Biology
Biology
Biology
Biology
Secondary School
Syllabus
SECOND REVIEW
March-2017
i
Contents
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... v
Rationale ............................................................................................................ vi
Goals ................................................................................................................... vi
SUBJECT OUTCOMES............................................................................................. vii
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODOLOGIES ................................................... vii
ASSESSMENT IN SCIENCE ....................................................................................... ix
SYLLABUS GUIDELINES ............................................................................................ x
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE ........................................................................................ xiii
Course structure ................................................................................................. xvii
FORM ONE .......................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY ........................................................................... 1
1.1 Importance of Biology and its Branches..................................................... 1
1.2 Characteristics of Living Things .................................................................. 2
2. CELL BIOLOGY .................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Introduction to Microscopes ..................................................................... 3
2.2 Animal and Plant Cell Structure Under light Microscope. .......................... 4
2.3 Organization of the Body Structure (Cells, Tissues, Organs, and Organ
Systems) ............................................................................................................. 5
3. INTRODUCTION TO GREEN PLANTS ................................................................. 6
3.1 Plant Structure........................................................................................... 6
3.2 Tropisms .................................................................................................... 7
4. ECOLOGY ......................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Concept of Ecology and Ecological Terms .................................................. 8
4.2 Human Impact on the Environment........................................................... 9
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4.3 Pollution .................................................................................................. 10
5. TAXONOMY ................................................................................................... 11
5.1 Introductions to Taxonomy ..................................................................... 11
5.2 Taxonomy Groups Binomial System of Naming Organism ....................... 12
5.3 Modern Classification System .................................................................. 13
6. HEALTH AND DISEASES .................................................................................. 14
6.1 Personal Hygiene ..................................................................................... 14
6.2 Introduction to Microorganisms .............................................................. 15
6.3 Drugs and their Effects ............................................................................ 16
FORM TWO ....................................................................................................... 17
1. CELL BIOLOGY ................................................................................................ 17
1.1 Cell Structure ........................................................................................... 17
1.2 Chemicals in Living Cells .......................................................................... 18
1.3 Tissue Respiration.................................................................................... 19
1.4 Cell Physiology ......................................................................................... 20
1.5 Introduction to Genetics and Cell Division ............................................... 21
2. GREEN PLANTS............................................................................................... 22
2.1 Transport System in Plants ...................................................................... 22
2.2 Transpiration ........................................................................................... 23
2.3 Reproduction in Plants ............................................................................ 24
3. TAXONOMY ................................................................................................... 25
3.1 Animal Kingdoms ..................................................................................... 25
3.2 Plant Kingdoms ........................................................................................ 26
4. NUTRITION IN PLANTS ................................................................................... 27
4.1 Photosynthesis ........................................................................................ 27
4.2 Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis .......................................................... 28
ii
FORM THREE..................................................................................................... 29
1. DIVERSITY OF ORGANISMS ............................................................................ 29
1.1 Feeding .................................................................................................... 29
1.2 Breathing ................................................................................................. 30
1.3 Reproduction ........................................................................................... 31
1.4 Growth and Development ....................................................................... 32
1.5 Movement and Locomotion .................................................................... 33
1.6 Sensitivity ................................................................................................ 34
2. NUTRITION .................................................................................................... 35
2.1 Food Types and Diet ................................................................................ 35
3. HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY .................................................................................... 36
3.1 Digestive System...................................................................................... 36
3.2 Circulatory System ................................................................................... 37
3.3 Respiratory System .................................................................................. 38
3.4 Skeleton and Muscular System ................................................................ 39
3.5 Excretory System ..................................................................................... 40
3.6 Reproductive System ............................................................................... 41
4. FLOWERING PLANTS ...................................................................................... 42
4.1 structure of Plant Organs......................................................................... 42
4.2 Propagation ............................................................................................. 43
4.3 Seed Formation and Germination............................................................ 44
5. ECOLOGY ....................................................................................................... 45
5.1 Interdependence and Ecosystems ........................................................... 45
iii
FORM FOUR ...................................................................................................... 46
1. COORDINATION ............................................................................................. 46
1.1 Nervous System ....................................................................................... 46
1.2 Endocrine System .................................................................................... 47
1.3 Homeostasis and Feedback ..................................................................... 48
2. HEALTH AND DISEASE .................................................................................... 49
2.1 Common Diseases ................................................................................... 49
2.2 Immunity ................................................................................................. 50
3. BIOTECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................... 51
3.1 Introduction to Biotechnology ................................................................. 51
4. ADVANCED GENETICS AND HEREDITY ............................................................ 52
4.1 Heredity................................................................................................... 52
4.2 Genetic Engineering ................................................................................ 53
iv
INTRODUCTION
The study of Biology aims at equipping the learner with the knowledge,
attitudes and skills necessary for controlling and preserving the environment.
