WAEC SYLLABUS

BIOLOGY

PREAMBLE

This is an examination syllabus drawn up from the curricula of

the member countries of the West African Examinations Council.
It should be used alongside the appropriate teaching syllabus(es)
of the country where the candidates are domiciled.

This examination syllabus is divided into three sections: Sections

A, B and C. Section A is for all candidates, Section B is for
candidates in Ghana only and Section C is for candidates in
Nigeria, Sierra Leone The Gambia and Liberia.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This syllabus is designed to assess candidates’

1. understanding of the structure and functions of living

organisms as well as appreciation of nature;

2. acquisition of adequate laboratory and field skills in order

to carry out and evaluate experiments and projects in
Biology;

3. acquisition of necessary scientific skills for example

Biology

observing, classifying and interpreting biological data;

4. acquisition of the basic relevant knowledge in Biology

needed for future advanced studies in biological sciences;

5. acquisition of scientific attitudes for problem solving;

6. ability to apply biological principles in everyday life in

matters that affect
personal, social, environmental, community health and
economic problems;

7. awareness of the existence of interrelationships between

biology and other scientific disciplines.

SCHEME OF EXAMINATION

There will be three papers: Papers 1, 2 and 3, all of which must

be taken. Papers 1 and 2 will be a composite paper to be taken
at one sitting.

PAPER 1: Will consist of fifty multiple-choice objective

questions drawn from Section A of the syllabus
(the section of the syllabus which is common to all
countries). It will carry 50 marks and last for 50
minutes.

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PAPER 2: Will consist of six essay questions drawn from the

entire syllabus. The paper will be put into three
sections, Sections A, B and C.

Section A: Will consist of four questions drawn

from Section A of the syllabus.

Section B: Will be for candidates in Ghana only

and will be drawn from Section B of the syllabus
(ie the section of the syllabus perculiar to Ghana).
It will consist of short-structured questions.

Section C: Will be for candidates in Nigeria,

Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia and will be
drawn from Section C of the syllabus (ie the
section of the syllabus containing material for
those countries only). It will also consist of short-
structured questions.

Candidates will be expected to answer two

questions from Section A and all the short-
structured questions from either Section B or
Section C.

Each question in Section A will carry 20 marks

while the compulsory short-structured questions in
Sections B and C will carry 30 marks. The total

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score will be 70 marks. The paper shall take 1

hour 40 minutes.

PAPER 3: Will be a practical test (for school candidates) or a

test of practical work (for private candidates)
lasting 2 hours and consisting of three sections:
Sections A, B and C.

Section A: This will consist of two compulsory

questions drawn from Section A of the syllabus,
each carrying 25 marks.

Section B: This will be for candidates in Ghana

only. It will consist of one question drawn from
Section B of the syllabus and will carry 30 marks.

Section C: This will be for candidates in Nigeria,

Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia. It will
consist of one question drawn from Section C of
the syllabus and will carry 30 marks.

Candidates will be expected to answer all the

questions in Section A and one question in either
Section B or C. The paper will carry a total score
of 80 marks.

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DETAILED SYLLABUS
SECTION A

(For all candidates)

CONTENTS NOTES

A. Concept of Living
1. Classification Classification of objects into
(a) Living and non-living living and nonliving, giving
things examples of each group.
Viruses should be mentioned
as a link between living and
non living things.
(b) Classification of living
things into Kingdoms: Kingdom Monera
Monera, Protoctista (Prokaryotes), single-celled,
(Protista), Fungi, motile or non-motile organisms
Plantae, Animalia. without definite nucleus e.g.
bacteria and blue-green algae.

Major characteristics of the

major phyla of Kingdoms
Protoctista and Fungi.

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Kingdom Protista
(Eukaryotes), single-celled,
motile or non-motile
organisms. Cell structure
complex with definite nucleus
e.g. Chlamydomonas, Amoeba.
Major phyla of Kingdom
Protoctista include: Rhizopoda,
Zoomastigina, Apicomplexa,
Ciliophora, Euglenophyta,
Oomycota, Chlorophyta,
Rhodophyta and Phaeophyta.

Kingdom Fungi (Eukaryotes),

mainly non-motile organisms
composed of hyphae
containing nuclei e.g. moulds,
mushrooms and Rhizopus.
Major phyla of Kingdom Fungi
include: Zygomycota,
Ascomycota and
Basidiomycota.

Kingdom Plantae (Eukaryotes),

mainly multicellular non-motile

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organisms which contain

chlorophyll that enable them to
photosynthesize e.g. mosses,
ferns, pines, oil palms and yam
plants.
Characteristics of the major
divisions and classes:
Bryophyta (Hepaticae, Musci),
Lycopodophyta, Filicinophyta,
Coniferophyta, Cycadophyta
and Angiospermophyta
(Monocotyledoneae and
Dicotyledoneae).

(c) Differences between Kingdom Animalia

plants and animals. (Eukaryotes), multicellular
motile organisms that feed on
2. Organization of life other organisms e.g. corals,
(a) Levels of organization worms, insects, snails, fishes,
(i) cell (single-celled frogs, snakes, monkeys cows.
organisms): Characteristics of the major
Amoeba, Euglena, phyla and classes of Kingdom
Paramecium Animalia.
The external features of the
(ii) Tissue: Hydra following organisms should be

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mentioned: cockroach,
butterfly, Tilapia, toad/frog,
lizard, domestic fowl/pigeon.

(iii) Organ (storage

organ) bulb, rhizome
and heart.

(iv) System/Organ
System: In mammals,
flowering plants - The examples should be used
reproductive system, to illustrate differentiation and
excretory system etc. specialization in organisms.

(b) Complexity of organization

in higher organisms:
advantages and
disadvantages.

