BIOLOGY 1 Mytopschools

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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 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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WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded by www.mytopschools.com
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 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
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Concept of Living
A. 1. Classification
(a) Living and non-living things Classification of objects into living and
nonliving, giving examples of each group.
Viruses should be mentioned as a link
between living and non living things.
(b) Classification of living things
Kingdom Monera (Prokaryotes), singlecelled,
into Kingdoms:
motile or non-motile organisms without
Monera, Protoctista (Protista),
definite nucleus e.g. bacteria and blue-green
Fungi, Plantae, Animalia.
algae.
Major characteristics of the major phyla of

Kingdoms Protoctista and Fungi.
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

nonmotile 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 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
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Dicotyledoneae).
Kingdom Animalia (Eukaryotes),

multicellular motile organisms that feed on
other organisms e.g. corals, worms, insects,
snails, fishes, frogs, snakes, monkeys cows.
Characteristics of the major phyla and classes
of Kingdom Animalia.
The external features of the following
organisms should be mentioned: cockroach,
butterfly, Tilapia, toad/frog, lizard, domestic
fowl/pigeon.
(c) Differences between plants and

animals.
2. Organization of life
(a) Levels of organization The examples should be used to illustrate
(i) cell (single-celled organisms): differentiation and specialization in
Amoeba, Euglena, Paramecium organisms.
(ii) Tissue: Hydra
(iii) Organ (storage organ) bulb,

rhizome and heart.
(iv) System/Organ System: In

mammals, flowering plants -
reproductive system, excretory
system etc.
The significance of different levels of
(b) Complexity of organization in higher organization including volume/surface area
organisms: ratio should be mentioned.
advantages and
disadvantages.
The structure of these organisms in relation to

3. Forms in which living cells exist: the forms of existence should be studied to
illustrate dependence and interdependence.
(a) Single and free-living:
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Amoeba, Paramecium,
Euglena, and
Chlamydomonas
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(b) Colony: Volvox
(c) Filament: Spirogyra
(d) Part of a living organism: Cheek cells, Distinguish groups of cells that form tissues
onion root tip cells and epidermis of from those that form colonies or filaments.
fleshy leaves.
4. (a) Cell structure and functions of cell

components. Cell structure should include: Cell wall, cell
membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, cytoplasmic
organelles: mitochondria, lysosomes,
chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum,
ribosomes, centrosomes, Golgi bodies,
chromosomes. The function performed by
organelles should be known.
(b) Similarities and differences between plant
and animal cells.
5. The Cell and its environment: Physical and

Biophysical processes. The significance of these processes should be
mentioned as factors that affect cell activities
(a) diffusion in its environment.
(b) osmosis
Haemolysis, plasmolysis, turgidity and
(c) active transport crenation should be mentioned.
6. Properties and functions of the living cell These should be mentioned as processes
occurring within living cells.
(a) Nutrition
(i) Autotrophic Nutrition in Euglena, Chlamydomonas and

(photosynthesis) Spirogyra should be mentioned.
(ii) Heterotrophic (holozoic) Nutrition in Amoeba and Paramecium should

be mentioned.
(b) Cellular respiration

A simplified outline of the chemical
Definition and processes of: processes involved in glycolysis and Kreb's
cycle; Reference should be made to the role
of ATP.
(i) aerobic respiration
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(ii) anaerobic respiration The importance of anaerobic respiration in

(iii) energy release food processing should be mentioned.
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(c) Excretion
(i) Excretion in single-celled aquatic
organisms. Diffusion by body surface and by
contractile vacuole.
(ii) Waste products of metabolism.

Reference should be made to carbon dioxide,
water and ammonia as examples of waste
products.
(d) Growth
(i) Basis of growth - cell division

(mitosis), enlargement and
differentiation.
(ii) Aspects of growth:

Increase in dry weight, irreversible
increase in size and length and increase
in number of cells.
(iii) Regions of fastest growth in

plants.
Observation of root tip and shoot tip are
(iv) Influence of growth hormones and
required.
auxins.
Regulation of growth by hormones should be
(v) Growth curvatures (Tropisms)
mentioned.
Types of tropisms should be demonstrated.
Microscopic examination of the different

regions of growth and development: region of
cell division, elongation, differentiation and
(e) Development: Enlargement and maturation.
differentiation.
Processes that result in primary and secondary
(f) Movement growth.
(i) Organelles for movement: cilia and flagella,

(ii) Cyclosis.
(g) Reproduction:
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Types of reproduction.
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Prepared slides of:

(i) Asexual: fission, budding and (a) fission in Paramecium
vegetative propagation.
(b) budding in yeast and Chlamydomonas;
should be observed and drawn.
(ii) Sexual: Conjugation, formation of male
Prepared slides of conjugation in
and female gametes
(gametogenesis), fusion of gametes Paramecium and Spirogyra should be
fertilization) studied. The process of meiosis should be
mentioned.
7. (a) Tissues and supporting systems: Skeleton
and supporting systems in animals:
The location and arrangement of skeletal and
(i) Biological significance. supporting tissues in animals should be
mentioned. Candidates should be familiar with
(ii) Skeletal materials, e.g. bone, the general plan of mammalian skeleton and
cartilage and chitin. the different types of joints. They should be
able to identify, draw, label and state the
(iii) Types of skeleton: exoskeleton, functions of the individual bones listed in the
endoskeleton and hydrostatic content column. Detailed structure of the skull
skeleton. will not be required. Histological structure of
bones and cartilages will also not be required.
(iv) Bones of the vertebral column,
girdles and long bones of the
appendicular skeleton.
(v) Mechanism of support in animals.
(vi) Functions of skeleton in animals:

Protection, support, locomotion Candidates should be able to explain how
and respiratory movement. these functions are performed. The
relationship of skeleton and muscles during
movement should be used to illustrate the
different functions of the skeleton.
(b) Different types of supporting tissues in plants.
The different types of supporting tissues:
turgid parenchyma, collenchyma, xylem
(wood) sclerenchyma should be studied.
(i) Main features of supporting tissues

in plants. 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
(ii) Functions of supporting tissues in tissues; epidermis, cortex and stele.
plants: strength, rigidity (resistance
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against the forces of the wind and

water), flexibility and resilience.
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8. Transport System:
(a) Need for transport:
(i) surface area/volume ratio.

(ii) substances have to move
greater distances. 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
(b) Transport in animals. invertebrates.
(i) Structure of the heart, Candidates should be familiar with the

arteries, veins and general circulatory system. Open circulatory
capillaries. systems in invertebrates. The names of the
blood vessels responsible for transporting
excretory products, gases, digested food and
other nutrients should be mentioned.
(ii) Composition and function of

blood and lymph.
(iii) Materials for transport:

excretory products, gases,
digested food, and other
nutrients.
(c) Transport in plants

(i) Uptake and movement of water
and mineral salts in plants. 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.
(ii) Translocation
Movement of organic materials from leaves
to roots. Basic theories (Pressure flow
hypothesis and cytoplasmic streaming)
underlying translocation.
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Ringing experiment to demonstrate that

transport of synthesized organic nutrients
(iii) Transpiration occurs through the phloem.
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Advantages and disadvantages of

transpiration. Types of transpiration.
Environmental factors affecting transpiration.
Determination of the rate of transpiration.
(iv) Movement of water to
the apex of trees and Physiological factors affecting the rise of
herbs. water in the xylem: Root pressure,
transpiration, cohesion- tension mechanism,
adhesion, water potential gradient.
Experiments to measure the rate of
transpiration.
9. Respiratory System: Characteristics of respiratory surfaces in these
(a) Body surface: cutaneous, gills and lungs. 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)
(b) Mechanisms of gaseous exchange in fish, Respiratory movements in these animals

toad, mammals and plants. should be mentioned. The mechanisms of
opening and closing of stomata should be
mentioned.
10. Excretory Systems and Mechanisms
Characteristics of excretory organs in these
Types of excretory systems: Kidney, stomata and
systems should be studied. Candidates
lenticels
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.
11. Regulation of Internal Environment
(Homeostasis) Osmoregulation, excretion and maintenance
of acid-base balance should be mentioned.
(a) Kidney: Structure and functions The conditions that affect functions of the
kidney such as the water and salt content of
the blood, environmental temperature should
also be mentioned.
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Excretory products such as urea, water, salts,

uric acid should be mentioned.
(b) Liver:
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Candidates should be able to identify the

Functions of the liver.
liver; and its position relative to the gall
bladder, bile duct, pancreas, duodenum and
(c) The skin: stomach.
Structure and function. Candidates should observe, draw and label

the mammalian skin. The regulation of
12. Hormonal Coordination internal environment by the skin should be
(a) Animal hormones: emphasized.
Site of secretion, functions
and effects of over and Endocrine glands: pituitary, thyroid, adrenal,
undersecretion. pancreas, gonads and their secretions should
be mentioned. The stages in the
metamorphosis of toad and the role of
(b) Plant hormones thyroxine should be mentioned.
The effects of auxins on lateral bud

development, leaf fall and initiation of
adventitious roots should be mentioned.
13. Nervous Coordination Reference to crop harvesting, growth and
weed control should be made.
(a) The central nervous system
(i) Components of the central
nervous system
(ii) Parts of the brain and their

functions; cerebrum, cerebellum,
medulla oblongata, hypothalamus
and their functions Candidates should be able to locate the
position of the brain and spinal cord in a
(iii) Structure and function of the dissected vertebrate and identify the various
Spinal Cord. regions of the brain.
(b) Peripheral Nervous System.
(i) Somatic Nervous System
(ii) Autonomic nervous system.
(iii)Structure and functions of the Functions of the sympathetic and

neurone. parasympathetic systems only.
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(iv) Classification of neurones. Candidates should observe, draw and label a

neurone from a slide.
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Afferent (sensory), efferent (motor) and

