Blurb
This Biology program is a comprehensive O level and C.S.E. revision course.
The first part of the program is the inter-related tutorial/test section. Fully-illustrated tutorials explain the major topics of the syllabus clearly. Each tutorial is followed by a test of 10 questions on the material which has just been covered. If you have difficulties with a particular question, the computer returns to you to the relevant tutorial screen to show you where you went wrong.
When you are scoring at least 75% on the test questions in all 11 tutorials, you are ready to go on to the second part of the program, the examination. This consists of 30 questions (randomly selected by the computer from its store) to be answered within half an hour. Exam conditions are simulated by the computer: a clock displays elapsed time, and when time is up, the exam is automatically ended. Within the time limit, you can review and change your answers.
A special feature of the test and exam sections is the 'scratchpad'. This is a portion of the screen which you can call up for notes and jottings.
Topics covered in this pack: Cells, Photosynthesis, Food cycles and feeding, Digestion, Blood and circulation, Respiration, Growth, Plant biology, The nervous system, Reproduction.
Loading The Program
When the program is loaded, the computer will give a short beep and the title and credits screen will appear. Press SPACE as requested and the Main Menu is displayed:
| IVAN BERG SOFTWARE REVISE GCE/CSE BIOLOGY |
| Which section do you wish to load? 1. Life 2. Plants & Parasites 3. Food Cycles 4. Food & Feeding 5. Digestion 6. Blood & Circulation 7. Growth & Movement 8. Osmosis & Transpiration 9. Senses & Nerves 10. Reproduction 11. Genetics & Evolution 12. EXAMINATION Enter choice: _ |
If you are loading from tape, replace the program cassette with the data cassette when prompted by the program. Ensure that it is rewound. Make sure that the correct side of the cassette is uppermost for the section you are loading. Sections 1-6 are on side 1 of the data cassette and sections 7-11 are on side 2.
Select your option and press RETURN. If you selected option 1, the screen will display LOADING BIO1, and a changing counter. If your cassette deck does not have motor control, press STOP on tape when prompted.
When the file you selected has loaded, the first screen is displayed. This is the first screen in BIO1:
| BIOLOGY 1 LIFE Tutorial Press _SPACE_BAR_ What is special about living organisms? They do all of these: Take in materials: FEED RESPOND to changes Increase in size: GROW Remove wastes: EXCRETE Use energy: RESPIRE Change position: MOVE Produce new organisms: REPRODUCE CONTROL their internal conditions. In simple organisms, the whole 'Body' does all of these. |
Introduction
This Biology program is designed to help you revise for your O-level or C.S.E. examination. It is aimed at prospective O-level or C.S.E. students in Biology who are receiving normal school tuition in the subject.
The main part of the program consists of 11 Tutorial sections (outlined below) covering topics found in most Biology syllabuses. The basic information on each topis is presented on screen, together with explanatory diagrams. It is recommended that the student uses his textbook for further reference.
Each Tutorial Section is followed by a Test Section of ten short questions based on the Tutorial material. These questions will enable the student to assess his progress and understanding of each topic. The Test questions contain references to the relevant part of the Tutorial Section, which can be called up on screen at any time for information and guidance.
A portion of the screen is reserved as a 'Scratch Pad' or jotter, built into the program. This allows the student to use the computer itself to check the spelling of words, etc.
The second part of the program is the Examination Section, in which thirty questions must be attempted by the student within half an hour. The computer randomly selects the questions for each exam from its store and so every exam is different. A clock on screen displays elapsed time, and the exam is stopped when time has run out, thus simulating actual exam conditions.
Table Of Contents
A. Tutorial/Test Section
| 1. Biology 1 | 7. Biology 7 |
| a) Life | a) Growth |
| b) Cells | b) Skeletons and support |
| c) Cell division | c) Muscles and movement |
| 2. Biology 2 | 8. Biology 8 |
| a) Photosynthesis | a) Osmosis and the root |
| b) Saprophytes | b) Transpiration and the leaf |
| c) Parasites | c) The kidney |
| 3. Biology 3 | 9. Biology 9 |
| a) Food cycles | a) Senses and nerves |
| 4. Biology 4 | b) Hormones |
| a) Types of food | c) Temperature regulation |
| b) Food tests | 10. Biology 10 |
| c) Feeding methods | a) Animal reproduction |
| 5. Biology 5 | b) Seeds and fruits |
| a) Enzynes | c) Flowers |
| b) Digestion | 11. Biology 11 |
| c) The digestive system | a) Sexual and asexual |
| 6. Biology 6 | reproduction |
| a) Blood and circulation | b) Genetics |
| b) Gas exchange | c) Evolution |
| c) Respiration |
B. Examination
Using The Program
Work through each Tutorial Section screen by screen. Read the screens carefully, and make sure you understand them fully. Diagrams illustrate the various sections.
Additional 'overlay' screens may be called up on certain screens by following the instructions which are given on screen. (Press A, B, C etc) When you have looked at all the overlays, press SPACE to continue.
When you come to the end of a Tutorial Section, you are presented with a Test of ten questions. If you have understood the Tutorial Section, you should be able to get the answers correct.
Each question contains a reference to the relevant part of the Tutorial Section. If you cannot answer a question, press f0 to call up the explanatory screen. To return to the question again for a second attempt press SPACE.
In the Test Section, the 'scratchpad' feature is available. This is a portion of the screen which you can call up by pressing ESCAPE. Notes can then be made on screen (see separate note below).
Success or failure in the Test questions will indicate whether you need to do further work on the material covered within the Tutorial. If you are scoring less than 70%, look at the Tutorial again. When you feel confident enough, try the Exam section, by selecting number 12 from the Main Menu.
The Exam consists of thirty questions, to be answered within thirty minutes. All the questions are based on the material covered in the Tutorial Section. The questions do not have to be answered in order; if you wish, you can 'pass' a question by pressing f0. Questions which you miss out can always be attempted later, when you review all your answers. Again, the 'scratchpad' may be called up for notes by pressing ESCAPE.
A clock in the top left-hand corner of the screen counts down from 30 minutes in minutes and seconds. At the end of half an hour, the number of correct answers and the percentage mark are displayed.
Using The Scratchpad
When you have pressed ESCAPE to call up the scratchpad, the cursor will flash, on a highlighted portion of the screen. You can then type in anything you want - a word whose spelling you want to check, for example.
Press ESCAPE to return to the question when you have finished with the scratchpad.
