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Revision summary help OCR GCSE 21st Century Combined Science B biology exam papers - learning objectives B4-B6 exams biology F/H and 2nd combined science F/H papers for 2020 exams onwards (re-edit) OCR Level 1/2 GCSE (Grade 9-1) in Combined Science B Biology (Twenty First Century Science) (J260) - OCR 21st Century GCSE Grade 9-1 Combined Science B revision summaries for biology Chapter B4 "Using food and controlling growth", Chapter B5 "The human body - staying alive", Chapter B6 "Life on Earth - past, present and future", Chapter BCP7 "Ideas about science" for FT Biology paper 01, HT Biology Paper 05, FT Combined Science Paper 04, HT Combined Science Paper 08 LINK for OCR 21st Century Combined Science biology chapters B1-B3 LINK for OCR 21st Century 9-1 GCSE BIOLOGY B chapters B1-B3 LINK for OCR 21st Century 9-1 GCSE BIOLOGY B chapters B4-B6 This is a BIG website, you need to take time to explore it [SEARCH BOX] Use your mobile phone in 'landscape' orientation? See also OCR Gateway Sciences A Revision HELP Links email doc brown - query? or comment? For ALL other exam papers, use and bookmark the link below PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING POINTS before using my OCR GCSE 21st Century science B pages
In OCR 9-1 GCSE Twenty First Century Science B biology courses, note the following! Note: Combined Science Paper 04 assesses the contents of ALL the chapters of biology, chemistry and physics! Syllabus-specification CONTENT INDEX of revision summary notes (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) What's assessed in this paper? (for OCR 9-1 GCSE Twenty First Century Combined Science B biology papers) SUMMARY Chapter B1: You and your genes (separate page) Chapter B1.1 What is the genome and what does it do? Chapter B1.2 How is genetic information inherited? Chapter B1.3 How can and should gene technology be used? SUMMARY Chapter B2: Keeping healthy (separate page) Chapter B2.1 What are the causes of disease? Chapter B2.2 How do organisms protect themselves against pathogens? Chapter B2.3 How can we prevent the spread of infections? Chapter B2.4 How can lifestyle, genes and the environment affect my health? Chapter B2.5 How can we treat disease? SUMMARY Chapter B3: Living together – food and ecosystems (separate page) Chapter B3.1 What happens during photosynthesis? Chapter B3.2 How do producers get the substances they need? Chapter B3.3 How are organisms in an ecosystem interdependent? Chapter B3.4 How are populations affected by conditions in an ecosystem? SUMMARY Chapter B4: Using food and controlling growth (this page) Revision summary Chapter B4.1 What happens during cellular respiration? Revision summary Chapter B4.2 How do we know about mitochondria and other cell structures? Revision summary Chapter B4.3 How do organisms grow and develop? Revision summary Chapter B4.4 Should we use stem cells to treat damage and disease? SUMMARY Chapter B5: The human body – staying alive (this page) Revision summary Chapter B5.1 How do substances get into, out of and around our bodies? Revision summary Chapter B5.2 How does the nervous system help us respond to changes? Revision summary Chapter B5.3 How do hormones control responses in the human body? Revision summary Chapter B5.4 Why do we need to maintain a constant internal environment? Revision summary Chapter B5.5 What role do hormones play in human reproduction? Revision summary Chapter B5.6 What can happen when organs and control systems stop working? SUMMARY Chapter B6: Life on Earth – past, present and future (this page) Revision summary Chapter B6.1 How was the theory of evolution developed? Revision summary Chapter B6.3 How is biodiversity threatened and how can we protect it? SUMMARY Chapter BCP7: Ideas about Science (this page) IaS1 What needs to be considered when investigating a phenomenon scientifically? IaS2 What conclusions can we make from data? IaS3 How are scientific explanations developed? IaS4 How do science and technology impact society?