(c) Types of nervous actions intermediate neurones should be mentioned
(i) The reflex arc

(ii) Reflex and voluntary actions
Candidates should perform experiments to
(iii) Differences between reflex and illustrate reflex actions such as blinking of
voluntary actions. the eyes, knee jerk and withdrawal of hand
from hot objects.
(iv) Conditioned reflex and its role on
behaviour.
Candidates should be able to enumerate
conditioned reflexes such as salivation,
14. Sense Organs: Structure and function of
driving a car, walking and swimming.
the
(a) Eye.
Candidates should examine the mammalian

eye noting the shape, colour and positions of
the optic muscle and optic nerve.
(b) Ear. Mention should be made of eye defects and

their corrections.
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Structure and function of male and
female reproductive systems.
Candidates should examine and draw
(ii) Differences between male and female dissected male and female small mammals
reproductive organs. showing the reproductive organs. They
should also draw sperm and ovum from
(iii) Structure of the gametes prepared slides.
(sperm and ovum)
(iv) Fertilization, development of the

embryo and birth.
(v) Birth control
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(b) Metamorphosis in insects, life histories of Explanation of the different methods of birth
butterfly and cockroach. control.
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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.
(c) Comparison of reproduction
in fish, amphibian, reptile, bird
and mammal.
Reference should be made to the method of
(d) Reproduction in flowering fertilization, number of eggs and parental care.
plants
(i) Arrangements of floral parts of a

named insect-pollinated flower and
a named wind-pollinated flower.
(ii) Structure and function of the male

and female parts of a flower.
(e) Pollination in Plants
(i) Types of pollination
(ii) Features of cross-pollinated and

selfpollinated flowers Named examples should be used to illustrate
the types of pollination.
(iii) Agents of Pollination
(iv) Kinds of placentation: axile,

marginal and parietal. The features of the flower should be related
to the agents of pollination.
(f) Process of development of
zygote in flowering plants:
Fertilization.
Pollen grains germinated in sucrose solution
should be observed, prepared slides or charts
showing various stages of embryo
development in flowering plants should be
(g) (i) Types of fruits observed and drawn.
(classification).
Fruits should be classified into dry and fleshy
(ii) Structure of fruits fruits.
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The internal structure of a leguminous fruit,

orange, maize and tomato should be
examined and drawn.
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(h) Dispersal of fruits and seeds: Agents of

dispersal
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.
B. Plant and Animal Nutrition Distinguishing differences between a fruit and
1. Plant Nutrition a seed should be mentioned.
(a) Photosynthesis:
(i) Process of photosynthesis and its

chemical equation
Biochemical nature of photosynthesis,
photoactivation of chlorophyll resulting in the
(ii) Light and dark reactions conversion of light energy to ATP and the
reduction of NADP (Biochemical detail is not
(iii) Materials and conditions necessary required)
for photosynthesis
(iv) Evidence of photosynthesis
The translocating and storage of excess food

(b) Mineral requirement of plants as a result of photosynthesis should be
mentioned. Test for starch in green leaves
(i) Mineral nutrition: Macro and should be carried out.
micro-nutrients Fate of the products of photosynthesis should
be mentioned.
Macro elements should include: carbon,

(ii) Soil and atmosphere as sources of
hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, potassium,
mineral elements.
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.
2. Animal Nutrition
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(a) Food substances; classes and sources
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(b) Balanced diet and its importance 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
(c ) Food tests relate the idea of balanced diet to their own
diet. Malnutrition and its effects on humans
should be mentioned.
(d) Digestive enzymes:
Classes, characteristics and functions 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.
(e) Modes of Nutrition
(i) Autotrophic: Photosynthesis,
(ii) Heterotrophic: holozoic, parasitic,

symbiotic and saprophytic.
(f) Alimentary System: Named examples should be used to illustrate

different modes of nutrition.
Alimentary tract of different animals.
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
(g) Dental Formula
mentioned.
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Meaning of dental formula. Determination of

the dental formulae of mammals.
Arrangements of teeth in the jaw bones of
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(h) Feeding in protozoa and mammals herbivores, carnivores and of humans.

