Maths in A-level Biology REVISION (OCR)

This engaging revision lesson has been designed to guide students through the numerous elements of the OCR A-level Biology A specification which challenge their mathematical skills. A good performance in these MATHS IN BIOLOGY questions across the three assessment papers can prove the difference between a number of grades and this resource provides the students with support and plenty of opportunities to apply their understanding. Both the provided and recall formulae are covered in this lesson and students can assess their progress against the displayed mark schemes with detailed explanations in order to identify any areas which require further attention.

The following mathematical skills and formulae are covered during this revision lesson:

• Hardy-Weinberg principle
• Chi-squared test
• Calculating magnification
• Converting between units of size
• Standard deviation
• Mean
• Estimating populations using sampling results
• Genetic diversity (polymorphic gene loci)
• Simpson’s Index of Diversity
• Percentages
• Percentage change
• Cardiac output
• Respiratory quotient
• Retention factor

The majority of the tasks are differentiated two ways, to allow students of differing abilities to access the work and the different quiz rounds such as “YOU DO THE MATH” and “Fill the VOID” will maintain engagement over the duration of this extensive lesson.

It is estimated that this lesson will take in excess of 2 hours teaching time to cover and can be used at different points of the course when these skills need to be tested and honed.