J3 Science 1st Term 2011 Exam Tips

The exam is divided into 2 papers. Paper 1 consists of 40 objective questions (40%) while paper 2 has 5 structured type subjective questions (60%). This exam includes all 3 branches of science with chemistry and biology taking up more that 75% of the overall weightage.

PHYSICS:
1. Heat Energy - knowing fuel value (q), specific heat capacity (c) and latent heat (L) is crucial. Also need to apply any or all 3 heat energy related formulae in calculation.
2. Structure of Matter - need to understand what constitute atom and molecule. The knowledge of the basic structure of atom is also very helpful. Understanding Brownian movement in discussing the Kinetic Theory of Matter and related diffusion observations is critical.
3. Heat Transfer - dish out all confusions on the understanding of conduction, convection and radiation. In conduction, the knowledge of heat conductor and insulator can be helpful. Both breezes from land and sea should be understood while the effects of black and dull surfaces have on radiation ought to be given attention. Finally need to explain how radiator is a good dispenser of heat while thermo flask is a good retainer of heat.
4. Ray Diagrams - by knowing ray diagrams for spherical mirrors as well as lenses, the positions of object have in influencing the image should be clearly understood. Need to know how to draw these ray diagrams is of utmost importance.

BIOLOGY:
1. Microorganisms - Need to be as clear as possible with these tiny creatures. Need to know as much as possible and try to make some cross references with your J1, J2 and J3 textbooks.
2. Transport and Transpiration in Plant - need to differentiate diffusion and osmosis. Need to know the structure of vascular bundle for both dicot and monocot plants. Need to understand how water and dissolved mineral salts are absorbed into plants and the forces that enable the water to move upwards in plant
3. Respiration - refer to J3 PMR textbook chapter 1.
4. Heart and Blood - refer to J3 PMR textbook chapter 2. It should be advantageous to make some cross references with J2 UEC textbook on this area especially for the understanding of blood.
5. Kidney - refer to J3 PMR textbook chapter 3.
6. Reproduction - a good understanding on asexual and sexual (human) reproduction is required. Basic understanding on sterility and birth control is also needed. Pre and post (for the new-born) natal care is a good addition to thoroughly prepare for this section.
7. Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plant - need to know the structure of flower and seed as well as the function of each.
8. Growth - knowing the growth pattern of human is crucial. However this knowledge is sufficiently summed up in these 2 growth curves. The first is Growth Curve of human in pg 83 (J3 PMR textbook) and Growth Curves for Boys and Girls Based on Height in pg 84 (J3 PMR textbook).

CHEMISTRY:
1. Mineral in Earth's Crust - J3 PMR textbook. Very very very very very important!!! Remember everything if possible. Name of compounds like silicon and calcium are crucial. You must know EVERYTHING about quicklime (Calcium Carbonate), limestone (Calcium Oxide) and slaked lime (Calcium Hydroxide - also known as lime water), from their reactions to their molecular formula to type of chemical reactions to their usage to calculating their atomic mass to almost anything that is there to know about these.
2. pH Value and Acid-Base Indicator - refer to J2 UEC textbook pg 119 & 120.
FINALLY for those who want to score full marks in the chemistry section you will need to refer to 2 online resources.
Online Resource 1: http://www.minsocam.org/msa/collectors_corner/article/oremin.htm
This is a comprehensive list of mineral ore found on almost every types of mineral. However you only need to pay attention to those that you have encountered during lessons such as aluminium, iron, copper, tin, zinc and non-metal like calcium and silicon
Online Resource 2: http://www.tutorvista.com/content/chemistry/chemistry-i/physical-chemical-changes/heat-on-substances.php
A comprehensive information on decomposition of substances by heat. You need to know what substance will be decomposed by heat and which will not. However you only need to pay attention to substances belonging to oxide, carbonate and sulphide.

This list is very comprehensive. If you pay close attention to it you can get A but if you want to get 100% you also need some general knowledge on science such as pollutions, energy related issues, human and his environment as well as some common knowledge like breathing and cooking in high altitude.

Take care and take heed.