Importance of dental care in humans.
C. Basic Ecological Concepts

Reference should be made to feeding habits in
1. Ecosystem: protozoa and mammals.
Components of the ecosystem and

sizes
Examples and explanation are required.
(a) Ecological components:
environment, biosphere,
habitat, population, biotic
community and ecosystem.
Importance of ecological factors common
to all habitat should be mentioned. The
importance of ecological factors to
(b) Components of the population of animals and plants should
ecosystem: Biotic and be stressed.
abiotic
2. Ecological factors:
Ecological factors in aquatic and

terrestrial ecosystems
3.
Simple Measurement of Ecological Candidates should measure some of the
Factors. ecological factors including humidity,
temperature, wind speed, rainfall and light
intensity.
(a) Physical factors:
Climatic, topographic and
gaseous.
(b) Edaphic factors: Chemical

and physical composition,
moisture content and soil
4. texture. Candidates should be able to classify
organisms as producers, consumers and
Food webs and trophic levels decomposers.
(a) Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
(i) Producers: autotrophs

Aquatic and terrestrial producers, consumers
(ii) Consumers: heterotrophs and decomposers should be known.
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(b) (iii) Decomposers
Trophic levels energy
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relationships
(i) Food chain
(ii) Food web Candidates should illustrate food relationships

in a food chain and food web using specific
examples.
(c) Energy flow
(i) Food/Energy relationship in aquatic

and terrestrial environment.
(ii) Pyramid of energy and Pyramid of

numbers. Non-cyclic nature of energy transfer should
be mentioned.
(d) Decomposition in nature
(i) Decomposers: Candidates should be able to construct and

(micro and macro-decomposers) explain pyramid of energy, pyramid of
numbers and point out the major
(ii) Gaseous products differences between them.
Candidates should observe demonstrations to

(iii) Role of decomposers show that carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide,
heat energy are released during
decomposition.
6. Ecological Management:
(a) Biological Associations
Type of associations: Parasitism,

symbiosis, commensalism and
saprophytism.
Features of biological importance associated
(b) Adaptation of organisms to habitats.
with each type should be mentioned. Named
examples should be used to illustrate these
associations.
(c) Pollution of the atmosphere
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Adaptations of plants and animals to

environmental conditions with particular
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reference to differences in habitats should be

(i) Nature, names, sources and effects mentioned.
of air pollutants.
Examples of air pollutants should include

carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, oxides of
(ii) Effect of noise nitrogen, smoke, smog, dust and particles
released into the air from factories.
Health hazards and damage to the environment
should be emphasized.
(d) Water and Soil Pollution
Harmful effect of noise from generators,
Type and effects of pollutants.
aeroplane and electronic sound gadgets, e.t.c.
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.
7. Ecology of population
(a) Ecological succession
(i) Structural changes in species

composition, variety or diversity and
increase in numbers.
(ii) General characteristics and outcomes of

succession
(b) Primary succession.

Succession in terrestrial and aquatic
habitats.
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(c) Secondary succession, climax of the Candidates should study succession in an

succession: characteristic of a stable abandoned farmland, lawn, and in a pond over
ecosystem. a period of time to discover a definite
sequence of colonization by plants.
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Reference should be made to population.

(d) Factors that affect population size: natality,
mortality, emigration, immigration, food
shortage, predation,competition and
diseases.
(e) Preservation and storage of foods
Description of various methods of

preserving and storing food. The use of
(f) The life of selected insects; ionizing radiations (x-ray, etc) should be
(i) Weevils and cotton strainers. 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.
(ii) Control of pests

External features of weevils and cotton
stainers, their mode of life, adaptation
to their habitats and their economic
importance.
8. Microorganisms: Man and health

(a) Carriers of microorganisms
Various methods of pest control: physical,
chemical biological, etc; and their advantages
and disadvantages should be mentioned.
(b) Microorganisms in action
(i) Beneficial effects in nature,
medicine and industries. Effects of micro-organisms on our bodies
Examples of carriers: housefly; mosquitoes;
(ii) Harmful effects of microorganisms, tsetsefly should be mentioned.
diseases caused by microorganisms:
cholera, measles, malaria and ring worm. Candidates should perform experiments on
fermentation, curdling of milk etc. to
(c) Towards better Health illustrate the beneficial uses of
(i) Methods of .controlling harmful microorganisms.
microorganisms: high temperature,
antibiotics, antiseptics, high salinity and
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The diseases should be studied with respect to

the causative organisms, mode of transmission
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dehydration. and symptoms.
(ii) Ways of controlling the vectors. Effects of these methods on the

microorganisms should be mentioned.
(d) Public Health:

