NSSCO Biology 6116 case studies
NSSCO Biology 6116 · Put your knowledge to work in context.
NSSCO Biology (subject code 6116) is the Ordinary Level biology subject award taken at the end of senior secondary school in Namibia. It suits candidates who need a solid, scientifically literate grounding in living systems - whether they plan to continue to AS-level Biology, enter vocational training, or work in health care, agriculture, conservation, laboratory support or teaching. The NSSCO Biology 6116 case studies are 5 cases and about 3,944 words.
1Case 1: The potometer readings the teacher would not accept
Two students compare transpiration in a single leafy shoot using a potometer. They cut the shoot in air on the bench, push it into the apparatus under water, close the tap and record how far the air bubble travels in three minutes.
845 words, about 4 min2Case 2: A mitotic index that was asked to do too much
A student investigates mitosis in a root tip. She cuts the last 5 mm from a garlic root, stains it, squashes it under a cover slip and counts every cell she can see in one field of view at ×400 magnification.
751 words, about 4 min3Case 3: Two yellow tanks in a hydroponic greenhouse
A grower supplies tomato plants with nutrient solution in three tanks in the same greenhouse. Every tank receives the same solution except for one mineral, which is left out: Tank A: no nitrate Tank B: no magnesium Tank C: complete solution After five weeks the measurements are: Tank Height Older leaves Chlorophyll meter (a.u.) Dry mass --- --- --- --- --- A 40 cm uniformly pale yellow, thin stems 12 8 g B 62 cm yellow between the veins, veins still green 18 14 g C 65 cm dark green 34 18 g The solutions are aerated continuously and the pH is held at 6.0.
777 words, about 4 min4Case 4: Six hours after the marathon
A runner completes a marathon on a hot day (31 °C, low humidity). She weighs 62.0 kg before the race and 59.5 kg afterwards, having drunk 1.2 L of water during the 4-hour run.
787 words, about 4 min5Case 5: One affected child, two more pregnancies, one anxious sister
A couple, neither of whom has cystic fibrosis, have a two-year-old son who has just been diagnosed with the condition. Neither parent knew of any family history.
784 words, about 4 min