3. Forms in which living cells

exist:

(a) Single and free-living:

Amoeba, Paramecium,
Euglena, and

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Chlamydomonas
The significance of different
(b) Colony: Volvox
levels of organization including
(c) Filament: Spirogyra volume/surface area ratio
should be mentioned.
(d) Part of a living organism:
Cheek cells, onion root tip
cells and epidermis of
fleshy
The structure of these
leaves.
organisms in relation to the
forms of existence should be
4. (a) Cell structure and
studied to illustrate
functions of cell
dependence and
components.
interdependence.

(b) Similarities and

differences between plant
and animal cells.
Distinguish groups of cells that
5. The Cell and its environment: form tissues from those that
Physical and Biophysical form colonies or filaments.

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processes.

(a) diffusion
(b) osmosis
Cell structure should include:
(c) active transport
Cell wall, cell membrane,
nucleus, cytoplasm,
cytoplasmic organelles:
6. Properties and functions of
mitochondria, lysosomes,
the living cell
chloroplasts, endoplasmic
reticulum, ribosomes,
(a) Nutrition
centrosomes, Golgi bodies,
chromosomes. The function
(i) Autotrophic
performed by organelles
(photosynthesis)
should be known.

(ii) Heterotrophic
(holozoic)

The significance of these

(b) Cellular respiration
processes should be
mentioned as factors that
Definition and processes
affect cell activities in its
of:
environment.

(i) aerobic respiration

Haemolysis, plasmolysis,
(ii) anaerobic respiration

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(iii) energy release turgidity and crenation should

be mentioned.
(c) Excretion
(i) Excretion in single-
celled aquatic These should be mentioned
organisms. Diffusion by as processes occurring
body surface within living cells.
and by contractile
vacuole.
Nutrition in Euglena,
(ii) Waste products of Chlamydomonas and Spirogyra
metabolism. should be mentioned.

Nutrition in Amoeba and

Paramecium should be
(d) Growth mentioned.

(i) Basis of growth - cell

division A simplified outline of the
(mitosis), enlargement chemical processes involved in
and glycolysis and Kreb's cycle;
differentiation. Reference should be made to
the role of ATP.
(ii) Aspects of growth:
Increase in dry weight, The importance of anaerobic

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irreversible respiration in food processing

increase in size and should be mentioned.
length and increase
in number of cells.

(iii) Regions of fastest

growth in
plants.

(iv) Influence of growth Reference should be made to ca

hormones and dioxide, water and ammon
auxins. examples of waste
products.
(v) Growth
curvatures (Tropisms)

(e) Development: Enlargement

and differentiation.

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Observation of root tip and

(f) Movement
shoot tip are required.
(i) Organelles for
movement: cilia and Regulation of growth by
flagella, hormones should be mentioned.
(ii) Cyclosis.
Types of tropisms should be
(g) Reproduction:
demonstrated.
Types of reproduction.

(i) Asexual: fission, budding

and vegetative
propagation. Microscopic examination of the
different regions of growth and
development: region of cell
(ii) Sexual: Conjugation, division, elongation,
formation of male and differentiation and maturation.
female gametes
(gametogenesis), fusion of Processes that result in primary
gametes fertilization) and secondary growth.

7. (a) Tissues and supporting

systems: Skeleton and
supporting systems in animals:

(i) Biological
significance.

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(ii) Skeletal materials,

e.g. bone,
cartilage and chitin. Prepared slides of:
(a) fission in Paramecium
(iii) Types of skeleton:
(b) budding in yeast and
exoskeleton,
Chlamydomonas;
endoskeleton and
should be observed and
hydrostatic skeleton.
drawn.
(iv) Bones of the vertebral
column, girdles and Prepared slides of
long bones of the conjugation in
appendicular skeleton. Paramecium and Spirogyra
should be studied. The
(v) Mechanism of support
process of meiosis should be
in animals.
mentioned.
(vi) Functions of skeleton
in animals: Protection,
support, locomotion and The location and arrangement
respiratory movement. of skeletal and supporting
tissues in animals should be
mentioned. Candidates should
be familiar with the general
(b) Different types of supporting
plan of mammalian skeleton
tissues in plants.
and the different types of

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joints. They should be able to

identify, draw, label and state
the functions of the individual
(i) Main features of
bones listed in the content
supporting tissues in
column. Detailed structure of
plants.
the skull will not be required.
Histological structure of bones
(ii) Functions of supporting
and cartilages will also not be
tissues in plants:
required.
strength, rigidity
(resistance against
the forces of the wind
and water), flexibility
and resilience.

Candidates should be able to

8. Transport System:
explain how these functions are
(a) Need for transport: performed. The relationship of
skeleton and muscles during
(i) surface area/volume
movement should be used to
ratio.
illustrate the different functions
(ii) substances have to
of the skeleton.
move greater
distances. The different types of
supporting tissues: turgid
parenchyma, collenchyma,
xylem (wood) sclerenchyma

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should be studied.

(b) Transport in animals.

Candidates should be able to
(i) Structure of the heart, cut and draw the low power of
arteries, veins and the T.S. of stem and root of a
capillaries. herbaceous plant and label the
different tissues; epidermis,
cortex and stele.

(ii) Composition and

function of
blood and lymph.

(iii) Materials for

transport:
excretory products,
gases,
digested food, and Source of materials and forms in
other which they are transported and

nutrients. where they are transported to

should be studied.
Media of transport: cytoplasm
(c) Transport in plants
in cells, cell sap or latex in most
(i) Uptake and
plants and body fluid in

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movement of water invertebrates.

and mineral salts in
plants. Candidates should be familiar
with the general circulatory
system. Open circulatory
systems in invertebrates. The
names of the blood vessels
(ii) Translocation responsible for transporting
excretory products, gases,
digested food and other
nutrients should be mentioned.

(iii) Transpiration

(iv) Movement of
water to
the apex of trees
and
herbs. Description of uptake of water

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and mineral salts from the soil

into a plant. Movement
of water and mineral salts
through the plant. Experiments
9. Respiratory System: using eosin solution to show
(a) Body surface: cutaneous, water and mineral salts
gills and lungs. uptake.