OCR GCSE (9–1) Twenty First Century Science COMBINED SCIENCE B biology papers Note: Combined Science Paper 04 assesses the contents of ALL the chapters of biology, chemistry and physics! Chapter B4: Using food and controlling growth (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B4 "Using food and controlling growth") Introduction to Chapter B4 (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) All living organisms depend on molecules of glucose obtained from photosynthesis (or from biomass obtained through food chains that start with photosynthetic organisms). The glucose is used for cellular respiration and in the synthesis of larger organic molecules used for growth. From your studies at earlier Key Stages, you should be familiar with the reactants and products of cellular respiration. In Topic B4.1 you study how cellular respiration increases the amount of energy associated with cellular energy stores, in particular molecules of ATP that are essential for many life processes. In Topic B4.2 you study briefly how we came to know what we do about organelles such as mitochondria, using the context of electron microscopy to illustrate the idea that some scientific explanations were only developed once a technological development made certain observations possible. In Topic B4.3 you study the links between growth in multicellular organisms to the division of cells during the cell cycle, and explores the nature of stem cells and the role of cell differentiation. As a development of ideas, learners consider how cancer results from changes in DNA that cause a loss of control of cell division. In Topic B4.4 you study the question of whether stem cells should be used to regenerate tissue and treat disease. From your Key Stages 1 to 3 science studies about on cellular respiration and growth you should ...
Chapter Topic B4.1 What happens during cellular respiration? (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B4 "Using food and controlling growth") Consumers gain biomass from other organisms when they eat them. Some of this biomass is converted into molecules of glucose, the fuel for cellular respiration. Cellular respiration involves many chemical reactions and makes molecules of ATP. It occurs in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of animal and plant cells, and in the cytoplasm of microorganisms. ATP is required for processes that are essential for life, including breakdown and synthesis of molecules, active transport and muscle contraction. Aerobic respiration breaks down glucose and combines the breakdown products with oxygen, making water and carbon dioxide (a waste product). In conditions of low or no oxygen (such as in human cells during vigorous exercise, plant root cells in waterlogged soil and bacteria in puncture wounds) anaerobic respiration occurs. There is a partial breakdown of glucose, producing fewer molecules of ATP. In animal cells and some bacteria, this produces lactic acid (a waste product). In plants and some microorganisms, including yeast, it produces ethanol and carbon dioxide. 1. Be able to compare the processes of aerobic and anaerobic respiration, including conditions under which they occur, the inputs and outputs, and comparative yields of ATP.
Keeping healthy - communicable diseases - pathogen infections including viruses and vaccination Calorimeter methods of determining energy changes and EXAMPLES of experiments you can do (GCSE chemistry) 2. Be able to explain why cellular respiration occurs continuously in all living cells. 3. Be able to explain how mitochondria in eukaryotic cells (plants and animals) are related to cellular respiration. 4. Be able to describe cellular respiration as an exothermic process. 5. (a) Be able to describe practical investigations into the effect of different substrates on the rate of respiration in yeast. 5. (b) Be able to carry out rate calculations for chemical reactions in the context of cellular respiration. Respiration - aerobic and anaerobic in plants and animals, investigations
Chapter Topic B4.2 How do we know about mitochondria and other cell structures? (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B4 "Using food and controlling growth") Scientific progress often relies on technological developments which enable new observations to be made. The invention of the electron microscope enabled us to observe cell organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts at much higher magnification than had previously been possible with light microscopes, and thus to develop explanations about how their structures relate to their roles in cellular processes. 1. Be able to explain how electron microscopy has increased our understanding of sub-cellular structures.
2. In the context of cells and sub-cellular structures be able to:
Introduction to plant and animal cell structure and function Microscopy - the development and use of microscopes in biology
Chapter Topic B4.3 How do organisms grow and develop? (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B4 "Using food and controlling growth") Growth of multicellular organisms involves an increase in the number of body cells. All new cells are created from existing cells when they divide. New body cells are created as part of the cell cycle. During interphase the cell grows larger, the numbers of organelles increase, and each chromosome is copied; then during mitosis the chromosome copies separate, the nucleus divides, and the cell divides to produce two new cells that are genetically identical to one another. Cancer is a non-communicable disease in humans caused by changes in a person’s DNA. The changes cause a cell to divide many times by mitosis, which can create a tumour. 1. (a) Be able to describe the role of the cell cycle in growth, including interphase and mitosis Cell division - cell cycle - mitosis, meiosis, sexual/asexual reproduction, binary fission 1. (b) Be able to describe how to use a light microscope to observe stages of mitosis.