The importance of the following towards the Methods of controlling housefly and
maintenance of good health practices: mosquito should be studied.
(i) Refuse and sewage disposal. Candidates should be familiar with the proper
methods of carrying out these public health
practices in their community.
(ii) Immunization, vaccination and
inoculation (control of diseases).
Various forms of immunization should be

mentioned.
Explanation of the terms immunization,
vaccination and inoculation. Candidates
D. Conservation of Natural Resources:
should be able to show how these terms are
1. Resources to be conserved: soil, water, related.
wildlife, forest and minerals.
2. Ways of ensuring conservation

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:

(a) agencies responsible for
conservation
(b) conservation education (c)
E. Variation in Population
conservation laws
1. Morphological variations in the physical (d) benefits of conservation.
appearance of individuals
Variation can be classified into morphological

(a) size, height and weight and physiological or continuous and
discontinuous.
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(b) colour (skin, eye, hair coat of Candidates are required to measure heights
animals) and weights of pupils of the same age group
and plot graphs of frequency distribution of
the height and weight.
(c) finger prints Observe and record various skin colour,
colour pattern of some animals (cow, goat,
rabbits), colour pattern of plants (maize cob
2. Physiological Variations and leaves).
(a) Ability to roll tongue Make finger prints and classify them into
arches, loops, whorls and compounds.
(b) Ability to taste

phenylthiocarbamide (PTC)
(c) Blood groups (ABO)

classification)
F. Biology of Heredity (Genetics)
1. Genetic terminologies
Definition of the following basic genetic

2. Transmission and expression of characteristics terms such as gene, genotype, phenotype,
in organisms. dominant, recessive, allele, locus, test cross,
and back cross.
(a) Hereditary variation
Reference should be made to characters that
can be transmitted from generation to
generation such as colour of skin, eye, hair,
(b) Mendel's work in genetics blood group, sickle cell, shape of face and
nose.
Mendel's experiment with red and white

(i) Mendel’s experiments flowered peas should be mentioned.
Mendel’s experiment on monohybrid and

(ii) Mendelian traits
dihybrid inheritance should be mentioned.
52
(iii) Mendelian laws
53
54
3. Chromosomes: The basis of heredity

Reference should be made to dominant and
recessive characters in plants and animals.
(a) Structure
Candidates should observe chromosomes in

permanently prepared slides of cells and root
tips of onion or lily. Candidates should study
(b) Process of transmission of hereditary the structure of DNA and gene replication
characters from parents to offspring. using models and charts.
4. Probability in genetics (Hybrid formation).
5. Linkage, sex determination and sex linked Segregation of genes at meiosis and
characters. recombination at fertilization should be used
to explain the process of transmission of
hereditary characters from parents to
offspring.
6. Application of the principles of heredity in:
Computation of probability is not required.
Explanation of the terms linkage, sex

(a) Agriculture determination and sex linked characters such
as haemophilia, colour blindness, baldness
and hairy ear lobes.
(b) Medicine
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
G. Adaptation for survival and Evolution. disadvantages of cross-fertilization, out and
inbreeding should be explained.
1. Behavioural Adaptations in Social Animals.
The application of knowledge of heredity in
(a) Termites marriage counseling with particular reference
to sickle cell anaemia and rhesus factor should
(b) Bees be mentioned.
55
56
57
Evolution.
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
2. (a) Evidence of evolution. 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
(b) Theories of evolution
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.
58
59
SECTION B
(For candidates in Ghana only)
A. Introducing Biology
1. Biology as a science of life
The meaning of biology. Candidates must be

able to differentiate between a living thing
2. Procedure for biological work
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
3. Importance of Biology
following steps for writing report on
biological experiment or investigation: Aim,
hypothesis/ scientific framework, materials/
4. Body symmetry, sectioning and
drawing of set-up, method, results/
orientation
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
5. The microscope
ventral views).
Distinction between
(i) posterior and anterior views
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(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

6. Biological drawings 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.
B. Cell Biology Quality of biological drawings e.g. clarity of
lines, neatness of labels, labels of biological
drawings.
1. Movement of substances into and out of
cells: Endocytosis and Exocytosis
Explanation of the process of endocytosis

2. Nucleic acids ( phagocytosis and pinocytosis) and
exocytosis.
Explanation of the term nucleic acid. Types

of nucleic acids: Deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Basic
3. DNA structure and replication, RNA chemical differences between DNA and
transcription. RNA.
Description of double helix model of

DNA structure by Watson and Crick.
Processes of DNA replication and RNA
transcription.
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4. Protein synthesis
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64
Description of the process of protein

synthesis. The roles of m-RNA, t-RNA,
5. Cell cycle 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
C. Life Processes in Living Things the microscope. Observing stages of meiosis
in plant and animal cells (Permanent slides
1. Amoeba, Paramecium, and Euglena may be used).
2. Spirogyra and Rhizopus