Movement of organic materials

from leaves to roots. Basic
theories (Pressure flow
hypothesis and cytoplasmic
streaming) underlying
translocation.
Ringing experiment to
demonstrate that
(b) Mechanisms of gaseous transport of synthesized
exchange in fish, toad, organic nutrients occurs
mammals and plants. through the phloem.

Advantages and disadvantages

10. Excretory Systems and of transpiration. Types of
Mechanisms transpiration. Environmental
Types of excretory systems: factors affecting transpiration.
Kidney, stomata and lenticels Determination of the rate of

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transpiration.

Physiological factors affecting

the rise of water in the xylem:
Root pressure,
transpiration, cohesion-
tension
11. Regulation of Internal mechanism, adhesion, water
Environment potential gradient.
(Homeostasis) Experiments to measure the
rate of transpiration.
(a) Kidney: Structure
and functions Characteristics of respiratory
surfaces in these systems
should be studied. Respiratory
organs of insects should be
mentioned.

(b) Liver: Candidates should be able to

observe, draw and label the
Functions of the liver. respiratory organs of a bony
fish (e.g. Tilapia) and a small
(c) The skin: mammal (e.g. rat)

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Structure and function.

Respiratory movements in
these animals should be
12. Hormonal Coordination
mentioned. The mechanisms of
(a) Animal hormones:
opening and closing of stomata
Site of secretion,
should be mentioned.
functions and effects of
over and under- Characteristics of excretory
secretion. organs in these
systems should be studied.
Candidates
(b) Plant hormones should observe, draw and label
the excretory
organs of a small mammal (e.g.
13. Nervous Coordination rat).
(a) The central nervous
system Explanation of the concept of
(i) Components of the excretion in plants. Excretory
central nervous system products of plants (water,
carbon dioxide, oxygen,
(ii) Parts of the brain and
alkaloids, tannins, gums,
their functions;
resins and acids) should be
cerebrum, cerebellum,
mentioned.
medulla oblongata,
hypothalamus and
Osmoregulation, excretion and
their functions
maintenance of acid-base

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balance should be mentioned.

(iii) Structure and function
The conditions that affect
of the Spinal Cord.
functions of the kidney such as
(b) Peripheral Nervous the water and salt content of
System. the blood, environmental
temperature should also be
(i) Somatic Nervous
mentioned.
System
Excretory products such as
(ii) Autonomic nervous
urea, water, salts, uric acid
system.
should be mentioned.

Candidates should be able to

(iii) Structure and identify the liver; and its

functions of the position relative to the gall

neurone. bladder, bile duct, pancreas,

duodenum and stomach.
(iv) Classification of
neurones. Candidates should observe,
draw and label the mammalian
skin. The regulation of internal

(c) Types of nervous actions environment by the skin should

be emphasized.

(i) The reflex arc

(ii) Reflex and voluntary Endocrine glands: pituitary,

actions thyroid, adrenal, pancreas,

gonads and their secretions

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(iii) Differences between should be mentioned. The

reflex and voluntary stages in the metamorphosis of
actions. toad and the role of thyroxine
should be mentioned.
(iv) Conditioned reflex and
its role on behaviour.

The effects of auxins on lateral

bud development, leaf fall and
14. Sense Organs: Structure
initiation of adventitious roots
and function of the
should be mentioned.
Reference to crop harvesting,
(a) Eye.
growth and weed control should
be made.

(b) Ear.

15 (a) Reproductive system

of mammals
(i) Structure and function of
Candidates should be able to
male and female
locate the position of the brain
reproductive systems.
and spinal cord in a dissected
vertebrate and identify the
(ii) Differences between
various regions of the brain.
male and female

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reproductive organs.

(iii) Structure of the

gametes
(sperm and ovum)

(iv) Fertilization,
development of the embryo
and birth.
Functions of the
(v) Birth control sympathetic and
parasympathetic
systems only.

(b) Metamorphosis in
insects, life histories of butterfly
Candidates should observe,
and cockroach.
draw and label a neurone from
a slide.

Afferent (sensory), efferent

(motor) and intermediate
neurones should be mentioned

(c) Comparison of
reproduction
in fish, amphibian, reptile,
Candidates should perform
bird
experiments to illustrate reflex

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and mammal. actions such as blinking of the

eyes, knee jerk and withdrawal
(d) Reproduction in flowering of hand from hot objects.
plants

(i) Arrangements of floral

parts of a named insect- Candidates should be able to
pollinated flower and a enumerate conditioned
named wind-pollinated reflexes such as salivation,
flower. driving a car, walking and
swimming.
(ii) Structure and function of
the male and female parts
of a flower.

Candidates should examine the

(e) Pollination in Plants
mammalian eye noting the

(i) Types of pollination shape, colour and positions of

the optic muscle and optic
(ii) Features of cross-
nerve.
pollinated and self-
pollinated flowers Mention should be made of eye
defects and
(iii) Agents of Pollination
their corrections.

(iv) Kinds of placentation:

axile, marginal

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and parietal.

Candidates should examine and

(f) Process of development of
draw dissected male and female
zygote in flowering plants:
small mammals showing the
Fertilization.
reproductive organs. They
should also draw sperm and
ovum from prepared slides.
(g) (i) Types of fruits
(classification).

(ii) Structure of fruits

Explanation of the different

methods of birth control.
(h) Dispersal of fruits and
seeds: Agents of dispersal
These examples should be used
to illustrate complete and
incomplete metamorphosis. The
period it takes to develop from
egg to adult should be studied.
The different stages in the life
history of butterfly and

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cockroach should be drawn and

B. Plant and Animal Nutrition labelled.
1. Plant Nutrition

(a) Photosynthesis:
Reference should be made to
(i) Process of the method of fertilization,
photosynthesis and its number of eggs and parental
chemical equation care.

(ii) Light and dark

reactions

(iii) Materials and

conditions
necessary for
photosynthesis

(iv) Evidence of
photosynthesis

Named examples should be

(b) Mineral requirement of used to illustrate the types of
plants pollination.

