Two to three compulsory questions assessing Planning (P), Manipulation/Measurement/Observation (MMO), Presentation of Data/Observations (PDO), and Analysis/Conclusions/Evaluation (ACE). No notes allowed; approved calculators permitted.
One or two compulsory questions per science. Includes a modification/extension element worth \(10-20 \%\) of Paper 5. No reference material except the Chemistry Practical Notes issued inside the paper; calculators allowed.
Skill balance (6093 Paper 3). Planning carries 15 % of the marks; MMO + PDO + ACE make up the remaining 85 % (SEAB 2025 syllabus).
Skill focus (Combined Science Paper 5). Same four strands apply, but the modification/extension task typically probes your ability to suggest a plausible tweak or follow-up investigation (SEAB 2026 syllabus).
2 | What actually shows up in Pure Biology Paper 3
Expect SEAB’s core practical experiences to be recycled in different combinations (SEAB 2025 syllabus).
Enzyme investigations: e.g., measuring catalase or amylase activity; tracking colour change or gas evolution.
Gas exchange/respiration: hydrogencarbonate indicator tubes, methylene blue, simple respirometers.
Water relations: Visking tubing osmosis setups, weighing cores.
Plant & animal material handling: Use mounted needles, scalpels, forceps safely; may involve leaf epidermis peels or animal tissue (no prohibited sampling).
Observation and drawing: Recognise unfamiliar specimens, draw accurate line diagrams with labels and magnification.
Quantitative measurements: Use thermometer, syringes, measuring cylinders, rulers, balances to sensible precision.
Data-loggers: Be ready to justify how you’d deploy probes; appropriate use can be probed under Planning.
Remember: notebooks/textbooks are banned; misuse of units or significant figures is penalised (SEAB 2025 syllabus).
3 | Combined Science Paper 5 biology tasks
Paper 5 is shared with Physics or Chemistry depending on your combination. Biology segments usually ask you to (SEAB 2026 syllabus):
Perform food tests, enzyme investigations, or diffusion/osmosis experiments.
Handle biological materials with basic apparatus. E.g. test tubes, droppers, syringes, hand lens.
Record observations meticulously and interpret data (tables, graphs, unfamiliar contexts).
Suggest a modification/extension - e.g., how to improve accuracy or apply the method to a related question (worth 10−20% of Paper 5).
Execute simple measurement tasks (1mm precision with a ruler, consistent decimal places in calculations).
Only the Chemistry Practical Notes booklet is supplied; no other reference materials are allowed (SEAB 2026 syllabus).
4 | Logistics - 2025 shift timings to note
Combined Science Paper 5 (all variants 5086/5087/5088). Thursday 9 October 2025; run in four shifts (08:00–09:30, 10:00–11:30, 12:00–13:30, 14:00–15:30) (2025 timetable).
Pure Biology 6093 Paper 3. Tuesday 14 October 2025; four shifts (08:00–09:50, 10:20–12:10, 12:40–14:30, 15:00–16:50) (2025 timetable).
Schools will confirm your assigned shift; plan transport accordingly and arrive early with ID, writing instruments, and an approved calculator.
Combined Science apparatus/reagents are published in the 5086/5087/5088 syllabuses and may vary yearly, but overlap heavily with the list above (SEAB 2026 syllabus).
6 | How to translate the skill bands into marks
Skill
In the exam this means…
Planning (P)
State the independent/dependent variables and key controls; outline a feasible procedure; explain how you'll use the data; identify hazards with real precautions.
MMO
Set up apparatus correctly, collect measurements/observations to appropriate precision, and note timing/stages accurately.
PDO
Present tables with headings/units, keep decimal places consistent, and plot graphs with sensible scales and labelled axes.
ACE
Analyse data (averages, rates, comparisons), draw conclusions linked to evidence, identify significant errors/limitations, and propose realistic improvements.
Line drawings should be single, clean lines with clear labels and magnification. Failure to match instrument precision or include units can cost PDO marks even when the method is correct (SEAB 2025 syllabus).
7 | Quick wins and common pitfalls
Variables in planning. Always name IV, DV, key controls, and at least one meaningful risk + mitigation.
Observation language. Replace “positive/negative” with what you saw (colour, precipitate behaviour, bubbles, odour).
Biological drawings. Labels must be horizontal, lines should not sketch; include estimated magnification (image size ÷ actual size).
Sig. figs. discipline. Match data processing to instrument resolution (e.g., 0.1∘C,1mm,0.01g). Over-rounding is penalised.
Modification tasks (Combined Science). Suggest improvements that are actually executable in a school lab; avoid unrealistic equipment or steps that contradict exam constraints.
8 | Final prep checklist
I can plan investigations with clear variables, data use, and precaution statements.
I have rehearsed food tests, enzyme kinetics, hydrogencarbonate indicator usage, and microscope drawings with magnification.
My data tables and graphs consistently include units and correct decimal places/significant figures.
I can identify major experimental errors and propose targeted improvements.
I know my practical shift time and have my calculator, writing kit, and lab-appropriate attire ready.
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