GCSE biology coursework is one of the most important exercises a student would undertake in school. Key skills need to be developed to meet General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) specifications appropriate to biology. These skills include developing advance research skills, communication, team work, self improvement in areas of problem solving, and performance. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has stressed on a program of study meeting certain criteria for science subjects like biology. Students can complete coursework effectively if they adapt to these criteria while compiling biology essays or coursework. Some of these guidelines have been listed below.
1. Students can opt to go to college after completing their GCSE, but several opt for employment and then decide whether to pursue further studies. This aspect has been considered and needs to be incorporated into the GCSE biology coursework. Focus should be on gaining knowledge, understanding, and skills which could be used in a working environment. Science works every day in our lives, and laboratory work can help in clarifying doubts about interpretation of the scientific principles involved.
2. Equal emphasis should be laid on knowing and understanding substantive content like scientific facts. These should be combined with expertise in interpreting procedures. Students have the option of following either an applied science program or a separate GCSE Biology course. The coursework would vary as per the program opted for, but some content and essay writing exercises would be common to all students.
3. Unlike a GCSE English coursework, using just text would not get us that far in understanding the practical aspects of biology. Using labeled diagrams in coursework would go a long way in clarifying subject matter. You need to memorize as many diagrams as possible. For example, the human digestive system does not change but does have terminology to memorize. Understanding each term in terms of its meaning, application, and other attributes would make writing coursework easier.
4. Advanced studies on the human body, animals and plants are conducted to increase life expectancy and growth. The concepts can get complicated, especially if a study has not been covered in class. Students should therefore plan out their assignments in detail and approach teachers for clarification on difficult areas of understanding.
5. There is a need to revise earlier learned concepts. For example, students would be expected to know the difference between animal and plant cells. Knowledge about the different kinds of cells in our body is required to write about subsidiary topics based on these principles.
6. Choosing a topic that could be substantiated with lab work is important. Students need to work within the curriculum while choosing a topic. Writing custom essays on biology that would involve experimentation beyond the scope of students in school should be avoided. Biology is the study of information that has been scientifically proved and verified. Students do not have to prove their skills by indulging in research.
7. Follow the trend of choosing popular topics. It would help in writing GCSE biology coursework effectively. Respiration, photosynthesis, plant metabolism, gene technology, and osmosis are some of the popular topics chosen for coursework. If a new topic needs to be explored, a sub topic could be chosen.