(i) Mineral nutrition:

Macro and micro-
nutrients

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The features of the flower

should be related
to the agents of pollination.
(ii) Soil and atmosphere
as sources of mineral
elements.
Pollen grains germinated in
sucrose solution should be
observed, prepared slides or
charts showing various stages
of embryo development in
2. Animal Nutrition flowering plants should be
observed and drawn.
(a) Food substances; classes
Fruits should be classified into
and sources
dry and fleshy fruits.

The internal structure of a

leguminous fruit, orange,
(b) Balanced diet and its maize and tomato should be
importance examined and drawn.

The following fruits should be

studied as examples to show

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(c ) Food tests the features that aid their

respective methods of
dispersal. Sunflower (achene)
(d) Digestive enzymes: Combretum, cotton,
Classes, characteristics Crotalaria/bean, Desmodium,
and functions Bidens sp. Tridax sp. and
Coconut.

Distinguishing differences
between a fruit and a seed
should be mentioned.

(e) Modes of Nutrition Biochemical nature of

(i) Autotrophic: photosynthesis, photoactivation
Photosynthesis, of chlorophyll resulting in the
conversion of light energy to
(ii) Heterotrophic: ATP and the reduction of NADP
holozoic, parasitic, (Biochemical detail is not
symbiotic and required)
saprophytic.

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(f) Alimentary System:

The translocating and storage
Alimentary tract of different of excess food as a result of
animals. photosynthesis should be
mentioned.
Test for starch in green leaves
should be carried out.
Fate of the products of
photosynthesis should be
mentioned.
(g) Dental Formula

Macro elements should include:

carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,
nitrogen, potassium,
phosphorus, magnesium,
sulphur, calcium and iron. The
(h) Feeding in protozoa and micro elements should include:
mammals copper, manganese, zinc and
boron.

C. Basic Ecological Candidates should distinguish

Concepts between food produced and
mineral elements.
1. Ecosystem:

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Components of the
ecosystem and sizes

(a) Ecological
components:
environment,
biosphere,
Local examples as sources of
habitat, population,
food substance should be given.
biotic
Reference should be made to
community and
food relationship between
ecosystem.
plants and animals.

Importance of each class of

(b) Components of the
food in a balanced diet should
ecosystem:
be stressed. Candidates should
Biotic and abiotic
relate the idea of balanced diet
to their own diet. Malnutrition
2. Ecological factors:
and its effects on humans should

Ecological factors in be mentioned.

aquatic and terrestrial
Tests for starch, reducing sugar,
ecosystems
protein, fats and oil should be

3. Simple Measurement of carried out.

Ecological Factors.
Candidates should perform

(a) Physical factors: experiments to show that

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Climatic, topographic and ptyalin in saliva changes

gaseous. cooked starch to reducing
sugar.
(b) Edaphic factors:
Candidates should know
Chemical
source, site of action, substrate
and physical
and effect of each digestive
composition,
enzyme.
moisture content and soil
Experiments to show the
texture.
characteristics of enzymes,
4. Food webs and trophic levels
including effects of pH,
(a) Autotrophs and
temperature and concentration
Heterotrophs
should be carried out.
(i) Producers: autotrophs
(ii) Consumers:
heterotrophs
(iii) Decomposers

(b) Trophic levels energy

relationships

(i) Food chain Named examples should be

(ii) Food web used to illustrate different
modes of nutrition.
(c) Energy flow
Comparison should be made
(i) Food/Energy relationship
using dissected named bird and
in aquatic and terrestrial
mammal.

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environment.
Description and functions of
(ii) Pyramid of energy and parts of the alimentary canal
Pyramid of numbers. and modification of parts to
reflect their digestive functions
should be mentioned.
(d) Decomposition in nature

(i) Decomposers: Meaning of dental formula.

(micro and macro- Determination of the dental
decomposers) formulae of mammals.

(ii) Gaseous products Arrangements of teeth in the

(iii) Role of decomposers jaw bones of herbivores,

carnivores and of humans.
Importance of dental care in
humans.

6. Ecological Management:
(a) Biological Associations Reference should be made to
feeding habits in protozoa and
Type of associations:
mammals.
Parasitism, symbiosis,
commensalism and
saprophytism.

(b) Adaptation of organisms to Examples and explanation are

habitats. required.

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(c) Pollution of the

Importance of ecological factors
atmosphere
common to
all habitat should be
(i) Nature, names,
mentioned. The
sources and effects of
importance of ecological factors
air pollutants.
to
population of animals and
plants should be
stressed.

(ii) Effect of noise

(d) Water and Soil Pollution Candidates should measure

Type and effects of some of the ecological factors
pollutants. including humidity,
temperature, wind speed,
rainfall and light intensity.

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Candidates should be able to

classify organisms as producers,
consumers and decomposers.

7. Ecology of population
(a) Ecological succession Aquatic and terrestrial
producers, consumers and
(i) Structural changes in
decomposers should be known.
species composition,
variety or diversity and
increase in numbers.

(ii) General characteristics

and outcomes of
succession

(b) Primary succession.

Candidates should illustrate
Succession in terrestrial
food relationships in a food
and aquatic habitats.
chain and food web using
specific examples.

(c) Secondary succession, climax

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of the succession:
characteristic
of a stable ecosystem.
Non-cyclic nature of energy
(d) Factors that affect population
transfer should be mentioned.
size: natality, mortality,
emigration, immigration, food
shortage,
predation,competition and
Candidates should be able to
diseases.
construct and explain pyramid
of energy, pyramid of numbers
(e) Preservation and storage of
and point out the major
foods
differences between them.

Candidates should observe

demonstrations to show that
carbon dioxide, hydrogen
(f) The life of selected
sulphide, heat energy are
insects;
released during decomposition.
(i) Weevils and cotton
strainers.

(ii) Control of pests

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8. Microorganisms: Man and

health
(a) Carriers of
microorganisms

Features of biological
(b) Microorganisms in action importance associated with
(i) Beneficial effects in each type should be mentioned.
nature, medicine and Named examples should be
industries. used to illustrate these
associations.