External structure and life processes of
Amoeba, Paramecium, and Euglena.
Mounting of Paramecium and Euglena under
the compound light microscope.
3. Mosses and ferns
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.
D. Diversity of Living Things
65
1. Characteristics of some of the

orders of Class Insecta
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2. Identification of organisms using Orders of Class Insecta (Odonata

biological keys Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera,
Hemiptera, Diptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera,
Dictyoptera, and Neuroptera).
E. Interactions in Nature
Soil Identification of organisms using numbered
and dichotomous keys. Construction of
identification keys.
F. Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology
1. Dissection of a small mammal Identification of mineral salts (Ca2+, Fe2+,

Fe3+, Mg2+, K+, SO4 -, NO3 -, PO4 -) in a soil
sample. Soil reclamation.
The arrangement of internal organs of

2. Transport: mammals. Functions of the internal organs.
Structure of the mammalian heart. Candidates should be able to cut open a
chloroformed mammal (guinea pig, rat,
3. Cellular respiration mouse and rabbit) and draw the internal
organs.
4. Movement: Mechanism of the heartbeat: excitation and

contractions (SAN, AVN, Purkinge tissue)
(a) Muscles
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.
(b) Skeletal tissues Explanation of sliding filament model of
muscle contraction.
5. Reproduction
(a) Secondary sexual characteristics
Description of the structure of skeletal

tissues( Bones and cartilage).
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(b) Prenatal/Antenatal care Physical changes that occur in males and

females during puberty. The role of hormones
in the development of secondary sexual
69
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characteristics in humans.
G. Plant Structure and Physiology
Meaning of antenatal care. Antenatal visits
1. Morphology of monocotyledonous requirements. Nutrition and diet. Exercise
and dicotyledonous plants. 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
2. Transport: dicotyledonous plants. Differences between
Guttation monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous
plants. Modifications of roots, stems and
3. Reproduction: leaves.
Floral formula
Biological principles underlying guttation.
H. Humans and their Environment Determination and writing of the floral

formulae of the following flowers:
1. Integrated water resources Flamboyant (Delonix), Pride of Barbados
management. (Caesalpinia) and Rattle box (Crotalaria).
Floral diagrams are not required.
2. Health and hygiene Description of the integrated water resources

management (IWRM). Explanation of how
IWRM can reduce undesirable change in the
environment.
(a) Drug abuse Definition of terms: health, hygiene, and

sanitation. Means of achieving personal
cleanliness/ hygiene.
(b) Community health
Explanation of the term drug abuse.
Consequences of drug abuse.
(c) First Aid
Importance of town planning and its effects
on health of the community.
I. Evolution
Explanation of the term First Aid. Different
Recombinant DNA Technology methods of administering First Aid.
71
J. Biology and Industry
1. Biology and water industry
72
73
(a) Contamination of water Explanation of the term Recombinant DNA

Technology and state its application.
(b) Identification of polluted

water
Candidates should carry out experiments to
test water samples for bacterial
(c) Waste water treatment contamination.
The use of Biological Oxygen Demand

2. Biology and fishing industry (BOD) in the measurement of the level of
organic pollution in water.
(a) Fish stock management
Description of biological processes of
purifying sewage. Cesspit activated sludge
process should be mentioned.
(b) Fish farming

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.
3. Biology and food industry:

Food additives
Explanation of the term food additives.

4. Biology and agriculture 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

5. Biotechnology which fertilizer, pesticides, selective
breeding, resistance to disease and irrigation
can respectively lead to successful
agriculture.
74
Explanation of the concept of biotechnology.

The use of micro-organisms in the
75
manufacture of food such as cheese, yoghurt,

6. Biological fuel generation kenkey, bread and butter. The role of
microorganisms in the production of alcoholic
drinks and organic acids. The role of
microorganisms 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
SECTION C
eria, Sierra Leone,
(For candidates in
Nig The nd Liberia)
Gambia a
76
A. Concept of Living
1. Cell theory
2. Irritability as a basic characteristic of

protoplasm
(a) Types of responses: taxis and

nastism The cell theory including the work of Hooke,
Dujardin, Schleiden and Schwann should be
(b) Environmental factors that outlined.
evoke responses; temperature, pH
etc
3. Excretory Systems
(a) Diseases of the kidney:

Nephritis, kidney stone and diuresis,
Their
77
effects and remedies.
(b) Diseases of the liver: infective

hepatitis, cancer of the liver and gall Excretory organs of earthworm and insects
stones. Their effects and remedies. should be mentioned.
4. Sense organs.
(a) Nose.
(b) Tongue.
The process of perception of smell including

the roles of sensory cells in nose and olfactory
lobes should be studied.
(c) The skin.
5. Reproduction Experiments should be carried out to

