1. Higher Biology Unit 1: Cell biology Unit 2: Genetics & Adaptations
Unit 3: Control & Regulation

2. Higher Biology Exam Paper Format Marks Section A 30 Multiple Choice 30
Section B Short answer
Section C Extended Answers 20
___
Total
Problem solving and Practical Abilities make up 33% of Section A & B = 40 Marks.
Bring the basics : Pen, pencils, rubber, ruler and calculator.

3. Higher Biology Exam Tips
Look at the essay questions but don’t do the essay.
Start the paper but takes notes on the essays as you go through it.
Time your paper.
Check the number of marks for each question and answer appropriately.
Sweep through the paper.
DO NOT get STUCK on any question.
Go back to hard questions and work on them at end.
Leave time to do the essays.
At least 10 minutes for each one.
Make sure you do TWO
7. Multiple choice questions
Remember there is only 1 correct answer and 3 distractors.
Cover up the answer and work out the correct one.
Make sure you answer all questions.

4. 8. Be accurate in your answers, to two decimal places.
Include units in measurements.
Make sure graphs have labelled axes and units.
Take up at least 50 % of graph paper.
Scale is regular.
DO NOT GO through ZERO unless there is a cross there
Use pencil
Make sure you can do
percentages
averages
ratios
10. If asked to - explain – account for - describe - use more than a few words.
11. Do NOT use etc.
12. If you finish before the time , spend it going over the paper and try to improve your answers.

5. … problem solving is no problem!
You will practice the following areas:
Selecting information
Presenting information
Processing information
Experimental procedures

6. Selecting information
Questions usually start with:
From the graph, calculate the difference between..
Use values from the graph to describe the effect of…
Always read the questions carefully – ALL of it!
The variable being changed is always on the X axis
What is being measured in on the Y…
ALWAYS use the units in your answer
Watch out for double Y axis with different scales... Use the key
Use a ruler to measure off points
Calculate the scale by seeing how much 1 small scale is worth
When asked to DESCRIBE a trend always use VALUES from the GRAPH

7. Presenting information
Questions usually ask you to present information that has been provided in a table in the form of a graph – usually a line graph.
Continuous variable = line graph Discontinuous variable = bar chart
Top Tips…
Check the question for details to draw a line or bar graph
Marks are awarded for correctly labelling the axis with units, plotting the points and joining the points with a straight line using a ruler
Appropriate scale uses 50% or more of the available graph paper
Label each axis with same wording as in the results table headings
Double check your plotting points as one wrong point can throw the rest out
Be careful to check if there is a ‘0’ value to plot

8. Processing Information
The most common questions ask you to calculate percentages, ratios and averages
Express a number as a %:
Number needed as a % X 100
Total
b) Percentage change – increase or decrease: Allows a fair comparison
Step 1: calculate the change – increase or decrease
Step 2: express this value as a %
Change (increase or decrease) X 100
Original starting value

9. Processing Information
Ratios
Used as a comparison of values. As a simple (smallest) whole number ratio.
Obtain the numbers from the question
Make sure you write them in the same order as the question
Simply them by dividing the larger number by the smaller one
If this fails to give a whole number you need to find an number that will divide into both numbers

10. Experimental Procedure
You will be tested on your ability to answer the following:
Give a reason why the experiment was repeated
Give one precaution taken to ensure that the results would be valid
Describe a suitable control
Explain why a control experiment was necessary
Why is it a good experimental procedure to do …?
What precautions should be taken to minimise errors?
Why would an experiment be left for ‘X’ length of time?
Reliability, variables, fairness, validity, controls, measurements required, sources of error, suggested improvements, draw conclusion, make predictions…

11. Repeat to Obtain an Average to increase Reliability
Top Tips…
Reliability = Repeated/many samples/readings
R.O.A.R 
Repeat to Obtain an Average to increase Reliability
Validity = only one variable is altered
Control experiment = allows comparison
Left for ‘X’ length of time = To allow ‘Y’ to take place
Never, never, never, never NEVER use the word… AMOUNT!!!!

12. Extended Response Questions
Unstructured
Divide into parts and answer each part in a paragraph or use subheadings.
Keep to the question asked – keep re reading the question
The answer must be relevant and the facts accurate
Look at the marks allocated to the question. If it is worth 5 marks then at least 6 points.
Sometimes two points are needed for 1 mark
If no marks are given for each part of a question then try to work out how they are being allocated.