(ii) Harmful effects of

microorganisms, diseases
caused by microorganisms:
cholera, measles, malaria Adaptations of plants and
and ring worm. animals to environmental
conditions with particular
(c) Towards better Health reference to differences in
(i) Methods of .controlling habitats should be mentioned.
harmful microorganisms:
high temperature,
antibiotics, antiseptics, high
salinity and dehydration.

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Examples of air pollutants

(ii) Ways of controlling the
should include carbon
vectors.
monoxide, sulphur dioxide,
oxides of nitrogen, smoke,
(d) Public Health: smog, dust and particles
The importance of the released into the air from
following towards the factories.
maintenance of good health Health hazards and damage to
practices: the environment should be
emphasized.
(i) Refuse and sewage
disposal. Harmful effect of noise from
generators, aeroplane and
electronic sound gadgets, e.t.c.
(ii) Immunization, should be mentioned.
vaccination
and inoculation (control of
diseases). Water and soil pollutants to be
studied include: synthetic
substances (detergent),
insecticides, artificial fertilizers,
herbicides, sewage, domestic

D. Conservation of Natural and industrial wastes, crude oil

Resources: and decaying organic matter.
The health hazards and harmful
1. Resources to be conserved:

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Biology

soil, water, wildlife, forest and effects of water and soil

minerals. pollutants on organisms should
also be mentioned. Mention
2. Ways of ensuring conservation should be made of oil spillage
and its effects.

E. Variation in Population

1. Morphological variations in the

physical appearance of
individuals

(a) size, height and weight

Candidates should study

(b) colour (skin, eye, hair
succession in an abandoned
coat of
farmland, lawn, and in a pond
animals)

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Biology

over a period of time to

discover a definite sequence of
(c) finger prints
colonization by plants.
Reference should be made to
population.
2. Physiological Variations

(a) Ability to roll tongue

(b) Ability to taste

phenylthiocarbamide
(PTC)

(c) Blood groups (ABO)

classification)

F. Biology of Heredity
(Genetics) Description of various methods
of preserving and storing food.
1. Genetic terminologies
The use of ionizing radiations
(x-ray, etc) should be
mentioned. Explanation of the
biological basis of preserving
2. Transmission and expression of and storing food. Local
characteristics in organisms. methods of preserving food
such as drying, salting and
(a) Hereditary variation

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Biology

smoking should be mentioned.

(b) Mendel's work in genetics

External features of weevils

(i) Mendel’s and cotton stainers, their

experiments mode of life, adaptation

to their habitats and their
economic importance.

(ii) Mendelian traits

(iii) Mendelian laws

Various methods of pest
3. Chromosomes: The basis of control: physical, chemical
heredity biological, etc; and their
advantages and disadvantages
(a) Structure
should be mentioned.

Effects of micro-organisms on
our bodies
should be mentioned.
(b) Process of
Examples of carriers: housefly;
transmission of
mosquitoes; tsetsefly should be
hereditary characters
mentioned.
from parents to

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Biology

offspring.
Candidates should perform
experiments on fermentation,
4. Probability in genetics (Hybrid
curdling of milk etc. to illustrate
formation).
the beneficial uses of micro-
organisms.
5. Linkage, sex determination
and sex linked
characters.
The diseases should be studied
with respect to the causative
organisms, mode of
6. Application of the principles
transmission and symptoms.
of heredity in:

Effects of these methods on

the microorganisms should
(a) Agriculture
be mentioned.

(b) Medicine Methods of controlling

housefly and mosquito
should be studied.

Candidates should be familiar

with the proper methods of
carrying out these public health

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Biology

G. Adaptation for survival and practices in their community.

Evolution.

1. Behavioural Adaptations in Social

Various forms of immunization
Animals.
should be mentioned.
Explanation of the terms
(a) Termites
immunization, vaccination and
(b) Bees
inoculation. Candidates should
be able to show how these
terms are related.

The meaning and need for

conservation of natural
2. Evolution.
resources should be
mentioned.

Problems of conservation
should be mentioned in relation
to economic and social
development, overgrazing and
(a) Evidence of
poaching.
evolution.

The following should be studied:

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Biology

(a) agencies
responsible for
(b) Theories of conservation
evolution (b) conservation education
(c) conservation laws
(d) benefits of conservation.

Variation can be classified into

morphological and physiological
or continuous and
discontinuous.

Candidates are required to

measure heights and weights of
pupils of the same age group
and plot graphs of frequency
SECTION distribution
B of the height and
(For candidates in weight.
Ghana only)

Observe and record various skin

colour, colour pattern of some

A. Introducing Biology animals (cow, goat, rabbits),

colour pattern of plants (maize

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Biology

1. Biology as a science of life cob and leaves).

Make finger prints and classify

them into arches, loops, whorls
and compounds.

2. Procedure for biological work

Definition of the following basic

genetic terms such as gene,
genotype, phenotype,
3. Importance of Biology
dominant, recessive, allele,
locus, test cross, and back
cross.
4. Body symmetry, sectioning
and
Reference should be made to
orientation
characters that can be

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Biology

transmitted from generation to

generation such as colour of
skin, eye, hair, blood group,
sickle cell, shape of face and
nose.

Mendel's experiment with red

and white
flowered peas should be
mentioned.

5. The microscope

Mendel’s experiment on
monohybrid and dihybrid
inheritance should be
mentioned.

Reference should be made to

dominant and recessive
characters in plants and
animals.

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Biology

Candidates should observe

chromosomes in permanently
6. Biological drawings prepared slides of cells and root
tips of onion or lily. Candidates
should study the structure of
DNA and gene replication using
models and charts.

B. Cell Biology
Segregation of genes at meiosis
and recombination at
fertilization should be used to
1. Movement of substances into
explain the process of
and out of cells: Endocytosis
transmission of hereditary
and Exocytosis
characters from parents to
offspring.

