fission in Paramecium
budding in yeast and Chlamydomonas
should be observed and drawn.
Prepared slides of conjugation in
Paramecium and Spirogyra should be studied. The process of meiosis should be mentioned.
The location and arrangement of skeletal and supporting tissues in animals should be mentioned. Candidates should be familiar with the general plan of mammalian skeleton and the different types of joints. They should be able to identify, draw, label and state the functions of the individual bones listed in the content column. Detailed structure of the skull will not be required. Histological structure of bones and cartilages will also not be required.
Candidates should be able to explain how these functions are performed. The relationship of skeleton and muscles during movement should be used to illustrate the different functions of the skeleton.
The different types of supporting tissues: turgid parenchyma, collenchyma, xylem (wood) sclerenchyma should be studied.
Candidates should be able to cut and draw the low power of the T.S. of stem and root of a herbaceous plant and label the different tissues; epidermis, cortex and stele.
Source of materials and forms in which they are transported and where they are transported to should be studied.
Media of transport: cytoplasm in cells, cell sap or latex in most plants and body fluid in invertebrates.
Candidates should be familiar with the general circulatory system. Open circulatory systems in invertebrates. The names of the blood vessels responsible for transporting excretory products, gases, digested food and other nutrients should be mentioned.
Description of uptake of water and mineral salts from the soil into a plant. Movement
of water and mineral salts through the plant. Experiments using eosin solution to show water and mineral salts uptake.
Movement of organic materials from leaves to roots. Basic theories (Pressure flow hypothesis and cytoplasmic streaming) underlying translocation.
Ringing experiment to demonstrate that
transport of synthesized organic nutrients occurs through the phloem.
Advantages and disadvantages of transpiration. Types of transpiration. Environmental factors affecting transpiration. Determination of the rate of transpiration.
Physiological factors affecting the rise of water in the xylem: Root pressure,
transpiration, cohesion- tension
mechanism, adhesion, water potential gradient. Experiments to measure the rate of transpiration.
Characteristics of respiratory surfaces in these systems should be studied. Respiratory organs of insects should be mentioned.
Candidates should be able to observe, draw and label the respiratory organs of a bony fish (e.g. Tilapia) and a small mammal (e.g. rat)
Respiratory movements in these animals should be mentioned. The mechanisms of opening and closing of stomata should be mentioned.
Characteristics of excretory organs in these
systems should be studied. Candidates
should observe, draw and label the excretory
organs of a small mammal (e.g. rat).
Explanation of the concept of excretion in plants. Excretory products of plants (water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, alkaloids, tannins, gums, resins and acids) should be mentioned.
Osmoregulation, excretion and maintenance of acid-base balance should be mentioned. The conditions that affect functions of the kidney such as the water and salt content of the blood, environmental temperature should also be mentioned.
Excretory products such as urea, water, salts, uric acid should be mentioned.
Candidates should be able to identify the liver; and its position relative to the gall bladder, bile duct, pancreas, duodenum and stomach.
Candidates should observe, draw and label the mammalian skin. The regulation of internal environment by the skin should be emphasized.
Endocrine glands: pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads and their secretions should be mentioned. The stages in the metamorphosis of toad and the role of thyroxine should be mentioned.
The effects of auxins on lateral bud development, leaf fall and initiation of adventitious roots should be mentioned.
Reference to crop harvesting, growth and weed control should be made.
Candidates should be able to locate the position of the brain and spinal cord in a dissected vertebrate and identify the various regions of the brain.
Functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems only.
Candidates should observe, draw and label a neurone from a slide.
Afferent (sensory), efferent (motor) and intermediate neurones should be mentioned
Candidates should perform experiments to illustrate reflex actions such as blinking of the eyes, knee jerk and withdrawal of hand from hot objects.
Candidates should be able to enumerate conditioned reflexes such as salivation, driving a car, walking and swimming.
Candidates should examine the mammalian eye noting the shape, colour and positions of the optic muscle and optic nerve.
Mention should be made of eye defects and
their corrections.
Candidates should examine and draw dissected male and female small mammals showing the reproductive organs. They should also draw sperm and ovum from prepared slides.