(a) Courtship behaviour in animals: determine the different areas of the tongue
(i) Pairing associated with different tastes. The
(ii) Display e.g. peacocks association between the organs of taste and
(iii) Territoriality smell should be mentioned. Mention should be
(iv) Seasonal migration made of taste buds.
associated with breeding in herrings,
eels and birds. The function of the skin as a sensory organ
should be emphasized.
(b) Metamorphosis and life history of
housefly. Courtship pattern in male and female
animals and territorialism in lizards should
(c) Adaptive features in a developing be observed.
animal:
(i) Yolk in egg of fish, toad and

birds for nourishment
(ii) Placenta in animals
(d) Germination of seeds

The content (yolk and albumen) of birds' egg
should be examined
78
(i) Essential factors which affect Candidates should observe the connection of
developing embryo. the foetus to the mother and the adaptive
features of
79
80
(ii) Types of germination the placenta, umbilical cord and amnion in

a dissected pregnant rat. The meaning of
B. Plant and Animal Nutrition oviparity and viviparity should be
mentioned.
1. Nitrogen cycle
Experiments to show the importance of
oxygen, adequate moisture and suitable
temperature, should be carried out.
2. Modes of nutrition: autotrophic,
chemosynthetic, carnivorous plants The stages in hypogeal and epigeal germination
should be observed and drawn
3. Alimentary System
(a) Alimentary tracts of different
animals
The names and roles of bacteria involved in
nitrogen cycle should be mentioned.
(b) Description and function of various Candidates to observe root nodules in
parts. leguminous plants.
4. Feeding habits Examples of carnivorous plants should be

(a) Categories: Carnivorous, studied.
herbivorous and omnivorous
Comparison should be made using dissected
(b) Modifications and mechanisms earthworm, grasshopper/cockroach to show
associated with the following habits; filter the important features of the alimentary
feeding, fluid feeding, feeding adaptation in canal.
insects, saprophytic feeding, parasitic
feeding etc. Use a bird and cockroach/grasshopper to show
modifications for functions
C. Basic Ecological Concepts
1. Ecological Components:
Lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere,
niche Mosquito larva, housefly, butterfly,
cockroach, adult mosquito, maize weevil,
2.Population Studies by Sampling rhizopods, tapeworm should be used to
illustrate the different types of feeding
(a) Population size mechanisms and various modifications.
(b) Dominance
(c) Density
Candidates are expected to explain and give

3. Energy transformation in nature:
examples of the terms.
81
(a) Energy loss in the ecosystem

Candidates are required to carry out a project
(b) Solar radiation: its intake and loss at to determine population density by counting
the individual types of plants and animals and
record
82
83
the earth's such count in a given plot.

surface.
(c ) Energy loss in the biosphere.
Laws of thermodynamics and its application
to ecological phenomena should be
mentioned. The laws of thermodynamics
4. Nutrient Cycling in Nature should be used to explain energy flow across
tropic levels.
(a) Carbon Cycle: Candidates should discuss energy as a limiting
factor in primary production i.e production of
(i) Process of carbon cycle autotrophs.
(ii) Importance of carbon in Reference should be made to harvest as a
nature. 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

dioxideoxygen balance in nature.
(b) Water Cycle: Candidates should carry out experiments to
(i) Importance of water cycle, show absorption of carbon dioxide and release
(ii) Importance of water to living of oxygen during photosynthesis.
organisms.
5. Ecological Management: Tolerance, Minimum

and maximum range Candidates should carry out experiments to
show the presence of water in expired air
and that water is given off during
respiration.
6. Habitats Candidates should perform experiments to

(a) Aquatic habitat: marine, estuarine fresh show the limit of tolerance of Tilapia to
water under the following headings: various concentrations of salt solution or
(i) characteristics of habitat sensitivity of wood lice to temperature.
(ii) distribution of plants and
animals in the habitat,
(iii) adaptive features of plants and Measurement of physical factors:
animals in the habitat. temperature, salinity, light intensity,
turbidity, current, pH, should be carried out.
84
(b) Terrestrial habitat: marsh, forest, grass land, The pattern of distribution including
arid land should be studied under the dominant types and seasonal changes of
following headings: population, size of organisms in the habitat
should be noted.
85
86
(i) characteristics of habitat
(ii) distribution of plants and animals in The measurement of the physical factors,
temperature, relative humidity, light, wind,
habitat.
and pH should be carried out.
Reference should be made to edaphic

(c) Balance in Nature factors.
Dynamic equilibrium population and
population density. The effect of physical factors on
distribution of plants and animals should be
mentioned.
7. Relevance of Biology to Agriculture:
The process by which carnivores maintain a

