Logarithms are one of the most challenging mathematical skills in A-Level Biology. This worksheet provides four graph-drawing questions that develop both graphing and biological interpretation skills.

Students begin by calculating log₁₀ values before plotting graphs on linear axes, before progressing to plotting directly on semi-logarithmic graph paper.

Skills covered:

• Calculating log₁₀ values using a scientific calculator.
• Expressing numbers in standard form.
• Plotting data accurately on semi-logarithmic graph paper.
• Selecting appropriate axis scales.
• Drawing lines of best fit.
• Recognising and interpreting exponential growth.
• Identifying lag, exponential, stationary and death phases of microbial growth.
• Analysing biological data and describing trends using scientific terminology.
• Explaining observed patterns using biological knowledge.

FULL ANSWERS are included (it’s quite tricky to draw lines of best fit on a computer, so I’m sure your student’s hand drawn lines of best fit will be better!)