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To fulfill VCAA authentication requirements all work must be individual and the student's own work. All students must keep a comprehensive record of all planning steps in their logbook as evidence.
Background Information
Background Information
Enzymes are biological catalysts which aid in facilitating chemical reactions in living organisms. Enzymes are needed to support metabolic pathways that allow cellular function and enable organisms to survive in a range of environments. Some of these biological processes, depending on the type of organism, include photosynthesis, cellular respiration, digestion and many other important life processes. When enzymes function properly, organisms function properly, however, if an enzyme is lacking or is not working correctly, this can result in a disease or the death of the organism. During this practical investigation you will look at how the function of an enzyme can be altered and what impact this might have on the functioning of an organism.
Planning your Experimental Focus
Planning your Experimental Focus
Scientific investigations always begin with a research question that you want to answer. An effective research question is specific and can be answered by performing your research or investigation using the resources and equipment that you have available to you.
Further information about developing a research question and conducting background research can be found on page 181-184 in your textbook.
Planning your Experimental Design
Planning your Experimental Design
Scientific investigations are undertaken using many different methodologies, or broader approach taken to test your research question or hypothesis. Methodologies include:
Classification and identification
Controlled experiment
Correlational study
Fieldwork
Modelling
Product, process or system development
Simulation
These methodologies are outlined on p185 - 194 in your textbook.
Planning your Experimental Set-up
Planning your Experimental Set-up
A well developed plan is integral to the success of a scientific investigation. Key questions to ask when developing your plan include:
What is my hypothesis?
What data will I need to collect?
When and where will I collect the data?
How will the data be analysed?
What materials and equipment do I need?
What are the independent and dependent variables?
Have I identified all the variables that could influence my results?
What are the possible risks to you, to other people, to the environment or to property?
Additional information about planning an experiment are outlined on page 194-199 in the textbook, including a discussion about different types of data and minimising error.
Health, safety and ethics
Health, safety and ethics
Health and safety considerations are essential when planning an experiment to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Key questions to answer are:
How likely is it that there will be an injury or damage?
If there is an injury or damage to property or the environment, how serious are the consequences likely to be?
Ethics is a system of moral principles that considers what is 'good' and 'bad' at a societal level. Bioethics is ethics in the context of biological research. You should always consider the ethical guidelines relevant to your investigation whilst planning. Additional information about ethical considerations are outlined on p201-202 in your textbook.
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