GCSE: Biology Essays, Coursework and Assignments

"#1# The student has described cloning and given examples where this occurs both in nature and in the scientific laboratory. The student has begun to analyse the use of cloning in depth and has shown some knowledge of the ethics behind this controversial topic. #2# Throughout the essay the student uses appropriate and detailed examples to illustrate the point they are making, for example describing Dolly the sheep as well as some less well known mammal clones. The student recognises that cloning of an organism isn’t a new concept and that cloning exists naturally as in asexual reproduction of plants such as potatoes (as they mentioned). However, they don’t mention that bacteria and other organisms can reproduce asexually to produce identical clones of the original organism. Also mammals undergo mitosis which is also a natural form of cloning. To improve the student should include more detail on asexual reproduction. The student has clearly thought about the advantages of cloning mammals and their uses in medicine or to replace endangered animals. In the section about human cloning the student gives both arguments, although could have gone in to some more detail about the ethics behind cloning. The student also comments on the problems of cloning in the laboratory and gives accurate figures to support this. #3# The student’s grammar and spelling are great throughout, although in some places the essay is a little informal. Also using the word “organism” instead of “living thing” would be more appropriate. "

"#1# This is a generally detailed and well researched piece of coursework that is factually accurate, but contains omissions that are needed to explain more than one point. The author discusses possible uses of gene therapy and genetic engineering in some detail, but their explanation of how viral vectors would be transferred fails to point out that the vectors have to be transferred directly to where there is a problem; breathing them in is only useful if the problem is in your lungs. However, they did clearly and simply explain how various treatments can work, and this was very useful. They used both examples where gene therapy has been shown to work (SCID) and where its uses so far are limited (cystic fibrosis). #2#This coursework contained an excellent amount of detail, and thoroughly explored the possibilities of genetic engineering in the future, analysing them in detail. The paragraph on cystic fibrosis contained a particularly thorough analysis of both the disease and the attempts at relieving it using gene therapy. The paragraphs on bacterial growth covered a lot of material beyond the syllabus and were factually accurate, both of which are excellent features. However, they seemed out of place, and could have been better integrated into the essay using as sentence at the beginning such as “The growth rate of bacteria is of scientific importance in this industry because they are required for the production of chemicals to be used in gene therapy.” This sentence could be altered to explain whatever purpose the bacteria had that the author felt was a key part of gene therapy. #3#The quality of writing is good; sentences make sense, punctuation, grammar and spelling are accurate. The author makes good use of technical vocabulary, using it correctly and providing an explanation of words that shows they understand their meaning. However, the author does not have a clear introduction, nor do they explain that they are writing this report as a “company”. The latter feature is somewhat confusing, and not something I would recommend. The piece suffers slightly as a result, and would be better if the development of gene therapies by companies was simply a topic covered in the report. Ideally the author should have linked their bibliography to particular points in the report using superscripted numbers or endnotes. Overall the piece is detailed and well researched, covering all the main points in plenty of detail, with few omissions and no factual errors."

"#1#The student has answered the set question very well and the whole essay is very well set out, although the technical terms and scientific reasoning in the essay are basic. Their responses are very clear and well set out, and they answered the set question well, showing reasoning behind their prediction and clear thinking as to the process and each stage of the experiment. I would liked to have seen more scientific reasoning behind what happens during osmosis and clearer links between membrane permeability and sucrose concentrations. #2#They show analytical skills accurately and well for this level of qualification. Their prediction which is their evaluation of the experiment shows correct scientific understanding and analysis of the experiment, and this continues throughout the essay. An appropriate prediction conclusion has been reached based on the background given in the initial stages of the essay to what will actually happen in the experiment. #3#The spelling is okay although uses 'insure' instead of the correct use 'ensure' in some places, also uses incorrect spellings elsewhere although these are rare and the meaning of the writing is still very clear. The grammar is fine and well communicated as is the punctuation. They follow conventions and expectations better than expected for this level of GCSE student, and although the technical terms are still at GCSE level, the outline of the essay shows high understanding of what the outline of scientific coursework at A level standard would look like."

"#1# This essay is excellent in investigating the effect of salt concentration on osmosis in potato cells in that it introduces the investigation, provides relevant background information, lists out clear and simple procedures, presents the data collected in a coherent manner and even justifies conclusions using data collected in a insightful manner. The essay introduces the aim of experiment clearly at the beginning and crafts the procedure to test this aim. The writer provides an elaborate hypothesis, detailing 3 different outcomes and justifies these outcomes using relevant scientific theory. The materials and apparatus section actually not just lists equipment used but also mentions other details such as quality, quantity, concentration and other details where relevant. Coupled with very simple procedures, the report also presents data very neatly and coherently. In the conclusion, the writer follows up on the data collected to conclude, justifying each conclusion with data. In the end, the writer actually provides real-life applications of the theory employed in the report. However, one note of improvement could be to include the concept of independent, dependent and control variables. #2# The report definitely exceeds expectations in several aspects of analysis but also needs more improvement in other aspects. For example, the investigating question needs more improvement as it is rather inaccurate and blur in focus, simply asking “what will happen…” which could be put forward in a more scientific manner as “what is the effect of…” as mentioned by the writer in the title itself. However, the hypothesis section is very well done and can score well among markers as the writer elaborates on each situation that might arise instead of just listing them. All tables show data with consistent number of decimal values, the correct units, proper headings so the report scores on data presentation as well, but to improve the uncertainties of instruments can be indicate. One shortcoming of the report is its lack of depth in the evaluation section. The report discusses the data but could also analyse the trends and other technical details of the data. The report suggests a minor improvement to the experimental procedure but more of such improvements could have been suggested. The writer also does well in extending the report to real-life application, which is commendable. #3# The whole report has an excellent presentation. There are very few grammar or spelling errors but even these are not glaring errors. The use of technical terms is adequate and the report explains the biology behind the whole report, detailing the theory on osmosis very well. The report could perhaps be improved by defining the technical terms to a greater extent. "

"#1# Overall, this is a very good piece, with clear understanding of the topic, with lots of facts and explanations showing understanding of what you are talking about. There is a good explanation and history of DNA, with appropriate facts, as well as a good expansion on the topic with information on replication with meiosis and mitosis as well, which helps demonstrate your knowledge of the entire syllabus, but is not out of place on the topic of DNA, as it adds more information over and above what is expected. Images also help accompany the detailed explanation and are well placed within the piece. #2# Technical language is used extensively throughout the piece, but is sparse enough to make the piece readable. Pictures and facts are used to support structured points which are developed throughout, as well as explained to demonstrate your understanding. I would either remove or rewrite the final conclusion, as it seems very informal, in contrast to the rest of the piece and seems to lower the tone slightly, which is a shame as this is an intelligent piece, as you have shown you understand the topic, as well as related information in the syllabus, such as meiosis and mitosis. #3# My only negative comments on this piece are on the level of English portrayed in the piece. You clearly have shown your intelligence, but the short sentences and lack of flow between some sentences lets you down. If you restructure your sentences a bit more, and rebuild a sentence rather than tacking an extra bit on the end, it will read a lot better and make the piece look far more sophisticated."