2. Be able to describe cancer as the result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and division. An introduction to genetic variation and the formation and consequence of mutations Gametes are produced by meiosis, a different type of cell division. After interphase (during which the chromosome number has doubled), two meiotic divisions occur. Gametes contain half the number of chromosomes found in body cells (one chromosome from each pair). At fertilisation, maternal and paternal chromosomes pair up, so the zygote has the normal chromosome number. 3. Be able to explain the role of meiotic cell division in halving the chromosome number to form gametes, including the stages of interphase and two meiotic divisions. Cell division - cell cycle - mitosis, meiosis, sexual/asexual reproduction, binary fission
A zygote divides by mitosis to form an embryo. All of the cells in an embryo are initially identical and unspecialised; these are embryonic stem cells, and can become specialised to form any type of cell (differentiation) by switching genes off and on. Most cells in a human embryo become specialised after the eight cell stage. However, some (adult stem cells) remain unspecialised and can become specialised later to become many, but not all, types of cells. Cell division - cell cycle - mitosis, meiosis, sexual/asexual reproduction, binary fission In plants, only cells in meristems undergo mitosis, producing unspecialised cells that can develop into any kind of plant cell. 4. Be able to describe the function of stem cells in embryonic and adult animals and meristems in plants 5. Be able to explain the importance of cell differentiation, in which cells become specialised by switching genes off and on to form tissues with particular functions. CELL DIVISION - cell cycle - mitosis and meiosis in sexual reproduction Stem cells and an introduction to cell specialisation Microscopy - the development and use of microscopes in biology
Chapter Topic B4.4 Should we use stem cells to treat damage and disease? (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B4 "Using food and controlling growth") Stem cells offer the potential to treat patients by replacing damaged tissues or cells. But the benefits must be weighed against risks and ethical concerns about the use and destruction of human embryos to collect embryonic stem cells. For these reasons, use of stem cells in research and medicine is subject to government regulation in many countries. 1. Be able to discuss potential benefits, risks and ethical issues associated with the use of stem cells in medicine.
Stem cells and medical uses, and introduction to cell differentiation and specialisation
Chapter Topic B5: The human body - staying alive (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B5 "The human body - staying alive") Introduction to Chapter B5 (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B5 "The human body - staying alive") From previous study, you should appreciate that cells work together in multi-cellular organisms – in a hierarchy of cells, tissues, organs and systems – to support the functioning of each cell and of the organism as a whole. This chapter develops understanding of how cells and systems work together to support life in the human body. In Topic B5.1 you study how the substances essential for chemical reactions are transported into, out of and around the human body, and why exchange surfaces are necessary. In Topics B5.2 and B5.3 you study how the nervous and endocrine systems help the body to detect and respond to external and internal changes. Topic B5.4 illustrates the importance of maintaining a constant internal environment. In Topic B5.5 you study the essential role of hormones in human reproduction. In Topic B5.6 you study what can happen when certain structures and systems – including the regulation of blood sugar and the structures in the eye and neurons in the nervous system – go wrong. From your Key Stages 1 to 3 science studies about on the human body you should ...
Chapter Topic B5.1 How do substances get into, out of and around our bodies? (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B5 "The human body - staying alive") Oxygen, water and molecules from food are essential for chemical reactions in cells in the human body, including cellular respiration and synthesis of biomass. Carbon dioxide and urea are waste products that need to be removed from cells before they reach toxic levels. Moving these substances into, around and out of the body depends upon interactions between the circulatory, gaseous exchange, digestive and excretory systems. Oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse between blood in capillaries and air in alveoli. Water and dissolved food molecules are absorbed from the digestive system into blood in capillaries. Waste products including carbon dioxide and urea diffuse out of cells into the blood. Urea is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys into urine. Partially-permeable cell membranes regulate the movement of these substances; gases move across the membranes by diffusion, water by osmosis and some other substances by active transport. The heart, blood vessels, red blood cells and plasma are adapted to transport substances around the body. To sustain all the living cells inside humans and other multicellular organisms, exchange surfaces increase the surface area : volume ratio, and the circulatory system moves substances around the body to decrease the distance they have to diffuse to and from cells. 1. Be able to describe some of the substances transported into and out of the human body in terms of the requirements of cells, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, dissolved food molecules and urea.