2. Nucleic acids
Computation of probability is
not required.

Explanation of the terms

linkage, sex determination and
sex linked characters such as
3. DNA structure and
haemophilia, colour blindness,

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Biology

replication, baldness and hairy ear lobes.

RNA transcription.

Data on cross-breeding
experiments should be studied.

Examples of new varieties of

4. Protein synthesis
crops and livestock obtained
through cross-breeding should
be mentioned. The advantages
and disadvantages of cross-
fertilization, out and inbreeding
should be explained.

5. Cell cycle
The application of knowledge of
heredity in marriage counseling
with particular reference to
sickle cell anaemia and rhesus
factor should be mentioned.

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Biology

Candidates should be able to

C. Life Processes in Living identify the various castes of
Things social insects.

The division of labour in social

1. Amoeba, Paramecium, and
insects and the roles of
Euglena
different castes should be
stressed. Examples of
communication among animals
such as contact notes and
2. Spirogyra and Rhizopus
warning cries should be
mentioned. Reference should
be made to basking by lizard,
territorial behaviour in birds
and lizards and behaviour of
3. Mosses and ferns
other animals under
unfavourable conditions-
hibernation and aestivation.
The behaviour of an organism
as a member of a group and
the effect of grouping on the
behaviour of an organism
should be mentioned.

Candidates are expected to

know the evolutionary trends in

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Biology

plants and animals such as

from simple to complex
structural adaptations and from
aquatic to terrestrial organisms.

The role of mutation in

D. Diversity of Living Things
evolution should be mentioned.

1. Characteristics of some of
the The following evidence of
orders of Class Insecta evolution should be
mentioned: Paleontology
(fossil records), comparative
2. Identification of organisms biochemistry, geographical
using distribution, comparative
biological keys anatomy and physiology,
adaptive radiation,
comparative embryology and
systematics.
E. Interactions in Nature
The contributions of Lamarck
Soil
and Darwin to the development
of the theory of evolution
should be mentioned.

F. Mammalian Anatomy and

Physiology

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Biology

1. Dissection of a small
mammal

2. Transport:
Structure of the mammalian
heart.

3. Cellular respiration

4. Movement:

(a) Muscles

The meaning of biology.

Candidates must be able to
differentiate between a living

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Biology

thing and an organism. The

(b) Skeletal tissues two major branches of biology:
Botany and zoology;
5. Reproduction specialized areas: bacteriology,
(a) Secondary sexual molecular biology, histology,
characteristics cell biology, ecology etc.

Description of skills required

by biologists in their work. The
(b) Prenatal/Antenatal care scientific method: Identifying
the problem, defining the
problem, hypothesizing,
experimenting, recording,
analyzing and concluding.
G. Plant Structure and Description of following steps
Physiology for writing report on biological
experiment or investigation:
1. Morphology of Aim, hypothesis/ scientific
monocotyledonous framework, materials/ drawing
and dicotyledonous plants. of set-up, method, results/
observation, discussion and
conclusion.

Application of biology to

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Biology

everyday life. Careers

associated with the study of
2. Transport: biology.
Guttation
Description of the following
3. Reproduction: terms :
Floral formula (i) Body symmetry (bilateral
and radial)
(ii) Sectioning: longitudinal
and
H. Humans and their transverse and vertical
Environment (iii) Body orientation of
specimen:
1. Integrated water resources anterior, posterior,
management. lateral, dorsal and
ventral views).
Distinction between
(i) posterior and anterior
2. Health and hygiene views
(ii) dorsal and ventral views
(iii) transverse and longitudinal
section

(a) Drug abuse Examination of simple light,

compound light and

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Biology

stereoscopic light microscopes

(b) Community health and identification of the
various parts.

(c) First Aid Handling and caring for

microscopes. Use
of the light microscope to
I. Evolution observe
prepared slides. Techniques
Recombinant DNA Technology involved in the preparation of
temporary slides of animal and
J. Biology and Industry plant cells. Mounting varieties
of specialized eukaryotic cells.
1. Biology and water industry Drawing of cells as seen under
the microscope.
(a) Contamination of
water Resolution and magnification
of
microscope. Determination of
magnification of drawings.
(b) Identification of Measuring lengths using
polluted compound light microscope.
water Electron microscope should be
mentioned
(c) Waste water

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Biology

treatment Appropriate headings for

biological drawings.
Magnification/ size of biological
2. Biology and fishing industry drawings. Quality of biological
drawings e.g. clarity of lines,
(a) Fish stock neatness of labels, labels of
management biological drawings.

(b) Fish farming Explanation of the process of

endocytosis
( phagocytosis and
pinocytosis) and exocytosis.

Explanation of the term nucleic

acid. Types of nucleic acids:
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
3. Biology and food industry: and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Food additives Basic chemical differences
between DNA and RNA.

Description of double helix

model of

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Biology

4. Biology and agriculture DNA structure by Watson and

Crick. Processes of DNA
replication and RNA
transcription.

5. Biotechnology

Description of the process of

protein synthesis. The roles of
m-RNA, t-RNA,
and r-RNA and ribosomes in
protein synthesis must be
emphasized. Importance
of protein synthesis. Examples
6. Biological fuel generation of proteins
synthesized by humans.

Explanation of the of the term

cell cycle. Phases of the cell
cycle [Interphase: G + S + G2
phases, Mitosis: M phase
( karyokinesis and
cytokinesis)]. The processes
of mitosis and meiosis and

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Biology

their importance. Preparation

of a squash of onion root tip
and observing stages of
SECTIONmeiosis
C under the microscope.
(For candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone,
Observing stages of meiosis in
The Gambia and Liberia)
plant and animal cells
(Permanent slides may be
used).

A. Concept of Living

1. Cell theory
External structure and life
processes of Amoeba,

2.Irritability as a basic Paramecium, and Euglena.

characteristic of protoplasm Mounting of Paramecium and

Euglena under the compound

(a) Types of responses: taxis light microscope.

and nastism
Structure of Spirogyra and

(b) Environmental factors Rhizopus. Nutrition and

that evoke reproduction of Spirogyra and

responses; temperature, Rhizopus. Identification of

pH etc stages of conjugation of

Spirogyra.

