Practical exams (1 Viewer)

[Michaelmoo]

Ok. So with practical exams (that is doing a prac and answerign questions). I know they have a lot of skill based work (such as graphing etc). Things that are usually not explicitly in the syllabus but are just expected.

What is the best way to prepare for these things and practical exams in general? What resources are most useful?

Sure you can read over pracs, but what else can be done?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dp624]

Not much really; try to get a hold on the previous years' practicals.
Also, I reckon, actually _do_ the pracs in class when you have them. Not that I'm saying you don't - i know people who've gotten pwn't because the bludged the practical.
Other than that, just general science skills and nitpicking i expect.

 

[Michaelmoo]

Sounds useful. Thanks.

 

[annabackwards]

What dp said.

Also, study the actual method of the prac, how to record your results (what must be in the table usually) as well as your discussion for the prac IE why you got the results and how you could improve them (accuracy and reliability).

 

[youngminii]

In first hand practical exams, they like to ask you 'assess what 'caused the errors in your results' or something like that as a big question. They also asked me 'If this and this were different in this way, how would the results differ/what other method would you use?' Also: Graphing skills and using the gradient to find a certain value.

In second hand data exams, they want you to understand what's happening (they give you a vivid description). Graphs, tables, and a crapload of different questions.

Reliability, usefulness, accuracy etc.
Able to provide a good discussion in a practical is priceless -> Talking about the faults of anything and everything in the practical and how to improve them.

 

[Michaelmoo]

Ok. Thanks.