2. Be able to explain how the partially-permeable cell membranes of animal cells are related to diffusion, osmosis and active transport. Diffusion, osmosis and active transport 3. Be able to describe the human circulatory system, including its relationships with the gaseous exchange system, the digestive system and the excretory system. Examples of surfaces for the exchange of substances in animal organisms 4. Be able to explain how the structure of the heart is adapted to its function, including cardiac muscle, chambers and valves. 5. Be able to explain how the structures of arteries, veins and capillaries are adapted to their functions, including differences in the vessel walls and the presence of valves. 6. Be able to explain how red blood cells and plasma are adapted to their functions in the blood. 7. Be able to explain the need for exchange surfaces and a transport system in multicellular organisms in terms of surface area : volume ratio
8. Be able to calculate surface area : volume ratios. Examples of surfaces for the exchange of substances in animal organisms
Chapter Topic B5.2 How does the nervous system help us respond to changes? (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B5 "The human body - staying alive") In order to survive, organisms need to detect and respond to changes in their external and internal environments. The highly adapted structures of the nervous system facilitate fast, short-lasting responses to stimuli. In a stimulated neuron, an electrical impulse passes along the axon. Most axons have a fatty sheath to increase impulse transmission speed. An impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another across a synapse by the release of transmitter substances, which diffuse across the gap and bind to receptors on the next neuron, stimulating it. 1. Be able to explain how the components of the nervous system work together to enable it to function, including sensory receptors, sensory neurons, the CNS, motor neurons and effectors. 2. Be able to explain how the structures of nerve cells and synapses relate to their functions.
Reflexes provide rapid, involuntary responses without involving a processing centre, and are essential to the survival of many organisms. In some circumstances the brain can modify a reflex response via a neuron to the motor neuron of the reflex arc (e.g. to stop us dropping a hot object). 3. (a) Be able to explain how the structure of a reflex arc, including the relay neuron, is related to its function. 3. (b) Be able to describe practical investigations into reflex actions An introduction to the nervous system - reflex arc
Chapter Topic B5.3 How do hormones control responses in the human body? (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B5 "The human body - staying alive") The endocrine system of humans and other animals uses hormones, secreted by glands and transported by the blood, to enable the body to respond to external and internal stimuli. Hormones bind to receptors on effectors, stimulating a response. The endocrine system provides slower, longer-lasting responses than the nervous system. (HT only) The production of hormones is regulated by negative feedback. 1. Be able to describe the principles of hormonal coordination and control by the human endocrine system 2. (HT only) Be able to explain the roles of thyroxine and adrenaline in the body, including thyroxine as an example of a negative feedback system. Hormone systems - Introduction to the endocrine system - adrenaline & thyroxine hormones
Chapter Topic B5.4 Why do we need to maintain a constant internal environment? (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B5 "The human body - staying alive") Cells, enzymes and life processes function only in certain conditions, and optimally when conditions are within a narrow range. The maintenance of a constant internal environment is homeostasis, and depends on receptors, nerves, hormones and (often antagonistic) effectors to counteract changes. 1. Be able to explain the importance of maintaining a constant internal environment in response to internal and external change.
Homeostasis - introduction to how it functions (negative feedback systems explained) Homeostasis - thermoregulation, control of temperature
Chapter Topic B5.5 What role do hormones play in human reproduction? (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B5 "The human body - staying alive") Hormones play a vital role in enabling sexual reproduction in humans: they regulate the menstrual cycle, including ovulation, in adult females. Without this process, sexual reproduction would not be possible. (HT only) A number of hormones interact to control the menstrual cycle:
1. Be able to describe the role of hormones in human reproduction, including the control of the menstrual cycle. Hormone Systems - menstrual cycle 2. (HT only) Be able to explain the interactions of FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone in the control of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle can be controlled artificially by the administration of hormones, often as an oral pill. The hormones prevent ovulation, so can be used as a contraceptive, but they do not decrease the risk of sexual transmission of communicable diseases. Hormone systems - menstrual cycle, contraception, fertility treatments 3. Be able to explain the use of hormones in contraception and evaluate hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception.