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Biology

3. Excretory Systems
Structure of mosses

(a) Diseases of the kidney: (Brachymenium and Funaria)

Nephritis, kidney stone and ferns (Nephrolepis,
and diuresis, Their effects and ( Platycerium, Phymatodes).
remedies. Description
of external features of mosses
(b) Diseases of the liver: and ferns.
infective hepatitis, cancer of Nutrition and reproduction in
the liver and gall stones. mosses. Reproduction in ferns.
Their effects and remedies.

4. Sense organs.

(a) Nose.

(b) Tongue.

Orders of Class Insecta

(Odonata
(c) The skin.
Orthoptera, Coleoptera,
Hymenoptera, Hemiptera,
5. Reproduction
Diptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera,
(a) Courtship behaviour in
Dictyoptera, and Neuroptera).
animals:

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Biology

(i) Pairing
(ii) Display e.g. peacocks
(iii) Territoriality Identification of organisms
(iv) Seasonal migration using numbered and
associated with dichotomous keys.
breeding in herrings, Construction of identification
eels and birds. keys.

(b) Metamorphosis
and life history of
housefly.
Identification of mineral salts
(c) Adaptive features (Ca2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mg2+, K+,
in a SO4 -, NO3 -, PO4 -) in a soil
developing animal: sample. Soil reclamation.

(i) Yolk in egg of fish,

toad and birds for
nourishment
The arrangement of internal
(ii) Placenta in animals organs of mammals. Functions
of the internal organs.
Candidates should be able to
cut open a chloroformed
(d) Germination of mammal (guinea pig, rat,
seeds mouse and rabbit) and draw
the internal organs.

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Biology

(i) Essential
factors which affect Mechanism of the heartbeat:
developing embryo. excitation and contractions
(SAN, AVN, Purkinge tissue)
(ii) Types of
germination Determination of respiratory
quotient (RQ) of different
B. Plant and Animal Nutrition substrates. Explanation of the
significance of RQ.
1. Nitrogen cycle

Types of muscle (Smooth,

striated and
2. Modes of nutrition:
cardiac muscles). Description
autotrophic, chemosynthetic,
of how muscles bring about
carnivorous plants
movement.
Explanation of sliding filament
3. Alimentary System
model of muscle contraction.
(a) Alimentary tracts of
different animals

(b) Description and

Description of the structure of
function of various parts.
skeletal tissues( Bones and
cartilage).
4. Feeding habits
(a) Categories: Carnivorous,

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Biology

herbivorous and omnivorous Physical changes that occur in

males and females during
(b) Modifications and
puberty. The role of hormones
mechanisms associated with
in the development of
the following habits; filter
secondary sexual
feeding, fluid feeding, feeding
characteristics in humans.
adaptation in insects,
saprophytic feeding, parasitic
Meaning of antenatal care.
feeding etc.
Antenatal visits requirements.
Nutrition and diet. Exercise
during pregnancy. Benefits of
C. Basic Ecological Concepts
the use of natural products by
1. Ecological Components: mother and child.
Lithosphere, hydrosphere,
atmosphere, niche

2.Population Studies by Sampling External features of

(a) Population size monocotyledonous and
(b) Dominance dicotyledonous plants.
(c) Density Functions of roots, stems and
leaves of monocotyledonous
and dicotyledonous plants.
3. Energy transformation in nature: Differences between
monocotyledonous and
(a) Energy loss in the
dicotyledonous
ecosystem

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Biology

plants. Modifications of roots,

(b) Solar radiation: its stems and leaves.
intake and loss at
the earth's surface. Biological principles underlying
guttation.
(c ) Energy loss in the
biosphere.
Determination and writing of
the floral formulae of the
following flowers: Flamboyant
4. Nutrient Cycling in Nature (Delonix), Pride of Barbados
(Caesalpinia) and Rattle box
(a) Carbon Cycle: (Crotalaria). Floral diagrams
are not required.
(i) Process of carbon cycle

(ii) Importance of carbon in Description of the integrated

nature. water resources management
(IWRM). Explanation of how
IWRM can reduce undesirable
change in the environment.

Definition of terms: health,

hygiene, and sanitation. Means
of achieving personal

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Biology

cleanliness/ hygiene.

(b) Water Cycle:

(i) Importance of water Explanation of the term drug
cycle, abuse.
(ii) Importance of water to Consequences of drug abuse.
living organisms.
Importance of town planning
5. Ecological Management:
and its effects on health of the
Tolerance, Minimum and
community.
maximum range

Explanation of the term First

Aid. Different methods of
administering First Aid.

6. Habitats
(a) Aquatic habitat: marine,
estuarine fresh water under the
Explanation of the term
following headings:
Recombinant DNA Technology
(i) characteristics of habitat
and state its application.
(ii) distribution of plants and
animals in the habitat,
(iii) adaptive features of
plants and
animals in the
Candidates should carry out
habitat.

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Biology

experiments to test water

(b) Terrestrial habitat: marsh, samples for bacterial
forest, grass land, arid land contamination.
should be studied under the
following headings: The use of Biological Oxygen
Demand (BOD) in the
measurement of the level of
organic pollution in water.
(i) characteristics of habitat
Description of biological
(ii) distribution of plants processes of purifying sewage.
and animals in habitat. Cesspit activated sludge
process should be mentioned.

(c) Balance in Nature

Dynamic equilibrium population
Explanation of why fish is an
and
efficient
population density.
converter of plankton into
flesh.

7. Relevance of Biology to Description of ways of

Agriculture: conserving fish

stocks in water bodies.

(a) Classification of plants

based on life cycle Importance of fish farming.
Advantages and disadvantages

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Biology

(b) Effects of agricultural of fish farming.

practices on ecology

(i) Bush burning

(ii) Tillage

(iii) Fertilizer Explanation of the term food

additives. Identification of the

(iv) Herbicide/pesticide categories of food additives

(Naturally occurring and

(v) Different farming artificial food additives). Health

methods implications in the use of food
additives.

