Subject: Biology
Topic: KNO3 concentrations and growth rate
Research question: What is the effect of increasing KNO3 concentrations (0.1 mM, 0.2 mM, 0.3 mM, 0.4 mM, 0.5 mM) on the growth rate of onion roots (Allium cepa)?
Outline of approach: Independent variables, such as increasing nitrate concentrations, may have to be fine-tuned. Some concentrations may lead to the death of the plants. A pilot experiment is recommended, as well as comparing with published (scientific) concentrations.
Topic: Parity as a measurable variable in the development of breast cancer
Research question: To what extent is parity a measurable variable in the development of breast cancer?
Outline of approach: Studies from different countries reporting rates of breast cancer and associated risk factors are accessed using PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), JSTOR, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Studies are selected using a set of predetermined criteria that are clearly explained. The data from the selected journal articles is analysed and evaluated in a way that allows valid comparisons to be made. It must then be made clear how the data has been interpreted and manipulated.
Topic: Enzyme activity in soy beans
Research Question: How does the level of enzyme activity differ between dried and fresh soy beans?
Approach: The enzyme is extracted from dried and fresh soy beans. Activity is measured by monitoring the pH of the solution using a suitable approach, such as a pH probe or indicator.
Topic: Antibacterial effects of a plant extract
Research Question: What evidence is there for the antibacterial properties of mouthwash on Streptococcus mutans bacteria grown at 20°C?
Approach: Cultures of the bacteria are grown on agar plates. Filter paper discs soaked in various concentrations of mouthwash are placed on inoculated plates, and zones of inhibition are measured after a period of incubation.
Topic: KNO3 concentrations and growth rate
Research question: What is the effect of increasing KNO3 concentrations (0.1 mM, 0.2 mM, 0.3 mM, 0.4 mM, 0.5 mM) on the growth rate of onion roots (Allium cepa)?
Outline of approach: Independent variables, such as increasing nitrate concentrations, may have to be fine-tuned. Some concentrations may lead to the death of the plants. A pilot experiment is recommended, as well as comparing with published (scientific) concentrations.
Topic: Parity as a measurable variable in the development of breast cancer
Research question: To what extent is parity a measurable variable in the development of breast cancer?
Outline of approach: Studies from different countries reporting rates of breast cancer and associated risk factors are accessed using PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), JSTOR, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Studies are selected using a set of predetermined criteria that are clearly explained. The data from the selected journal articles is analysed and evaluated in a way that allows valid comparisons to be made. It must then be made clear how the data has been interpreted and manipulated.
Topic: Enzyme activity in soy beans
Research Question: How does the level of enzyme activity differ between dried and fresh soy beans?
Approach: The enzyme is extracted from dried and fresh soy beans. Activity is measured by monitoring the pH of the solution using a suitable approach, such as a pH probe or indicator.
Topic: Antibacterial effects of a plant extract
Research Question: What evidence is there for the antibacterial properties of mouthwash on Streptococcus mutans bacteria grown at 20°C?
Approach: Cultures of the bacteria are grown on agar plates. Filter paper discs soaked in various concentrations of mouthwash are placed on inoculated plates, and zones of inhibition are measured after a period of incubation.
These BIOLOGY examples are just for guidance. Students must ensure their choice of topic is focused rather than broad.
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Broad Topics
Detergents in the environment Malnutrition in children The effect of acidity on plant growth Symbiosis Factors that affect the germination of seeds Uses of the gel electrophoresis technique |
Focused Topics
The effect of detergent toxicity on soil bacteria A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery after a period of supervised improved nutrition A study of the effect of differing pH levels on the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris The competitive and evolutionary nature of the symbiotic relationship in Paramecium bursaria The effect of banana peel on seed germination Gel electrophoresis: The construction of an apparatus and the separation of proteins in heat-treated cow’s milk |