart disease: a non-communicable disease State that health is the state of physical and mental wellbeing. Know that defects in the immune system mean that an individual is more likely to suffer from infectious diseases. Recall that immune reactions initially caused by a pathogen can trigger allergies such as skin rashes and asthma.
15 Week Revision Timetable
Know that severe physical ill health can lead to depression and other mental illness. Explain the effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases and that they can be caused by and their increased by the interaction of a number of factors, Recall that benign tumours and malignant tumours result from uncontrolled cell division. Malignant tumour cells are cancers. Know lifestyle risk factors for various types of cancer including smoking, obesity, common viruses and UV exposure. There are also genetic risk factors for some cancers.
Week 11
Enzymes and Digestion
Know that digestive system is an example of an organ system in which several organs work together to digest and absorb food. Relate knowledge of enzymes to Metabolism Describe the structure function and optimum conditions for enzymes Define denaturation Recall the sites of production and the action of amylase, proteases and lipases. Know that digestive enzymes convert food into small soluble molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. State that the products of digestion are used to build new carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Some glucose is used in respiration. Recall where bile is made and stored and its pH and function State conditions that increase the rate of fat breakdown by lipase.
Week 10 ☺
Infection and Response Explain how diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi are spread in animals and plants. Define the term pathogen Explain how bacteria and viruses may reproduce in the body and why they make you fell ill Give examples of how the spread of diseases can be reduced Know that Measles is a viral disease and describe the symptoms Explain the effects of HIV and how it is transmitted Describe tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) Know that Salmonella food poisoning is spread by bacteria ingested in food, or on food prepared in unhygienic conditions. Describe the symptoms of salmonella food poisoning Know how Gonorrhoea is a transmitted and how its spread can be reduced. State the cause of Gonorrhoea and describe the symptoms and how it is treated Describe rose black spot and state its cause Know how rose black spot is spread in the environment and how it can be treated
15 Week Revision Timetable
Understand and use inverse proportion – the inverse square law and light intensity in the context of photosynthesis. (HT only) Explain how limiting factors are important in the economics of enhancing the conditions in greenhouses to gain the maximum rate of photosynthesis while still maintaining profit (HT only) State the six uses of glucose by plants Know how plant use nitrate ions that are absorbed from the soil. Compare the processes of aerobic and anaerobic respiration with regard to the need for oxygen, the differing products and the relative amounts of energy transferred. Define aerobic and anaerobic respiration State that reactions which transfer energy to the environment are exothermic reactions Name three things organisms need energy for State the word equation for aerobic respiration Write a balanced symbol equation for aerobic respiration (HT only) State the word equation for anaerobic respiration in muscles The energy transferred supplies all the energy needed for living processes. State the word equation for anaerobic respiration in plant and yeast cells Write a balanced symbol equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast and plant cells (HT only) State that anaerobic respiration in yeast cells is called fermentation and has economic importance in the manufacture of bread and alcoholic drinks Explain why anaerobic respiration takes place in muscles during exercise Explain muscle fatigue and oxygen debt Define the role of the liver in the removal of lactic acid (HT only) Define metabolism The energy transferred by respiration in cells is used by the organism for the continual enzyme controlled processes of metabolism that synthesise new molecules. State five metabolic processes
Week 8 ☺
The Nervous System
Define homeostasis
15 Week Revision Timetable
Name three levels maintained by homeostasis State that automatic control systems may involve nervous responses or chemical responses Define receptors, coordination centres and effectors Explain how the structure of the nervous system is adapted to its functions State the main function of the nervous system Describe how information from receptors is carried to the brain to coordinate the response Describe the roles of sensory neurones, relay neurones, motor neurones, synapses and effectors in a reflex action, and state that reflex actions are automatic and rapid Identify the cerebral cortex, cerebellum is concerned and medulla on a diagram of the brain Describe the function of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum is concerned and medulla Describe how neuroscientists have been able to map the regions of the brain to particular functions. (HT only) Relate the structures of the eye to their functions, including accommodation to focus on near or distant objects and adaptation to dim light. Explain the function of the retina, the optic nerve, the sclera, the iris and the ciliary muscles Describe myopia and hyperopia and how they are treated with spectacle lenses Describe how new technologies and used to treat eye defects Interpret ray diagrams demonstrating how spectacle lenses correct myopia and hyperopia. Explain mechanisms to lower or raise body temperature in a given context. (HT only)
Week 7
The Endocrine System
Define hormones and their rate of effect Describe the functions and main organs of the endocrine system Describe the function of the pituitary gland Identify the position of the pituitary gland, pancreas, thyroid, adrenal gland, ovaries and testes on a diagram of the human body Explain the role of the pancreas and insulin in the control of blood glucose concentration Compare Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and explain how they can be treated Recall that If the blood glucose concentration is too low, the pancreas produces glucagon that causes glycogen to be converted into glucose and released into the blood. (HT only) Explain how glucagon interacts with insulin to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in the body (HT only) Explain how the body maintains water and nitrogen balance in the body Recall that excess water, ions and urea are removed via the kidneys in the urine. Explain the role of the liver in deaminated to form ammonia and that ammonia is toxic and so it is immediately converted to urea for safe excretion. (HT only) The kidneys produce urine by filtration of the blood and selective reabsorption of useful substances such as glucose, some ions and water Describe the role of ADH in controlling the water level in the body (HT only) Know how people who suffer from kidney failure may be treated.
