Unit 1 tests your undersatanding of how to work as a scientist. The specification points are listed below.

There will be no flashcards for this section as most is covered in other units.

1.1.1 Planning
Learners should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of:
(a) experimental design, including to solve problems set in a practical context Including selection of suitable apparatus, equipment and techniques for the proposed experiment. Learners should be able to apply scientific knowledge based on the content of the specification to the practical context.
(b) identification of variables that must be controlled, where appropriate.
(c) evaluation that an experimental method is appropriate to meet the expected outcomes.

1.1.2 Implementing
Learners should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of:
(a) how to use a wide range of practical apparatus and techniques correctly As outlined in the content of the specification and the skills required for the Practical Endorsement.
(b) appropriate units for measurements
(c) presenting observations and data in an appropriate format.

1.1.3 Analysis
Learners should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of:
(a) processing, analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative experimental results Including reaching valid conclusions, where appropriate.
(b) use of appropriate mathematical skills for analysis of quantitative data Refer to Section 5 for a list of mathematical skills that learners should have acquired competence in as part of the course.
(c) appropriate use of significant figures
(d) plotting and interpreting suitable graphs from experimental results, including:
(i) selection and labelling of axes with appropriate scales, quantities and units
(ii) measurement of gradients and intercepts.

1.1.4 Evaluation
Learners should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of:
(a) how to evaluate results and draw conclusions
(b) the identification of anomalies in experimental measurements
(c) the limitations in experimental procedures
(d) precision and accuracy of measurements and data, including margins of error, percentage errors and uncertainties in apparatus
(e) refining experimental design by suggestion of improvements to the procedures and apparatus.