(HT only) Hormones can also be used to artificially manipulate the menstrual cycle as a treatment in certain cases of female infertility in which follicle development and ovulation do not occur successfully. The use of hormones to treat infertility is an example of an application of science that has made a significant positive difference to people’s lives. 4. (HT only) Be able to explain the use of hormones in modern reproductive technologies to treat infertility Ideas.
Hormone systems - menstrual cycle, contraception, fertility treatments
Chapter Topic B5.6 What can happen when organs and control systems stop working? (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B5 "The human body - staying alive") Blood sugar level is controlled by insulin and (HT only) glucagon acting antagonistically. Type 1 diabetes arises when the pancreas stops making insulin; blood sugar can be regulated using insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body no longer responds to its own insulin or does not make enough insulin; blood sugar can be regulated using diet (high in complex carbohydrates), exercise and insulin injections. 1. Be able to explain how insulin controls the blood sugar level in the body. 2. (HT only) Be able to explain how glucagon and insulin work together to control the blood sugar level in the body. 3. Be able to compare type 1 and type 2 diabetes and explain how they can be treated. Homeostasis - control of blood sugar level - insulin and diabetes Keeping healthy - diet and exercise, diabetes, body/mass/hip indexes
Chapter Topic B6: Life on Earth - past, present and future (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B6 "Life on Earth - past present and future") Introduction to Chapter B6 (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B6 "Life on Earth - past present and future") The modern explanation of evolution by natural selection is one of the central ideas in biology. The historical development of the explanation and its journey to widespread acceptance in the science community illustrate key Ideas about Science. You will study ideas about evolution in Key Stages 2 and 3, so by GCSE (9–1) you should be familiar with the concepts of variation (at phenotype level), adaptation, advantage, competition and natural selection. In Topic B6.1 you will begin to expand your understanding by linking variation to genetics, and the concept of evolution by natural selection is explored within the story of how the theory was developed, evaluated and modified by the scientific community. The topic considers the importance of evidence as the basis for widespread scientific acceptance of the theory, and probes reasons why some people may still not accept it. In Topic B6.2 you will study the effects that sexual and asexual reproduction have on evolution. In Topic B6.3 you study a brief examination of the impact that developments in scientific understanding have had on the way we classify the diversity of life on Earth today. In Topic B6.4 you study the impacts of human activities on the Earth’s biodiversity, the tremendous importance of protecting it, issues that affect decision making, and ways in which our understanding of science can help us to interact positively with ecosystems so that biodiversity and ecosystem resources are conserved for the future. Adaptations, lots of examples explained including extremophiles gcse biology revision notes From your Key Stages 1 to 3 science studies about evolution and biodiversity you should ...
Chapter Topic B6.1 How was the theory of evolution developed? (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B6 "Life on Earth - past present and future") The modern theory of evolution by natural selection combines ideas about genes, variation, advantage and competition to explain how the inherited characteristics of a population can change over a number of generations. It includes the ideas that:
Charles Darwin noticed that the selective breeding of plants and animals had produced new varieties with many beneficial characteristics, quite different to their wild ancestors. Most of what we eat, and our ability to feed the growing human population depends on selectively bred plants and animals. Darwin wondered whether a similar process of selection in nature could have created new species. The theory of evolution by natural selection illustrates how scientists continue to test a proposed explanation by making new observations and collecting new evidence, and how if the explanation is able to explain these it can become widely accepted by the scientific community. For example, the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria can be explained by mutation, advantage and natural selection. 1. Be able to state that there is usually extensive genetic variation within a population of a species. 2. Be able to recall that genetic variants arise from mutations, and that most have no effect on the phenotype, some influence phenotype and a very few determine phenotype. 3. Be able to explain how evolution occurs through natural selection of variants that give rise to phenotypes better suited to their environment. Adaptations, lots of examples explained including extremophiles 4. Be able to explain the importance of competition in a community, with regard to natural selection. 5. Be able to describe evolution as a change in the inherited characteristics of a population over a number of generations through a process of natural selection which may result in the formation of new species. 6. Be able to explain the impact of the selective breeding of food plants and domesticated animals. How to produce new varieties of plants The theory of evolution by natural selection was developed to explain observations made by Darwin, Wallace and other scientists, including:
7. Be able to describe how fossils provide evidence for evolution.
8. Be able to describe modern examples of evidence for evolution including antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The theory of evolution by natural selection illustrates how scientists continue to test a proposed explanation by making new observations and collecting new evidence, and how if the explanation is able to explain these it can become widely accepted by the scientific community. For example, the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria can be explained by mutation, advantage and natural selection.
Chapter Topic B6.2 How does our understanding of biology help us classify the diversity of organisms on Earth? (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B6 "Life on Earth - past present and future") The enormous diversity of organisms on Earth can be classified into groups on the basis of observed similarities and differences in their physical characteristics and, more recently, their DNA. We are more likely to classify species into the same group if there are lots of similarities in their genomes (i.e. if they have many genes, and genetic variants, in common). Genome analysis can also suggest whether different groups have a common ancestor, and how recently speciation occurred. 1. Be able to describe the impact of developments in biology on classification systems, including the use of DNA analysis to classify organisms
Chapter Topic B6.3 How is biodiversity threatened and how can we protect it? (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) (Revision for OCR GCSE 9–1 Twenty First Century Science Combined Science B biology paper 01, Topics for Chapter B6 "Life on Earth - past present and future") The biodiversity of the Earth, or of a particular area, is the combination of the diversity of living organisms, the diversity of genes these organisms have, and the diversity of ecosystems. The biodiversity of many areas is being reduced by activities related to increasing human population size, industrialisation and globalisation. Such interactions can result in ecosystems being damaged or destroyed, populations dying out, and species becoming extinct when conditions change more quickly than they can adapt. Humans can interact with ecosystems positively by using ecosystem resources in a sustainable way (at the same rate as they can be replaced), and by protecting and conserving biodiversity. All organisms, including humans, depend on other organisms and the environment for their survival. Protecting and conserving biodiversity will help ensure we can continue to provide the human population with food, materials and medicines. Biodiversity can be protected at different levels, including protection of individual species, protection of ecosystems, and control of activities that contribute to global climate change. Decisions about protecting and conserving biodiversity are affected by ecological, economic, moral and political issues. Carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle, decomposition - decay investigation, biogas Ecosystems - biotic & abiotic factors - interactions between organisms - interdependency Food chains, food webs, trophic levels and biomass Biodiversity, land management, waste management, maintaining ecosystems - conservation Food security - population growth and sustainability issues 1. Be able to describe both positive and negative human interactions within ecosystems and explain their impact on biodiversity.