The subject enables the leaner to appreciate humans as part of the broader
community of living organisms. This subject is important in fields such as
health, agriculture, environment and education. Biology is the precursor of
biotechnology which is a tool for industrial and technological development.
The content has been carefully reorganized to ensure that the required
concepts and skills are realized. Sufficient practical activities have been
suggested. These should be taught alongside the respective content rather
than being treated as a separate entity. It is recommended that the teachers
use discovery method in achieving the objectives of this subject. Most of the
apparatus, chemicals and equipment required for practical activities are
affordable. However, the teacher is highly encouraged to improvise using
locally available materials to reduce costs.
v
Rationale
Science is a universal discipline through which people investigate matter-
living and nonliving, energy and interaction between matter and energy.
Science is a body of knowledge about the natural world and helps to
contribute meaningfully to technological development. It will help them to
investigate natural phenomenon systematically, to clarify hypothesis and to
test, explain, measure, observe, experiment and accurately judge so as to
reach conclusions about happenings around their environment.
Goals
Provide students with experiences which build on their interest in and
stimulate their curiosity about their environment
Provide students with basic scientific terms and concepts to help them
understand themselves and the world around them
Provide students with opportunities to develop skills, habits of mind
and attitudes necessary for scientific inquiry
Prepare students towards using scientific knowledge and methods in
making personal decisions
Help students appreciate how science influences people and the
environment
Develop competence in the use of knowledge and scientific method
Develop a critical awareness of the role of science in everyday living
vi
SUBJECT OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, the learner should be able to
Communicate biological information in a precise, clear and logical
manner
Develop an understanding of interrelationships between plants and
animals and between humans and their environment
Apply the knowledge gained to improve and maintain the health of the
individual, family and the community
Relate and apply relevant biological knowledge and understanding to
social and economic situations in rural and urban settings
Observe and identify features of familiar and unfamiliar organisms,
record the observation and make deductions about the functions of
parts of organisms
Develop positive attitudes and interest towards biology and the relevant
practical skills
Demonstrate resourcefulness, relevant technical skills and scientific
thinking necessary for economic development
Design and carry out experiments and projects that will enable them
understand biological concepts
Create awareness of the value of cooperation in solving problems
Acquire a firm foundation of relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes for
further education and for training in related scientific fields.
vii
They should plan lessons around big ideas, use open-ended questions
and make the curriculum relevant to their needs.
viii
ASSESSMENT IN SCIENCE
Teachers are encouraged to use a balanced approach to assessment. Both
formative and summative strategies: that is assessment of learning and
assessment for learning are used. Teachers assess what students know,
understand, and are able to do. Assessment should be ongoing and target both
the content and the skills that are taught in the curriculum.
An assessment can take many forms; in addition to the written tests teachers
can also conduct performance-based assessment using the following models:
Practical Posters
Checklist Drama/show
Model-
making
ix
SYLLABUS GUIDELINES
In this syllabus, teachers are encouraged to provide opportunities for learners to
use concepts and integrate skills and processes to inquire about things and
phenomena around them. Teachers are also encouraged to use a variety of
strategies to facilitate the inquiry process. Selected strategies are highlighted
below to help teachers plan and deliver lessons that will engage students in
meaningful learning experiences and cultivate their interest and curiosity in
science, these strategies can be mixed and matched. A brief description of each of
these strategies is given below:
Explanation:
The act or process of making something clear or easy to understand
by giving examples, telling learners, showing or giving the reason for
or the cause of something.
Observing:
This is the skill of using our senses to gather information about
objects or events. This also includes the use of instruments to extend
the range of our senses.
Comparing:
This is the skill of identifying the similarities and differences
between two or more objects, concepts or processes.
Classifying:
This is the skill of grouping objects or events based on common
characteristics.
Communicating:
This is the skill of transmitting and receiving information presented in
various forms - verbal, pictorial, tabular or graphical
x
Describe:
Giving details about something to someone or give detailed report about
something either spoken or in writing to convey an idea or impression of
characteristics.
Investigation:
In scientific investigation, students engage in activities that mirror how
scientists think and what they do in a decision making process, such as
asking or posing questions and planning or designing investigations.