Explanation of the different methods of birth control.
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 cockroach should be drawn and labelled.
Reference should be made to the method of fertilization, number of eggs and parental care.
Named examples should be used to illustrate the types of pollination.
The features of the flower should be related
to the agents of pollination.
Pollen grains germinated in sucrose solution should be observed, prepared slides or charts showing various stages of embryo development in flowering plants should be observed and drawn.
Fruits should be classified into dry and fleshy fruits.
The internal structure of a leguminous fruit, orange, maize and tomato should be examined and drawn.
The following fruits should be studied as examples to show the features that aid their respective methods of dispersal. Sunflower (achene) Combretum, cotton, Crotalaria/bean, Desmodium,
Bidens sp. Tridax sp. and Coconut.
Distinguishing differences between a fruit and a seed should be mentioned.
Biochemical nature of photosynthesis, photoactivation of chlorophyll resulting in the conversion of light energy to ATP and the reduction of NADP (Biochemical detail is not required)
The translocating and storage of excess food as a result of photosynthesis should be mentioned.
Test for starch in green leaves should be carried out.
Fate of the products of photosynthesis should be mentioned.
Macro elements should include: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur, calcium and iron. The micro elements should include: copper, manganese, zinc and boron.
Candidates should distinguish between food produced and mineral elements.
Local examples as sources of food substance should be given. Reference should be made to food relationship between plants and animals.
Importance of each class of food in a balanced diet should be stressed. Candidates should relate the idea of balanced diet to their own diet. Malnutrition and its effects on humans should be mentioned.
Tests for starch, reducing sugar, protein, fats and oil should be carried out.
Candidates should perform experiments to show that ptyalin in saliva changes cooked starch to reducing sugar.
Candidates should know source, site of action, substrate and effect of each digestive enzyme.
Experiments to show the characteristics of enzymes, including effects of pH, temperature and concentration should be carried out.
Named examples should be used to illustrate different modes of nutrition.
Comparison should be made using dissected named bird and mammal.
Description and functions of parts of the alimentary canal and modification of parts to reflect their digestive functions should be mentioned.
Meaning of dental formula. Determination of the dental formulae of mammals. Arrangements of teeth in the jaw bones of herbivores, carnivores and of humans. Importance of dental care in humans.
Reference should be made to feeding habits in protozoa and mammals.
Examples and explanation are required.
Importance of ecological factors common to
all habitat should be mentioned. The
importance of ecological factors to
population of animals and plants should be
stressed.
Candidates should measure some of the ecological factors including humidity, temperature, wind speed, rainfall and light intensity.
Candidates should be able to classify organisms as producers, consumers and decomposers.
Aquatic and terrestrial producers, consumers and decomposers should be known.
Candidates should illustrate food relationships in a food chain and food web using specific examples.
Non-cyclic nature of energy transfer should be mentioned.
Candidates should be able to construct and explain pyramid of energy, pyramid of numbers and point out the major differences between them.
Candidates should observe demonstrations to show that carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, heat energy are released during decomposition.
Features of biological importance associated with each type should be mentioned. Named examples should be used to illustrate these associations.
Adaptations of plants and animals to environmental conditions with particular reference to differences in habitats should be mentioned.
Examples of air pollutants should include carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, smoke, smog, dust and particles released into the air from factories.
Health hazards and damage to the environment should be emphasized.
Harmful effect of noise from generators, aeroplane and electronic sound gadgets, e.t.c. should be mentioned.
Water and soil pollutants to be studied include: synthetic substances (detergent), insecticides, artificial fertilizers, herbicides, sewage, domestic and industrial wastes, crude oil and decaying organic matter. The health hazards and harmful effects of water and soil pollutants on organisms should also be mentioned. Mention should be made of oil spillage and its effects.
Candidates should study succession in an abandoned farmland, lawn, and in a pond over a period of time to discover a definite sequence of colonization by plants.
Reference should be made to population.
Description of various methods of preserving and storing food. The use of ionizing radiations (x-ray, etc) should be
mentioned. Explanation of the biological basis of preserving and storing food. Local methods of preserving food such as drying, salting and smoking should be mentioned.
