The EmSAT Achieve Biology test is part of the Emirates Standardised Tests for 12th-grade students, assessing their skills and knowledge in biology.
EmSAT Biology Achieve comprises four key sections:
- Structure and function from molecules to living organisms
- Heredity and genetic technology
- Evolution and diversity of life
- Ecology, including interdependence, energy, and dynamics.
EmSAT Biology Overview
Based on the information provided on the UAE Government website, students must understand that the EmSAT Test is fully computerised, including all sections, questions, and answer choices. Test takers can track their remaining exam time.
Below are the specific details regarding the EmSAT Biology test.
| Test duration |
90 minutes |
| Questions |
80 questions |
| Content Areas |
(1) From molecules to living organisms: Structure and function
(2) Heredity and genetic technology
(3) Evolution and Diversity of Life
(4) Ecology: Interdependence, energy, and dynamics
|
| Task types |
Multiple Choice |
Score Chart for EmSAT Biology
The EmSAT Biology score provides a valuable assessment of student’s knowledge in the subject of biology. The score chart for EmSAT Biology is given below!
| SCORE |
|
| 1500+ |
High Proficiency:
Students at this level are well-prepared for biology courses at the university level
|
| 1100-1475 |
Proficient:
Students at this level are at a satisfactory level of preparation to begin first-year biology courses at the university level.
|
| 900-1075 |
Borderline Proficient:
Students at this level are minimally prepared for first-year biology courses at the university level.
|
| 700-875 |
Basic:
Students at this level do not have sufficient mastery of prerequisite knowledge for first-year courses in biology at the university level and may need some additional support
|
| 500-675 |
Needs improvement:
Students at this level need instructions in basic biological concepts and skills before beginning any first-year biology courses.
|
| ˂ 500 |
Little knowledge of general biology:
Students at this level need intensive instructional support in basic biological concepts and skills.
|
Course Content for EmSAT Biology
Below are the major sections and related content specifications that grade 12 students should be able to demonstrate to meet the expectations of the EmSAT Biology test.
Section 1: From molecules to living organisms: Structure, function, and behaviour
This section covers the chemistry of life and the organisation and development of living organisms. Check out what are the other areas covered in the EmSAT Biology section.
- It emphasises the significance of biological macromolecules, the properties of water that support life, and the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions.
- It examines key cellular processes such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration, which involve energy capture and transformation.
- Distinguish between the four major categories of carbon compounds in terms of composition, energy values, and primary functions in the body.
- Relate the properties of water to its roles in living organisms.
- Explain the role and effect of enzymes and other factors, such as pH and temperature, in the chemical reactions carried out in living organisms.
- Identify and summarise the major cellular processes of breaking energy-rich molecules to obtain energy.
- Demonstrate a good understanding of handling and using the light microscope for examination purposes, and compare it with an electron microscope in terms of resolution, magnification, and use.
- Explain the role of the cell in different living organisms and describe the cellular processes to sustain life and maintain homeostasis.
- Relate the structure of major body systems in multicellular organisms to their specific functions and their interaction with each other to maintain homeostasis.
Section 2: Heredity and Genetic Technology
This section includes the inheritance of traits, heredity and genetic technology. The Content area includes;
- The importance of cell growth and division and explain possible outcomes when errors occur during the cell cycle.
- Transcription, post-transcriptional modifications, and translation, and relate these processes to gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Use of genetic code rules to read the DNA sequence, and to identify the amino acids in the polypeptide chain.
- Genetic variation and explain how and why it occurs in relation to the importance of population biodiversity and stability.
- Understanding the role of genes in determining phenotypes and predicting offspring outcomes based on various inheritance modes, such as dominance, codominance, sex-linked, polygenic, and multiple alleles.
- Impact of genetic engineering on medicine, industry, and agriculture, and give examples of its use.
Section 3: Evolution and Diversity of Life
This section includes the evolution and diversity of life. A major aspect of this area is determining how species evolve and the effects of natural selection and genetic drift on populations' stability based on theory and evidence of evolution. The content areas for this section also include;
- The concepts of evolution and the investigation of different evidence to determine the evolutionary relationships among different species.
- Identify and explain the mechanisms by which microevolution influences allele frequencies in populations and results in macroevolution.
- Describe how living organisms are classified, and categorize them according to specific structural and functional characteristics.
- Explain the importance of and the reasons for maintaining biodiversity, and describe the threats that can lead to extinction, including the impact of human activity.
Section 4: Ecology: Interdependence, energy, and dynamics
Ecological interdependence is discussed in this section. In addition to focusing on ecologies, it examines biogeochemical cycles, energy flow, and food chains and webs. The content areas for this section also include;
- Differentiate between ecological concepts (e.g., biome, ecosystem, communities, habitats, niches) and provide examples of interactions between them.
- Identify biotic and abiotic factors that affect ecosystem dynamics by understanding the interactions between organisms at different trophic levels and the flow of energy.
- Study the impact of human activities, including density-dependent factors and density-independent factors, on carrying capacity and ecosystem dynamics.
How to Prepare for the EmSAT Biology Test?
For those going under EmSAT biology Training, here are some tips on how to prepare for the EmSAT biology test:
- Prepare for the exam as early as possible. This will give you enough time to cover all the topics.
- Make a daily routine for studying.
- Take notes while studying.
- Study to understand, not just to memorize.
- Attempt EmSAT biology sample question paper and answers.
- Practice EmSAT biology test questions with answers online.
- Measure your understanding of the topic through constant and continuous testing.
- Get personalized instructions by attending an EmSAT Training class.
- Visit the Official MOE website, to stay updated.
Sep 27, 2024
