HSC Biology Question Thread

[kevin217]

Ahh i see thanks guys. Even though there is Y-Chromosome inheritance, the HSC would only be testing your understanding of X-chromosome inheritance.

[Skidous]

That is correct, I hope this helps

[lha]

For the verb "Design", for example "design an experiment", do you only provide a procedure or do you give aim, hypothesis, procedure, equipment, results and variables?

[naomisirmai]

So, to summarise the above discussion about sex-linkage:

- Sex-linked characteristics are ones found either on the X or the Y chromosome
- X-linked conditions are much more common than Y-linked conditions
- In X-linked conditions, females can be carriers (as they have a spare X) whilst males cannot be - they either have the disease or they don't
- You *could* be asked about Y-linked conditions. These are *impossible* for females to get as females have no Y chromosome. Furthermore, males cannot be carriers.

[naomisirmai]

For the verb "Design", for example "design an experiment", do you only provide a procedure or do you give aim, hypothesis, procedure, equipment, results and variables?

The whole thing! Not just the method. Aim, hypothesis, equipment, variables, risk assessment and method.
You might not have the results - particularly if it's an experiment that you have not done. In this case, do not include any.

[lha]

The whole thing! Not just the method. Aim, hypothesis, equipment, variables, risk assessment and method.
You might not have the results - particularly if it's an experiment that you have not done. In this case, do not include any.

Okay so for example for the question:

A new product has been developed to kill pathogens in drinking water.
Design an experiment to test the effectiveness of the product.
(4 marks)

Would I say:
Hypothesis: there will be less pathogens remaining in the sample of water after the product has been applied.
Aim: to test the effectiveness of the new product
Method: .....

Im conflicted as to what i would write for the hypothesis as the question states that it is a "new product" so how can you make an educated guess?

Also what would the method be?

[Skidous]

For the verb "Design", for example "design an experiment", do you only provide a procedure or do you give aim, hypothesis, procedure, equipment, results and variables?

There is actually a part of the syllabus right at the beginning which is all the skills for science (with regards to research and pracs) so to add onto what Naomi said you should look into those as well to make sure you answer the question properly

[lha]

There is actually a part of the syllabus right at the beginning which is all the skills for science (with regards to research and pracs) so to add onto what Naomi said you should look into those as well to make sure you answer the question properly

Okay thank you

[lha]

Also, when you write the method, can you do it in number point form or do you have to describe it?

[Skidous]

Okay so for example for the question:

A new product has been developed to kill pathogens in drinking water.
Design an experiment to test the effectiveness of the product.
(4 marks)

Would I say:
Hypothesis: there will be less pathogens remaining in the sample of water after the product has been applied.
Aim: to test the effectiveness of the new product
Method: .....

Im conflicted as to what i would write for the hypothesis as the question states that it is a "new product" so how can you make an educated guess?
(Most Hypotheses have a format of If (independent variable) then (dependent variable) Because (explanation/reason))
Also what would the method be?

You would need to write a hypothesis such as
If this product is added to water then pathogens would be not present in the water because it is designed to work like this


Then the method would go through testing the type of pathogens and the amount of said pathogen the product removes

You also need to include variables and a risk assessment

[naomisirmai]

Also, when you write the method, can you do it in number point form or do you have to describe it?

Always number form! It's a list of steps, like cooking.

[Skidous]

Also, when you write the method, can you do it in number point form or do you have to describe it?

Also the equipment should be in dot points and include measurements
I.e if you need water for plants state 200ml of water
But if you have 5 plants and they need 200ml every day for a week then it would be
5x1000ml of water and then in the method state how much you need per day (sorta like a shopping list you state the total amount used for one and how many times you need that amount)

Hope this Helps

[vox nihili]

What do you need in your method though? As in, what are the critical factors that make a good experiment?

[Skidous]

What do you need in your method though? As in, what are the critical factors that make a good experiment?

For HSC the method just needs to describe the steps carried out in the experiment, it should have specific steps/instructions into how it should be carried out and what needs to happen there aren't any really critical factors other than making sure the experiment is reasonable and could be carried out in a laboratory of school standard (so not being something that isn't possible if done by a school like using the Large Hadron Collider)

[lha]

Also the equipment should be in dot points and include measurements
I.e if you need water for plants state 200ml of water
But if you have 5 plants and they need 200ml every day for a week then it would be
5x1000ml of water and then in the method state how much you need per day (sorta like a shopping list you state the total amount used for one and how many times you need that amount)

Hope this Helps

Yes that helps thank you!