Review (1)

• A modular workbook reviewed by a Science PGCE student, University of Worcester

  The lay-out of this workbook has been formatted to support no specific curriculum and would be useful to AS and A2 students.
  
  The opening chapter explains how to complete an investigation using biological practices. Each aspect of the investigation is explained in detail and worked examples are provided to highlight points. There are opportunities within the examples to practise the skill or technique in question with the answers contained in a separate CD (not provided with the book). Some of the activities could be perceived as juvenile, such as a cut, sort and stick question, however the content level is high and would require deep understanding.
  
  The black and white nature in conjunction with the general lay-out of each page is positive preparation for exams and re-inforces the skills needed to answer questions accurately. The limited use of colour can be off-putting and there are often large sections of text to read with fairly small print. Never-the-less, there are possibilities for pages to be personalised by colouring the diagrams and annotating the text. The use of colour in some of the worked examples would be a benefit as it can be tricky to follow the processes and details at times.
  
  All the pages are removable from work book and will fit into an A4 folder. Each sub-topic within a chapter has a unique referencing code that informs the user on the type of content covered. This can be used to identify areas of skill in need of development.
  
  Frequently, each sub-topic has extended reading or supplementary items to support the concepts covered. These are from a number of textbooks and journals presented in the Harvard referencing format.
  
  The overall nature of the book is a condensed over-view of key aspects of biological investigation that is good value for money. Used effectively with other course-specific information, it could provide a stout foundation for further study in the field of biology
  
  Reviewed by Rachel Burton, Science PGCE student, University of Worcester

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  Rating:
  17:25
  29 January, 2009

  howarthsg