(a) Classification of plants based on life cycle constant population should be mentioned.
(b) Effects of agricultural practices on ecology
(i) Bush burning
(ii) Tillage
Effects of human activities on ecological
systems should be mentioned.
(iii) Fertilizer
(iv) Herbicide/pesticide
(v) Different farming methods
8. Microorganisms: Man and His Health.
(a) Microorganisms around us
(i) Microorganisms in air and water

(ii) Groups of microorganisms: bacteria,
viruses, some algae, protozoa and
some fungi.
Microorganisms in air, water and expired air
(b) Microorganisms in our bodies and food
should be observed and identified by their
87
colour, pattern of growth and appearance of

their colony.
88
89
Microorganisms under the finger nails, mouth

(c) Public Health cavity, expired air, and decomposing food
Food hygiene and health organization. substance should be observed and identified
by their colour, pattern of growth, and
D. Application of Variations appearance of colony.
1. Crime detection Reference should be made to the roles of

national and international health
organizations in maintenance of good public
health.
2. Blood transfusion
The uniqueness of each individual's finger
print should be mentioned in relation to crime
detection.
3. Determination of paternity
Reference should be made to importance of
E. Evolution knowledge of blood groups in blood
1. Adaptation for survival transfusion and determination of paternity.
(a) Factors that bring about competition
(b) Intra and Inter-species competition

Reference should be made to the factors such
as food, space, water, light and mates which
organisms share and form the basis of
competition.
(c) Relationship between competition The effects of intra-species competition

and succession 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

2. Structural Adaptation for;
and succession on a moistened exposed
(a) obtaining food slice of bread over a period of time.
(b) protection and defense
(c) securing mates for reproduction
(d) regulating body temperature
90
(e) conserving water
Candidates should observe examples of
91
3. Adaptive Colouration organisms that show structural adaptation for

(a) Plants and animals obtaining food, escaping from enemies,
securing mates, regulating body temperature
(b) Colouration and their functions and conserving water.
Candidates are required to observe examples

of adaptive colouration in plants and animals.
92

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. understanding of the structure and functions of living organisms as well as

3. acquisition of necessary scientific skills for example observing, classifying and

5. acquisition of scientific attitudes for problem solving;

6. ability to apply biological principles in everyday life in matters that affect

7. awareness of the existence of interrelationships between biology and other

PAPER 1: Will consist of fifty multiple-choice objective questions drawn

Section A: Will consist of four questions drawn from Section A of

Section C: Will be for candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The

Candidates will be expected to answer two questions from Section

Each question in Section A will carry 20 marks while the

Major characteristics of the major phyla of

Kingdom Protista (Eukaryotes), single-celled,

Kingdom Fungi (Eukaryotes), mainly

Kingdom Plantae (Eukaryotes), mainly

Kingdom Animalia (Eukaryotes),

(c) Differences between plants and

(ii) Tissue: Hydra

(iii) Organ (storage organ) bulb,

(iv) System/Organ System: In

The structure of these organisms in relation to

(b) Colony: Volvox

(c) Filament: Spirogyra

4. (a) Cell structure and functions of cell

5. The Cell and its environment: Physical and

(i) Autotrophic Nutrition in Euglena, Chlamydomonas and

(ii) Heterotrophic (holozoic) Nutrition in Amoeba and Paramecium should

(b) Cellular respiration

(ii) anaerobic respiration The importance of anaerobic respiration in

(ii) Waste products of metabolism.

(i) Basis of growth - cell division

(ii) Aspects of growth:

(iii) Regions of fastest growth in

Types of tropisms should be demonstrated.

Microscopic examination of the different

(i) Organelles for movement: cilia and flagella,

Prepared slides of:

(v) Mechanism of support in animals.

(vi) Functions of skeleton in animals:

(i) Main features of supporting tissues

against the forces of the wind and

(a) Need for transport:

(i) surface area/volume ratio.

(i) Structure of the heart, Candidates should be familiar with the

(ii) Composition and function of

(iii) Materials for transport:

(c) Transport in plants

Ringing experiment to demonstrate that

Advantages and disadvantages of

Candidates should be able to observe, draw

(b) Mechanisms of gaseous exchange in fish, Respiratory movements in these animals

Explanation of the concept of excretion in

Excretory products such as urea, water, salts,

Candidates should be able to identify the

Structure and function. Candidates should observe, draw and label

The effects of auxins on lateral bud

(ii) Parts of the brain and their

(i) Somatic Nervous System

(ii) Autonomic nervous system.

(iii)Structure and functions of the Functions of the sympathetic and

(iv) Classification of neurones. Candidates should observe, draw and label a

Afferent (sensory), efferent (motor) and