Problem Solving:
Problem solving engages students in finding solutions to problems by
applying scientific knowledge and skills.
Projects:
Projects are learning activities that require students to find out about an
object, event, process or phenomenon over a few weeks.
Questioning:
Questions are useful tools in the scientific inquiry process. Both teachers
and students should engage in cycles of questions-answers-questions
throughout the learning process. Opportunities should be provided in the
classroom for students to ask questions. Students should be encouraged to
ask both closed and open questions.
Concept Mapping:
Concept mapping is a strategy to present meaningful relationships among
concepts. Concept maps are useful in organizing and linking concepts or
ideas.
Group working:
In cooperative learning, activities are structured such that each student
assumes certain responsibilities and contributes to the completion of
xi
tasks. In working with others, students are exposed to different points of
views and solutions in accomplishing a common goal.
Demonstration:
Demonstration is commonly used to scaffold the learning process. This
approach is recommended when the learning activity is not safe or too
complex for students to set up on their own experiments.
Field Trip:
A field trip is any learning activity outside the school. It provides
opportunities for students to explore discover and experience science in
everyday life.
Games:
Games engage students in play or simulations for the learning of concepts
or skills. This is useful in helping students to visualize or illustrate objects
or processes in the real world.
Curiosity:
Desire to explore the environment and question what they find
Creativity:
Suggest innovative and relevant ways to solve problems.
Integrity:
Handle and communicate data and information with integrity.
Objectivity:
Seek data and information to validate observations and explanations
objectively.
Responsibility:
Show care and concern for living things and awareness of the
responsibility they have for the quality of the environment.
Analysing:
This is the skill of identifying the parts of objects, information or processes,
and the patterns and relationships between these parts.
xii
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
S/n TOPIC F1 F2 F3 F4
1. Introduction Importance of Diversity of
to biology biology and its organisms with
branches respect of
characteristic of
Characteristics of living things
living things
2. Cell biology Introduction to Cell ultra
microscopes structure in both
Organization of the plants and
body structure ( animals
cells, tissues, organs, Chemicals in
and organ systems) living things.
Animal and plant cell Tissue
structure under light Respiration
microscope. Cell physiology
Introduction to
genetics and Cell
division
3. Flowering Plant structure Transport Cellular structure
plants Tropisms system in plants of plant organs
xiii
Transpiration (leaves stem and
roots).
Reproduction in Propagation
plants Seedformation
and germinat
4. Ecology Concept of ecology Interdependence
and ecological terms and ecosystems
Human impact on (food chains and
environment food webs)
Pollution Carbon cycle
Nitrogen cycle
xiv
7. Human Circulatory
Phisiology system
Respiratory
system
Excretory
system
Skeleton
system
Reproductive
system
Digestive
system
8. Nutrition Autotrophic Heterotrophic
nutrition nutrition
(photosynthesis) Food types
(proteins,carb
ohydrates,
and lipids)
Balanced diet
9. Coordination Nervous
of the human system
body Endocrine
system
Endocrine
xv
glands
Homeostasis
and feedback
10. Biotechnology Introduction
to
biotechnology
11. Advanced Genetic
genetics and engineering
heredity Mendel law of
inheritance
xvi
COURSE STRUCTURE
FORMONE
No Topic Week period hour References
1.. Introduction to biology Test it and fix it biology Page: 1
Importance of biology 2 6 4.5 Biology for you Pages: 6-17
and its branches Principle biology vol.1 Pages:1-3
Characteristics of Biology first Pages:8-9
living things Gateway biology Page:1
2. Cell biology 6 18 13.5
Introduction to Test it and fix it Biology Page: 12
microscopes Principle biology vol.1 Pages:19-21
Animal and plant cell
Biology first Page: 10
structure
Gateway biology Pages:26-31
Organization of the
body structure
Complete biology Page: 24-25
3. Green plants 6 18 13.5
Plant structure Biology first Pages: 59-60
Tropisms Biology first Page:68
4. Ecology 6 18 13.5
Concept of ecologyand Test it and fix it biology Pages: 65-
ecological terms 67