15 Week Revision Timetable
Week 4
Genetics
Explain the difference between genotype and phenotype Explain dominant and recessive alleles Define homozygous and heterozygous. Recall that most characteristics are a result of multiple genes interacting. Understand family trees Use a Punnett square diagram to predict the outcome of a monohybrid cross Name an Inherited disorder caused by a dominant allele Name an Inherited disorder caused by a recessive allele Recall the number of pairs of chromosomes in an ordinary human body State the pairs of chromosomes that carries the genes that determine sex. Explain single gene inheritance and carry out a genetic cross to show sex inheritance.
Week 3
Evolution and Classification
Describe variation Give causes of variation Explain how explain how evolution occurs through natural selection Describe selective breeding Define some chosen characteristics for selective breeding Explain the problems with ‘inbreeding’ Describe genetic engineering Give examples of uses of genetic engineering Define GM crop and give examples State some concerns about GM crops Recall the possibility of genetic modification to overcome some inherited diseases. Explain plant cloning tissue culture and cuttings Explain animal cloning by embryo transplants and adult cell cloning Explain theory of evolution by natural selection proposed by Charles Darwin State reason why the theory of evolution by natural selection was only gradually accepted Recall the theory of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck Summarise the work of Alfred Russel Wallace into speciation State some cause for new species to arise Recall some history of the understanding of genetics including:
- In the mid-19th century Gregor Mendel carried out breeding experiments on plants.
15 Week Revision Timetable
- In the late 19th century behaviour of chromosomes during cell division was observed.
- the structure of DNA was determined in the mid-20th century Understand why the importance of Mendel’s discovery was not recognised until after his death. State evidence for evolution by natural selection Define fossils and explain how they are formed Explain why there are no fossils of many early forms of life Recall that we can learn from fossils how much or how organisms have changed List some possible causes of extinction Explain the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria Recall that MRSA is resistant to antibiotics. Describe how to reduce the rate of development of antibiotic resistant strains Describe the Linnaeus system to classify living things and name the levels. State that organisms are named by the binomial system of genus and species. Know that new models of classification have been proposed based on improved analysis Define the ‘three-domain system’ developed by Carl Woese. Understand that evolutionary trees are a method used by scientists to show how they believe organisms are related.
Week 2 ☺
Organisms and Their Environment + Human Impacts
Suggest the factors for which organisms are competing in a given habitat Suggest how organisms are adapted to the conditions in which they live Define an ecosystem Define interdependence Explain what is meant by a “stable community” Explain how a change in an abiotic factor would affect a given community List abiotic factors Explain how a change in a biotic factor might affect a given community List biotic factors Explain how organisms are adapted to live in their natural environment Define an extremophile Define a producer, primary consumers, secondary consumers and tertiary consumers Construct food chains Explain the use of transects and quadrats Explain why, in a stable community, the numbers of predators and prey rise and fall in cycles Recall the carbon cycle Recall the water cycle Explain the role of microorganisms in cycling materials through an ecosystem.
15 Week Revision Timetable
Required Practicals
Biology Paper 1
Unit 1 – Cell Biology Required Practical – Using a microscope YouTube links: Using a light microscope Preparing a microscope slide (Onion cell) BBC Bitesize links: Calculating magnification Collins Practical worksheet: Method Required Practical – Investigating the effects of antibiotics and antiseptics YouTube links: Creating a spread plate BBC Bitesize links: Growing microbes in the lab Collins Practical worksheet: Method Required Practical – Osmosis (potato practical) YouTube links: Investigating Osmosis BBC Bitesize links: Osmosis overview Osmosis in cells Collins Practical worksheet: Method Unit 2 – Organisation Required Practical – Testing for carbohydrates, lipids and proteins YouTube links: Food test BBC Bitesize links: Food testing Collins Practical worksheet: Method Required Practical – Investigate the effect of pH on Amylase enzyme YouTube links: Effect of pH BBC Bitesize links: Enzymes Effect of pH on enzymes Digestive Enzymes Collins Practical worksheet: Method Unit 3 – Infection and response No required practical investigations for this unit Unit 4 – Bioenergetics Required Practical – Investigating effect of light intensity on photosynthesis YouTube links: Light intensity with pond weed BBC Bitesize links: Factors effecting photosynthesis Light intensity investigation Collins Practical worksheet: Method
Biology Paper 2
15 Week Revision Timetable
Unit 5 – Homeostasis and response Required Practical – Investigating a factor on the effect of reaction times YouTube links: Reaction times BBC Bitesize links: Reflexes Collins Practical worksheet: Method Required Practical – Investigate the effect of light or gravity on newly germinated seeds YouTube links: (no demonstration of practical) BBC Bitesize links: BBC bitesize video Collins Practical worksheet: Method Unit 6 – Inheritance, variation and evolution No required practical investigations for this unit Unit 7 – Ecology Required Practical – Measure population size using sampling techniques YouTube links: Sampling along a transect BBC Bitesize links: Sampling overview Transects and Quadrats Collins Practical worksheet: Method Required Practical – Rate of decay in milk based on pH change YouTube links: (no demonstration of practical) BBC Bitesize links: Factors affecting decay Decay Collins Practical worksheet: Method