2. Be able to explain some of the benefits and challenges of maintaining local and global biodiversity. 3. Be able to extract and interpret information related to biodiversity from charts, graphs and tables. Biodiversity, land management, waste management, maintaining ecosystems - conservation See also from GCSE chemistry notes about pollution and climate change Fossil fuel air pollution - incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide & soot particulates Pollution, Accidents and Economic Aspects of the Petrochemical Industry Greenhouse effect, global warming, climate change, carbon footprint from fossil fuel burning Fossil fuel air pollution - effects of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides
Chapter BCP7: Ideas about Science (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) OCR GCSE (9–1) Twenty First Century Science COMBINED SCIENCE B biology papers Chapter IaS1 What needs to be considered when investigating a phenomenon scientifically? The aim of science is to develop good explanations for natural phenomena. There is no single ‘scientific method’ that leads to good explanations, but scientists do have characteristic ways of working. In particular, scientific explanations are based on a cycle of collecting and analysing data. Usually, developing an explanation begins with proposing a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observed phenomenon (“this happens because…”). The hypothesis is used to make a prediction about how, in a particular experimental context, a change in a factor will affect the outcome. A prediction can be presented in a variety of ways, for example in words or as a sketch graph. In order to test a prediction, and the hypothesis upon which it is based, it is necessary to plan an experimental strategy that enables data to be collected in a safe, accurate and repeatable way. 1. in given contexts use scientific theories
and tentative explanations to develop and justify hypotheses and predictions 3. recognise the importance of scientific quantities and understand how they are determined 4. identify factors that need to be controlled, and the ways in which they could be controlled 5. suggest an appropriate sample size and/or range of values to be measured and justify the suggestion 6. plan experiments or devise procedures by constructing clear and logically sequenced strategies to: - make observations - produce or characterise a substance - test hypotheses - collect and check data - explore phenomena 7. identify hazards associated with the data collection and suggest ways of minimizing the risk 8. use appropriate scientific vocabulary, terminology and definitions to communicate the rationale for an investigation and the methods used using diagrammatic, graphical, numerical and symbolic forms
Chapter IaS2 What conclusions can we make from data? (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) The cycle of collecting, presenting and analysing data usually involves translating data from one form to another, mathematical processing, graphical display and analysis; only then can we begin to draw conclusions. A set of repeat measurements can be processed to calculate a range within which the true value probably lies and to give a best estimate of the value (mean). Displaying data graphically can help to show trends or patterns, and to assess the spread of repeated measurements. Mathematical comparisons between results and statistical methods can help with further analysis. 1. present observations and other data using
appropriate formats 3. when processing data use prefixes (e.g. tera, giga, mega, kilo, centi, milli, micro and nano) and powers of ten for orders of magnitude 4. be able to translate data from one form to another 5. when processing data interconvert units 6. when processing data use an appropriate number of significant figures 7. when displaying data graphically select an appropriate graphical form, use appropriate axes and scales, plot data points correctly, draw an appropriate line of best fit, and indicate uncertainty (e.g. range bars) 8. when analysing data identify patterns/trends, use statistics (range and mean) and obtain values from a line on a graph (including gradient, interpolation and extrapolation) Data obtained must be evaluated critically before we can make conclusions based on the results. There could be many reasons why the quality (accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility) of the data could be questioned, and a number of ways in which they could be improved. Data can never be relied on completely because observations may be incorrect and all measurements are subject to uncertainty (arising from the limitations of the measuring equipment and the person using it). A result that appears to be an outlier should be treated as data, unless there is a reason to reject it (e.g. measurement or recording error) 9. in a given context evaluate data in terms
of accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility, identify potential
sources of random and systematic error, and discuss the decision to discard or
retain an outlier 11. in a given context interpret observations and other data (presented in diagrammatic, graphical, symbolic or numerical form) to make inferences and to draw reasoned conclusions, using appropriate scientific vocabulary and terminology to communicate the scientific rationale for findings and conclusions 12. explain the extent to which data increase or decrease confidence in a prediction or hypothesis
Chapter IaS3 How are scientific explanations developed? (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) Scientists often look for patterns in data as a means of identifying correlations that can suggest cause-effect links – for which an explanation might then be sought. The first step is to identify a correlation between a factor and an outcome. The factor may then be the cause, or one of the causes, of the outcome. In many situations, a factor may not always lead to the outcome, but increases the chance (or the risk) of it happening. In order to claim that the factor causes the outcome we need to identify a process or mechanism that might account for the observed correlation. 1. use ideas about correlation and cause to: - identify a correlation in data presented as text, in a table, or as a graph - distinguish between a correlation and a cause-effect link - suggest factors that might increase the chance of a particular outcome in a given situation, but do not invariably lead to it - explain why individual cases do not provide convincing evidence for or against a correlation - identify the presence (or absence) of a plausible mechanism as reasonable grounds for accepting (or rejecting) a claim that a factor is a cause of an outcome.