External features of weevils and cotton stainers, their mode of life, adaptation
to their habitats and their economic importance.
Various methods of pest control: physical, chemical biological, etc; and their advantages and disadvantages should be mentioned.
Effects of micro-organisms on our bodies
should be mentioned.
Examples of carriers:
housefly; mosquitoes; tsetsefly should be
mentioned.
Candidates should perform experiments on fermentation, curdling of milk etc. to illustrate the beneficial uses of microorganisms.
The diseases should be studied with respect to the causative organisms, mode of transmission and symptoms.
Effects of these methods on the microorganisms should be mentioned.
Methods of controlling housefly and mosquito should be studied.
Candidates should be familiar with the proper methods of carrying out these public health practices in their community.
Various forms of immunization should be mentioned.
Explanation of the terms immunization, vaccination and inoculation. Candidates should be able to show how these terms are related.
The meaning and need for conservation of natural resources should be mentioned.
Problems of conservation should be mentioned in relation to economic and social development, overgrazing and poaching.
The following should be studied:
agencies responsible for
conservation
conservation education
conservation laws
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 distribution of the height and weight.
Observe and record various skin colour, colour pattern of some animals (cow, goat, rabbits), colour pattern of plants (maize cob and leaves).
Make finger prints and classify them into arches, loops, whorls and compounds.
Definition of the following basic genetic terms such as gene, genotype, phenotype, dominant, recessive, allele, locus, test cross, and back cross.
Reference should be made to characters that can be 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.
Mendel’s experiment on monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance should be mentioned.
Reference should be made to dominant and recessive characters in plants and animals.
Candidates should observe chromosomes in permanently 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.
Segregation of genes at meiosis and recombination at fertilization should be used to explain the process of transmission of hereditary characters from parents to offspring.
Computation of probability is not required.
Explanation of the terms linkage, sex determination and sex linked characters such as haemophilia, colour blindness, baldness and hairy ear lobes.
Data on cross-breeding experiments should be studied.
Examples of new varieties of crops and livestock obtained through cross-breeding should be mentioned. The advantages and disadvantages of cross-fertilization, out and inbreeding should be explained.
The application of knowledge of heredity in marriage counseling with particular reference to sickle cell anaemia and rhesus factor should be mentioned.
Candidates should be able to identify the various castes of social insects.
The division of labour in social insects and the roles of different castes should be stressed. Examples of communication among animals such as contact notes and warning cries should be mentioned. Reference should be made to basking by lizard, territorial behaviour in birds and lizards and behaviour of 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 plants and animals such as from simple to complex structural adaptations and from aquatic to terrestrial organisms.
The role of mutation in evolution should be mentioned.
The following evidence of evolution should be mentioned: Paleontology (fossil records), comparative biochemistry, geographical distribution, comparative anatomy and physiology, adaptive radiation, comparative embryology and systematics.
The contributions of Lamarck and Darwin to the development of the theory of evolution should be mentioned.
The meaning of biology. Candidates must be able to differentiate between a living thing and an organism. The two major branches of biology: Botany and zoology; specialized areas: bacteriology, molecular biology, histology, cell biology, ecology etc.
Description of skills required by biologists in their work. The scientific method: Identifying the problem, defining the problem, hypothesizing, experimenting, recording, analyzing and concluding. Description of following steps for writing report on biological experiment or investigation: Aim, hypothesis/ scientific framework, materials/ drawing of set-up, method, results/ observation, discussion and conclusion.
Application of biology to everyday life. Careers associated with the study of biology.
Description of the following terms :
(i) Body symmetry (bilateral and radial)
(ii) Sectioning: longitudinal and
transverse and vertical
(iii) Body orientation of specimen:
anterior, posterior, lateral, dorsal and
ventral views).
Distinction between
(i) posterior and anterior views
(ii) dorsal and ventral views
(iii) transverse and longitudinal section
Examination of simple light, compound light and stereoscopic light microscopes and identification of the various parts.
Handling and caring for microscopes. Use
of the light microscope to observe
prepared slides. Techniques involved in the preparation of temporary slides of animal and plant cells. Mounting varieties of specialized eukaryotic cells. Drawing of cells as seen under the microscope.