Human impact on the IGCSE biology Pages:234-236
environment
Pollution Test it and fix biology Pages: 71-73
IGCSE biology Pages: 242-246
5. Taxonomy 6 18 13.5
Introduction to Principles of biology vol. 1 Pages:
taxonomy 2-6
Taxonomy groups and
binomial system Gateway biology Pages:4-6
Modern classification
system
6 Health and disease 6 18 13.5
Personal hygiene Cambridge IGCSE biology Page: 131-
Introduction to 133
microorganisms Principle biology vol.1 Pages:129-134
Gateway biology Pages:172-174
Drugs and their
Cambridge IGCSE Biology Pages: 288-
effects 295
Total 32 108 81
xvii
FORM TWO
Topic Week period hour Marks
S/N
1.. Cell biology 9 27 20.25 Principle biology vol.1 Pages:23-
Cell structure 28
Principle biology vol.1 Pages:52-
62
Chemicals in living cells
Principle biology vol.1 Pages:224-
232
Tissue respiration Principle biology vol.1 Pages: 38-47
Gateway biology Pages: 32-36
Cell physiology Combridge IGCSE biology
Pages:230-236
Introduction to genetics Principle biology vol.2 Pages:141-
and cell division 146
2. Green plants 8 24 18
Transport system in Test it and fix it biology Pages: 36-
plants 38
Transpiration Principle biology vol.1 Pages:178-
183
Principle biology vol.1Pages:183-
Reproduction in plants
186
3. Taxonomy 8 24 18
Animal kingdom Gateway biology Pages:7-12
Plant kingdom Principle biology vol.2 p.15-36
4. Nutrition 7 21 12.75
Photosynthesis Complete biology Pages: 62-75
IGCSE biology Pages:35-44
Gateway biology Pages:47-49
xviii
FORM THREE
S/N Topic Week Period hour Marks
1.. Diversity 9 27 20 GCSE biology Pages: 292-322
Feeding
Breathing
Reproduction
Growth and
development
Movement and
Locomotion
Sensitivity
2. Nutrition 4 12 9
Food types Biology for you Pages:44-54
Complete biology Pages:42-46
Gateway biology
Pages:46,49,50,51,52,62,63
3. Human physiology 10 30 23 Principle biology vol.1 Pages: 102-
Digestive system 110
Circulatory system Principle biology vol.1 Pages: 102-
110
Respiratory Principle biology vol.1 Pages: 202-
system 208
Skeleton and Principle biology vol.2 Pages:309-
muscular system 323
Excretory system Principle biology vol.1 Pa: 238-
244
Reproduction
Principle biology vol.2 Pages:
system 166-177
4. Flowering plants 5 15 11
Structure of plants IGCSE biology Pages:50-58
Propagation Principle biology. Vol.2 Pages:152-
165
Seed formation
Principle biology vol.2 Pages: 147-
and germination 152
Principle biology vol.2 Pages: 190-
192
Gateway biology P.225-227
5. Ecology 4 12 9
Interdependence GCSE biology Pages:253-258
and ecosystem Principle biology vol.2 Pages:48-
75
xix
FORM FOUR
S/N Topic Week period hour marks
1.. Coordination in human 8 24 18
Nervous system Principle biology vol.2 Pages: 266-290
Endocrine system Principle biology vol.2 Pages:291-294
Principle biology vol.1 Pages:253-262
Homeostasis
2. Healthand disease 8 24 18
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FORM ONE
1. INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
This topic covers two subtopics which are importance of biology and its
branches and characteristics of living things as well as the significance of
biology in daily life.
1
1.2 Characteristics of Living Things
Learning Outcomes
2
2. CELL BIOLOGY
This topic of cell biology contains three subtopics highlighting the use of
microscope, animal and plant cell structure and organizations of the body
structure
3
2.2 Animal and Plant Cell Structure Under light
Microscope.
Learning Outcomes
4
2.3 Organization of the Body Structure (Cells, Tissues,
Organs, and Organ Systems)
Learning Outcomes
5
3. INTRODUCTION TO GREEN PLANTS
This topic of introduction to green plants contains two subtopics which
highlights the plant structure and tropisms, focusing the different part of the
plant organs and external stimuli of plant growth.
6
3.2 Tropisms
Learning Outcomes
7
4. ECOLOGY
This topic contains three subtopics covering concepts of ecology and
ecological terms. The topic also focuses on human impact on the environment
and issues related to pollution.
8
4.2 Human Impact on the Environment
Learning Outcomes
9
4.3 Pollution
Learning Outcomes
10
5. TAXONOMY
This topic contains three subtopics covering introduction of taxonomy ,
classification of living things into seven levels of classification and five
kingdoms of living things also topic focused binomial system of naming
organisms .
11
5.2 Taxonomy Groups Binomial System of Naming
Organism
Learning Outcomes
12
5.3 Modern Classification System
Learning Outcomes
13
6. HEALTH AND DISEASES
This topic contains three subtopics covering concepts on personal hygiene.