Keeping healthy - communicable diseases - pathogen infections Keeping healthy - non-communicable diseases - risk factors for e.g. cancers Scientific explanations and theories do not ‘emerge’ automatically from data, and are separate from the data. Proposing an explanation involves creative thinking. Collecting sufficient data from which to develop an explanation often relies on technological developments that enable new observations to be made. As more evidence becomes available, a hypothesis may be modified and may eventually become an accepted explanation or theory. A scientific theory is a general explanation that applies to a large number of situations or examples (perhaps to all possible ones), which has been tested and used successfully, and is widely accepted by scientists. A scientific explanation of a specific event or phenomenon is often based on applying a scientific theory to the situation in question. 2. describe and explain examples of scientific methods and theories that have developed over time and how theories have been modified when new evidence became available.
Findings reported by an individual scientist or group are carefully checked by the scientific community before being accepted as scientific knowledge. Scientists are usually sceptical about claims based on results that cannot be reproduced by anyone else, and about unexpected findings until they have been repeated (by themselves) or reproduced (by someone else). Two (or more) scientists may legitimately draw different conclusions about the same data. A scientist’s personal background, experience or interests may influence his/her judgments. An accepted scientific explanation is rarely abandoned just because new data disagree with it. It usually survives until a better explanation is available. 3. describe in broad outline the ‘peer review’ process, in which new scientific claims are evaluated by other scientists. Models are used in science to help explain ideas and to test explanations. A model identifies features of a system and rules by which the features interact. It can be used to predict possible outcomes. Representational models use physical analogies or spatial representations to help visualise scientific explanations and mechanisms. Descriptive models are used to explain phenomena. Mathematical models use patterns in data of past events, along with known scientific relationships, to predict behaviour; often the calculations are complex and can be done more quickly by computer. Models can be used to investigate phenomena quickly and without ethical and practical limitations, but their usefulness is limited by how accurately the model represents the real world. 4. use a variety of models (including representational, spatial, descriptive, computational and mathematical models) to: - solve problems - make predictions - develop scientific explanations and understanding - identify limitations of models
Chapter IaS4 How do science and technology impact society? (OCR GCSE 21st century combined science suite biology) Science and technology provide people with
many things that they value, and which enhance their quality of life. However
some applications of science can have unintended and undesirable impacts on the
quality of life or the environment. Scientists can devise ways of reducing these
impacts and of using natural resources in a sustainable way (at the same rate as
they can be replaced). Everything we do carries a certain risk of accident or
harm. New technologies and processes can introduce new risks. The size of a risk
can be assessed by estimating its chance of occurring in a large sample, over a
given period of time. 1. describe and explain everyday examples and
technological applications of science that have made significant positive
differences to people’s lives 3. for a given situation: - identify risks and benefits to the different individuals and groups involved - discuss a course of action, taking account of who benefits and who takes the risks - suggest reasons for people’s willingness to accept the risk - distinguish between perceived and calculated risk. 4. suggest reasons why different decisions on the same issue might be appropriate in view of differences in personal, social, economic or environmental context, and be able to make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments. 5. distinguish questions that could in principle be answered using a scientific approach, from those that could not; where an ethical issue is involved clearly state what the issue is and summarise the different views that may be held. 6. explain why scientists should communicate their work to a range of audiences. Positive applications of science: Genetic engineering (B1.3) Monoclonal antibodies (B2.3, B2.6) Infertility treatment (B5.5) Stem cell therapy (B4.7, B5.6 HT only) Environmental conservation and sustainability (B6.4) Unintended impacts: Biodiversity loss (B6.4) Considering risks, benefits and ethical issues: Gene technology (B1.3) Disease prevention (B2.4) Risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (B2.5) Keeping healthy - communicable diseases - pathogen infections Keeping healthy - non-communicable diseases - risk factors for e.g. cancers
ALL OCR GCSE (Grade 9-1) Level 1/Level 2 TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SCIENCE B specifications and syllabus revision summary links Be aware that both Paper 1 and Paper 2 for biology, chemistry or physics assess content from ALL 6 chapters 1-6 !!! Paper 1 is called "Breadth in biology/chemistry/physics" and Paper 2 is called "Depth in biology/chemistry/physics" Watch out for HT Only sections AND make sure you know exactly which GCSE science course you are doing! See also OCR Gateway Sciences A Revision Links
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