Resolution and magnification of
microscope. Determination of magnification of drawings. Measuring lengths using compound light microscope. Electron microscope should be mentioned
Appropriate headings for biological drawings. Magnification/ size of biological drawings. Quality of biological drawings e.g. clarity of lines, neatness of labels, labels of biological drawings.
Explanation of the process of endocytosis
( phagocytosis and pinocytosis) and exocytosis.
Explanation of the term nucleic acid. Types of nucleic acids: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Basic chemical differences between DNA and RNA.
Description of double helix model of
DNA structure by Watson and Crick. Processes of DNA replication and RNA transcription.
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 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 their importance. Preparation of a squash of onion root tip and observing stages of meiosis under the microscope. Observing stages of meiosis in plant and animal cells (Permanent slides may be used).
External structure and life processes of Amoeba, Paramecium, and Euglena. Mounting of Paramecium and Euglena under the compound light microscope.
Structure of Spirogyra and Rhizopus. Nutrition and reproduction of Spirogyra and Rhizopus. Identification of stages of conjugation of Spirogyra.
Structure of mosses (Brachymenium and Funaria) and ferns (Nephrolepis,
( Platycerium, Phymatodes). Description
of external features of mosses and ferns.
Nutrition and reproduction in mosses. Reproduction in ferns.
Orders of Class Insecta (Odonata
Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Dictyoptera, and Neuroptera).
Identification of organisms using numbered and dichotomous keys. Construction of identification keys.
Identification of mineral salts (Ca2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mg2+, K+, SO4 –, NO3 –, PO4 –) in a soil sample. Soil reclamation.
The arrangement of internal organs of mammals. Functions of the internal organs.
Candidates should be able to cut open a chloroformed mammal (guinea pig, rat,
mouse and rabbit) and draw the internal organs.
Mechanism of the heartbeat: excitation and contractions (SAN, AVN, Purkinge tissue)
Determination of respiratory quotient (RQ) of different substrates. Explanation of the significance of RQ.
Types of muscle (Smooth, striated and
cardiac muscles). Description of how muscles bring about movement.
Explanation of sliding filament model of muscle contraction.
Description of the structure of skeletal tissues( Bones and cartilage).
Physical changes that occur in males and females during puberty. The role of hormones in the development of secondary sexual characteristics in humans.
Meaning of antenatal care. Antenatal visits requirements. Nutrition and diet. Exercise during pregnancy. Benefits of the use of natural products by mother and child.
External features of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Functions of roots, stems and leaves of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Differences between monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous
plants. Modifications of roots, stems and leaves.
Biological principles underlying guttation.
Determination and writing of the floral formulae of the following flowers: Flamboyant (Delonix), Pride of Barbados
(Caesalpinia) and
Rattle box (Crotalaria). Floral diagrams are not required.
Description of the integrated 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 cleanliness/ hygiene.
Explanation of the term drug abuse.
Consequences of drug abuse.
Importance of town planning and its effects on health of the community.
Explanation of the term First Aid. Different methods of administering First Aid.
Explanation of the term Recombinant DNA Technology and state its application.
Candidates should carry out experiments to test water samples for bacterial contamination.
The use of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the measurement of the level of
organic pollution in water.
Description of biological processes of purifying sewage. Cesspit activated sludge
process should be mentioned.
Explanation of why fish is an efficient
converter of plankton into flesh.
Description of ways of conserving fish
stocks in water bodies.
Importance of fish farming. Advantages and disadvantages of fish farming.
Explanation of the term food additives. Identification of the categories of food additives (Naturally occurring and artificial food additives). Health implications in the use of food additives.
Explanation of the biological principles by which fertilizer, pesticides, selective breeding, resistance to disease and irrigation can respectively lead to successful agriculture.
Explanation of the concept of biotechnology. The use of micro-organisms in the manufacture of food such as cheese, yoghurt, kenkey, 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.
Explanation of the need for new sources of
energy. The use of biogas, use of green crops to produce ethanol, the generation of hydrogen gas from chloroplasts should be mentioned
The cell theory including the work of Hooke, Dujardin, Schleiden and Schwann should be outlined.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.