BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science - Biological Systems

The biological systems topic consists of 6 assignments. Each assignment will be awarded a pass, merit or distinction. The assignments are marked according to the following criteria:

Assignment 1

Pass - construct simple identification keys and describe the main characteristics within the major classification group
Merit - explain the need to classify organisms
Distinction- discuss the characteristics which are used to distinguish the major groups

Assignment 2

Pass - describe an ecosystem investigated and indicate the types of interdependence of living things in it
Merit - describe examples of adaptations to the environment shown by organisms within the ecosystem.
Distinction - construct quantitative and qualitative diagrams to demonstrate the relationships between organisms living interdependently within an ecosystem

Assignment 3

Pass - describe the possible effect of human activities on the ecosystem investigated
Merit - describe the effect of these environmental changes over time and the means of measuring them
Distinction - analyse data relating to changes in the environment and explain how the environmental impact might be minimised in future

Assignment 4

Pass - describe the relationship between chromosomes, DNA and genes
Merit -describe (using examples) how variation within a species brings about evolutionary change
Distinction - explain how genes control variation within a species using a simple coded message

Assignment 5

Pass - identify and describe two examples of inherited conditions and diseases
Merit - identify the mechanisms by which these conditions and diseases are inherited
Distinction - investigate and describe the effectiveness of gene therapy to prevent inherited conditions and diseases

Assignment 6

Pass - describe the effects of four different factors which have a detrimental effect on human health
Merit -explain the mechanisms involved in disrupting body systems, for each of the examples chosen
Distinction - describe the social issues which arise from each of the conditions described

A merit will only be awarded if the evidence for the assignment covers both the criteria for pass and merit.
A distinction will only be awarded if the evidence for the assignment covers all the criteria for pass merit and distinction.