CAT 2
What? How? Why?
Where would you like to go?
There are links within this page:
- What is the CAT about?
- How do I go about doing this CAT?
- Why do the CAT?
And links to other pages of the VCE Biology Students' Site:
WHAT?
VCE Biology Common Assessment Task (CAT) 2 is the school assessed CAT in the Unit 3/4 course.
The Study Design describes it as:
"A report of the investigation of applied genetics" in which "students should investigate and example of applied genetics and an issue arising from the selected practice."
In completing this task, students should "draw on the findings of work requirement 1" (which for practical purposes is Area of Study 1) "and collect and analyse additional information relevant to a selected practice involving applied genetics."
Students should also "identify genetic mechanisms and processes relevant to the practice" and "identify an issue associated with the practice and discuss its significance."
(Text in quotes is from Study Design, p 35 - used with permission of the Board of Studies.)
HOW?
Since not all students, and not all teachers are the same, the way that you go about this task can vary.
Basically, though, you need to complete the following steps:
- Gather information on the types of applied genetics practices make good CAT 2 investigations. (You will find some interesting ones on this Web site, but past students and your teacher may also have suggestions.)
- Read a little about two to four topics and decide on one which interests you and for which there is a reasonable amount of information.
- Collect information relevant to the topic you have chosen.
- Sort your information into categories, depending where in you report you are going to use it.
- Make sure that you have information for all sections of your report. If not, keep looking.
- Start to plan your report. Use headings to get your thoughts in order. (More about the headings later.)
- Submit your plan to your teacher for feedback.
- Write your draft, keeping your teacher's advice in mind. (S/he is the person who will grade your report, it would be unwise to underestimate the value of his/her opinions!)
- Submit your draft to your teacher for feedback. Try to have your draft as complete as possible, including references and diagrams. The more you give your teacher to work with, the more useful the feedback should be.
- Again keeping your teacher's comments in mind, prepare your final report.
- Relax, knowing that you have done your best.
It is clear that this process is going to take some time, so be sure that you are clear on the deadlines set by your school. These deadlines will vary slightly between schools, so do not rely on information from a friend at another school - it may not be the same as yours.
The key to doing a good CAT is to BE ORGANISED and start promptly. Leaving plans, drafts and final reports to the night before is a recipe for disaster! (But you've been told that already a million times - maybe it's true?)
WHY?
This is the tough question. Some reasons are suggested below, you might like to add some more!
- Because it gives students a chance to be assessed on skills other than examinations.
- Because it fosters interest in an area of biotechnology.
- Because it's in the course!
- Because ......... ?
The facts are, it IS in the course, it can be very interesting if you choose a topic which grabs you, and you can get an A+ even if you're not usually an outstanding examination candidate. All good reasons to put in your best effort.
Click on Kick-the-cat to return to the VCE Biology Students' Home Page
We welcome your comments about this project.
This page is maintained by Jenny Herington, who can be contacted at bio_cat@bioserve.latrobe.edu.au by email.
All of the pages at the VCE Biology Students' site are copyright © Biochemistry, LaTrobe University.
Last update :21 February 97