The topic also focuses drugs and their effects. In addition to that, the topic
covers introduction to microorganisms and drugs and their effects.
14
6.2 Introduction to Microorganisms
Learning Outcomes
15
6.3 Drugs and their Effects
Learning Outcomes
16
FORM TWO
1. CELL BIOLOGY
This topic covers a wide range of subtopics related to the cell. The topic
focuses on the cell ultra structure of both animal and plant cells. In addition to
that, the topic covers the chemical composition and the physiology of cells.
Similarly the topic introduces introduction to genetics. The cell growth
process is also covered.
17
1.2 Chemicals in Living Cells
Learning Outcomes
18
1.3 Tissue Respiration
Learning Outcomes
19
1.4 Cell Physiology
Learning Outcomes
20
1.5 Introduction to Genetics and Cell Division
Learning Outcomes
21
2. GREEN PLANTS
This topic consists of three subtopics covering transport system in plants,
transpiration, reproduction in plants and auto tropic nutrition.
22
2.2 Transpiration
Learning Outcomes
23
2.3 Reproduction in Plants
Learning Outcomes
24
3. TAXONOMY
This topic covers the classification of both animals and plants. The topic
consists of two subtopics focusing the phylum of animal kingdoms and plant
kingdoms. With respect to that, the topic emphasizes the characteristics of the
phylum and their examples.
25
3.2 Plant Kingdoms
Learning Outcomes
26
4. NUTRITION IN PLANTS
This topic consists of two subtopic covering the photosynthesis process and
focuses the process and the factors that affect photo synthesis.
4.1 Photosynthesis
Learning Outcomes
27
4.2 Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis
Learning Outcomes
28
FORM THREE
1. DIVERSITY OF ORGANISMS
All living organisms whether they are unicellular or multi cellular, plants or
animal carry out life processes in different ways. The topic highlights the
diversity of organisms in feeding, breathing, growing, reproducing,
responding and moving.
1.1 Feeding
Learning Outcomes
29
1.2 Breathing
Learning Outcomes
30
1.3 Reproduction
Learning Outcomes
31
1.4 Growth and Development
Learning Outcomes
32
1.5 Movement and Locomotion
Learning Outcomes
33
1.6 Sensitivity
Learning Outcomes
34
2. NUTRITION
All living organisms need food except green plants which make their own
food. Humans like all other animals are totally dependent on other organisms
for their food. This topic focuses on why we need food, classes of food and
highlights the necessity of a balanced diet
35
3. HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
This topic consists of six sub topics covering a wide range of life processes.
The components of the topic are digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory,
skeleton and muscular and reproduction.
36
3.2 Circulatory System
Learning Outcomes
37
3.3 Respiratory System
Learning Outcomes
38
3.4 Skeleton and Muscular System
Learning Outcomes
39
3.5 Excretory System
Learning Outcomes
40
3.6 Reproductive System
Learning Outcomes
41
4. FLOWERING PLANTS
This topic consists of three sub-topics covering the cellular structures of
leaves, stem and roots. The topic also covers propagation methods, seed
formation and germination process.
42
4.2 Propagation
Learning Outcomes
43
4.3 Seed Formation and Germination
Learning Outcomes
44
5. ECOLOGY
This topic composes of one sub topics covering food chains, component of
ecosystem and interaction between the communities. The topic also focuses
nitrogen cycle and protection of the environment.
45
FORM FOUR
1. COORDINATION
The components of this topic are Nervous system, Endocrine system and
Immunity.
Coordination is the way all organs and systems of the body are made to work
efficiently together.
46
1.2 Endocrine System
Learning Outcomes
47
1.3 Homeostasis and Feedback
Learning Outcomes
48
2. HEALTH AND DISEASE
This topic introduces common diseases and immunity. This topic also focuses
causes, transmission and control of the disease.
49
2.2 Immunity
Learning Outcomes
50
3. BIOTECHNOLOGY
Although biotechnology is currently very much sought, it has been around for
many hundred years. In early civilizations, people have been using
fermentation processes. This topic is about the Introduction to biotechnology
and its applications.
51
4. ADVANCED GENETICS AND HEREDITY
This topic consists of Heredity and genetic engineering sub-topics. The topic
focuses how characters are inherited from parents to offspring. The topic also
describes genes are engineered to produce useful things.
4.1 Heredity
Learning Outcomes
52
4.2 Genetic Engineering
Learning Outcomes
53