8. Microorganisms: Man and

His Health. Explanation of the biological
principles by which fertilizer,
(a) Microorganisms around us
pesticides, selective breeding,

(i) Microorganisms in air and resistance to disease and

water irrigation can respectively lead

(ii) Groups of to successful agriculture.

microorganisms: bacteria,
viruses, some algae, Explanation of the concept of
protozoa and some fungi. biotechnology. The use of
micro-organisms in the

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Biology

manufacture of food such as

(b) Microorganisms in our
cheese, yoghurt, kenkey,
bodies and food
bread and butter. The role of
micro-organisms in the
production of alcoholic drinks
and organic acids. The role of
micro-organisms in
pharmaceutical, tanning and
mining industries.
(c) Public Health
Food hygiene and health
Explanation of the need for
organization.
new sources of
energy. The use of biogas, use
D. Application of Variations
of green crops to produce
1. Crime detection
ethanol, the generation of
hydrogen gas from
2. Blood transfusion
chloroplasts should be
mentioned
3. Determination of paternity

E. Evolution
1. Adaptation for survival

(a) Factors that bring

about
competition

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Biology

(b) Intra and Inter-

species
competition

(c) Relationship between

competition and
succession

2. Structural Adaptation for;

(a) obtaining food
(b) protection and defense
(c) securing mates for
reproduction
The cell theory including the
(d) regulating body
work of Hooke, Dujardin,
temperature
Schleiden and Schwann should
(e) conserving water
be outlined.
3. Adaptive Colouration
(a) Plants and animals

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Biology

(b) Colouration and their

functions

Excretory organs of earthworm

and insects should be
mentioned.

The process of perception of

smell including the roles of
sensory cells in nose and
olfactory lobes should be
studied.

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Biology

Experiments should be carried

out to determine the different
areas of the tongue associated
with different tastes. The
association between the organs
of taste and smell should be
mentioned. Mention should be
made of taste buds.

The function of the skin as a

sensory organ should be
emphasized.

Courtship pattern in male

and female animals and
territorialism in lizards
should be observed.

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Biology

The content (yolk and albumen)

of birds' egg should be
examined

Candidates should observe the

connection of the foetus to the
mother and the adaptive
features of the placenta,
umbilical cord and amnion in a
dissected pregnant rat. The
meaning of oviparity and
viviparity should be mentioned.

Experiments to show the

importance of oxygen,
adequate moisture and
suitable temperature,
should be carried out.

The stages in hypogeal and

epigeal germination should be
observed and drawn

The names and roles of bacteria

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Biology

involved in nitrogen cycle

should be mentioned.
Candidates to observe root
nodules in leguminous plants.

Examples of carnivorous plants

should be studied.

Comparison should be made

using dissected earthworm,
grasshopper/cockroach to show
the important features of the
alimentary canal.

Use a bird and

cockroach/grasshopper to show
modifications for functions

Mosquito larva, housefly,

butterfly, cockroach, adult
mosquito, maize weevil,
rhizopods, tapeworm should be

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Biology

used to illustrate the different

types of feeding mechanisms
and various modifications.

Candidates are expected to

explain and give examples of
the terms.

Candidates are required to

carry out a project to determine
population density by counting
the individual types of plants
and animals and record such
count in a given plot.

Laws of thermodynamics and its

application to ecological
phenomena should be
mentioned. The laws of
thermodynamics should be used
to explain energy flow across
tropic levels.

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Biology

Candidates should discuss

energy as a limiting factor in
primary production i.e
production of autotrophs.

Reference should be made to

harvest as a means of
measuring primary production.

Candidates should be able to

draw the carbon cycle, list the
sources of carbon (burning,
respiration, decay) and discuss
the relative importance of the
cycle.

Reference should be made to

carbon dioxide-oxygen balance
in nature.
Candidates should carry out
experiments to show absorption
of carbon dioxide and release of
oxygen during photosynthesis.

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Biology

Candidates should carry out

experiments to show the
presence of water in expired air
and that water is given off
during respiration.

Candidates should perform

experiments to show the limit
of tolerance of Tilapia to various
concentrations of salt solution
or sensitivity of wood lice to
temperature.

Measurement of physical
factors: temperature, salinity,
light intensity, turbidity,
current, pH, should be carried
out.

The pattern of distribution

including dominant types and
seasonal changes of population,
size of organisms in the habitat
should be noted.

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Biology

The measurement of the

physical factors, temperature,
relative humidity, light, wind,
and pH should be carried out.

Reference should be made to

edaphic factors.

The effect of physical factors on

distribution of plants and
animals should be mentioned.

The process by which

carnivores maintain a constant
population should be
mentioned.

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Biology

Effects of human activities on

ecological systems should be
mentioned.

Microorganisms in air, water

and expired air should be
observed and identified by their
colour, pattern of growth and
appearance of their colony.

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Biology

Microorganisms under the

finger nails, mouth cavity,
expired air, and decomposing
food substance should be
observed and identified by their
colour, pattern of growth, and
appearance of colony.

Reference should be made to

the roles of national and
international health
organizations in maintenance of
good public health.

The uniqueness of each

individual's finger print should
be mentioned in relation to
crime detection.

Reference should be made to

importance of knowledge of

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Biology

blood groups in blood

transfusion and determination
of paternity.

Reference should be made to

the factors such as food,
space, water, light and mates
which organisms share and
form the basis of competition.

The effects of intra-species

competition should be
observed by growing many
seedlings of maize in a small
area, while the effects of
interspecies competition can
be observed by planting many
seedlings of maize and pepper
in a small area.

Candidates should observe

competition and succession

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Biology

on a moistened exposed
slice of bread over a period
of time.

Candidates should observe

examples of organisms that
show structural adaptation for
obtaining food, escaping from
enemies, securing mates,
regulating body temperature
and conserving water.

Candidates are required to

observe examples of adaptive
colouration in plants and
animals.

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