Experiments to expect in a life sciences school based assessment ?

1. Microscopy experiments: Students may be required to use microscopes to observe and analyze various biological samples, such as cells, tissues, or organisms.

2. Genetics experiments: Students may conduct experiments to study genetic inheritance patterns, gene expression, or genetic engineering techniques.

3. Biochemistry experiments: Students may perform experiments to study biochemical processes, such as enzyme kinetics, protein structure, or metabolic pathways.

4. Physiology experiments: Students may conduct experiments to study physiological processes in living organisms, such as respiration, circulation, or nerve function.

5. Ecology experiments: Students may design experiments to study interactions between organisms and their environment, such as population dynamics, community structure, or ecosystem function.

6. Molecular biology experiments: Students may perform experiments to study DNA replication, transcription, translation, or gene regulation.

7. Immunology experiments: Students may conduct experiments to study the immune response, such as antibody production, immune cell function, or immune system disorders.

8. Microbiology experiments: Students may perform experiments to study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and their role in disease, biotechnology, or environmental processes.

9. Evolutionary biology experiments: Students may design experiments to study evolutionary processes, such as natural selection, adaptation, or speciation.

10. Biotechnology experiments: Students may conduct experiments to study biotechnological techniques, such as genetic engineering, cloning, or gene editing.

Investigative Techniques:

- Microscopy: Examination of cells, tissues, and organisms using light or electron microscopes.
- Chromatography: Separation of mixtures into components based on their physical or chemical properties.
- Spectrophotometry: Measurement of the absorbance or transmittance of light through a sample.
- Titration: Determination of the concentration of an unknown solution by reacting it with a known concentration of another solution.
- DNA Extraction: Isolation of DNA from cells or tissues.

Biological Systems:

- Enzyme Activity: Investigation of the factors that affect enzyme activity, such as temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.
- Photosynthesis: Investigation of the process of photosynthesis in plants, including the role of light, carbon dioxide, and water.
- Respiration: Investigation of the process of cellular respiration, including the consumption of oxygen and production of carbon dioxide.
- DNA Amplification: Use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify specific regions of DNA.
- Gene Expression: Investigation of the factors that regulate gene expression, such as DNA methylation and transcription factors.

Organismal Studies:

- Behavioral Ecology: Observation of animal behavior in natural or laboratory settings to investigate factors such as courtship, territoriality, and predator-prey interactions.
- Population Ecology: Investigation of population parameters such as population size, growth rate, and carrying capacity.
- Ecosystem Ecology: Exploration of the interactions between organisms and their environment, including food webs, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity.
- Medical Microbiology: Identification and characterization of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Plant Physiology: Investigation of plant growth, development, and response to environmental factors, such as light, water, and nutrients.

Data Analysis and Communication:

- Statistical Analysis: Use of statistical methods to analyze and interpret experimental data.
- Graphical Representation: Creation of graphs and charts to present and summarize data.
- Scientific Report Writing: Preparation of written reports that communicate the results and conclusions of the investigation.