Curriculum Online - Biology Syllabus

Introduction

Biology is the study of life. Through the study of biology students employ the processes of science in their investigations and explore the diversity of life and the inter-relationship between organisms and their environment. Students develop an understanding and knowledge of the unit of life the cell whose structures and processes are shared by all living organisms and, in so doing, gain an insight into the uniqueness, function and role of organisms, including themselves. In addition, they become aware of the use by humans of other living organisms and their products to enhance human health and the human environment and make informed evaluations about contemporary biological issues

It is intended that this syllabus will prove relevant to the lives of students and inspire in them an interest in and excitement about biology. It should enable them as future citizens to discuss and make judgements on issues in biology and science that impact on their daily lives and on society. It should provide them with the knowledge, skills and understanding to pursue further education, training and employment in biology-related fields and thereby respond to the needs of the economy and contribute to sustained economic development.

Aims

The aims of the syllabus are:

to contribute to students' general education through their involvement in the process of scientific investigation and the acquisition of biological knowledge and understanding
to encourage in students an attitude of scientific enquiry, of curiosity and self discovery through (i) individual study and personal initiative (ii) team work (iii) class-directed work
to develop an understanding of biological facts and principles
to enhance an interest in and develop an appreciation of the nature and diversity of organisms
to create an awareness of the application of biological knowledge to modern society in personal, social, economic, environmental, industrial, agricultural, medical, waste management and other technological contexts
to develop in students an ability to make informed evaluations about contemporary biological issues.

Syllabus Structure

The syllabus is composed of science for the enquiring mind or pure science, which constitutes approximately 70% of the syllabus, and the technological, political, social and economic aspects of biology, which constitutes the remaining 30%.

The syllabus consists of three units:

Unit One: Biology - The Study of Life
Unit Two: The Cell
Unit Three: The Organism.

The learning outcomes associated with the units of study are presented in four columns:

Sub-units and topics
Depth of treatment
Contemporary issues and technology
Practical activities.

The sequence in which the syllabus is presented does not imply any particular order of teaching. Teaching strategies should promote the aims and objectives of the syllabus. Professional discretion should be evident when dealing with sensitive topics in the syllabus.

Duration

The syllabus is designed for approximately 180 hours of class contact time (the equivalent of 270 class periods of 40 minutes duration or five class periods per week, to include at least one double period). A specific number of class periods for each sub-unit of the syllabus are recommended. These should be treated as a guideline intended to indicate the approximate amount of time needed. Teachers are encouraged to exercise discretion when allocating time periods to the various elements of the syllabus.

Practical Activities

In the course of their studies, students should undertake a range of practical work, laboratory work and fieldwork. Students should carry out these activities over the duration of the course. A record of this work should be retained.

In all practical work safety must be a major concern. Teachers are encouraged to develop in their students positive attitudes and approaches to safety in the range of activities they encounter and to inculcate in them an awareness of the values of creating a safe working environment.

Standard laboratory safety precautions should be observed and care taken when carrying out activities. All legal and health regulations must be adhered to in activities involving live and dead organisms. Before rearing and maintaining organisms, detailed information on the appropriate methods for the rearing and maintenance of the organisms must be studied. These methods must be strictly adhered to during the activity.

Students should appreciate the possibility for errors in activities and the precautions or controls that can be applied to reduce errors. Students should also be aware that the value of scientific method is limited by the extent of our own basic knowledge, by the basis of investigation, by our ability to interpret results, by its application to the natural world (which is always subject to change or variation) and by accidental discoveries.

By itemising activities, the syllabus aims to ensure that students attain certain skills including:

manipulation of apparatus
following instructions
observation
recording
interpretation of observations and results
practical enquiry and application of results.

Students should be encouraged to integrate information and communication technologies (ICTs) in their study of Biology.

Differentiation between Ordinary Level and Higher Level

Ordinary level and Higher level are differentiated on the basis of:

(i) Range of topics: The Higher level incorporates the Ordinary level. At Higher level an extended range of topics is required.

(ii) Depth of treatment: The Ordinary level course provides an overview of biology and its application to everyday life. At Higher level a deeper and more quantitative treatment of biology is required.

Where required, specific Higher level material is indicated at the end of each sub-unit as a Higher level Extension. This material has been printed in black throughout the syllabus.

The orientation of the Ordinary level course towards a more concrete and applied approach to study is enhanced by the inclusion of non-prescriptive material in the Teacher Guidelines, which accompanies the syllabus. At Ordinary level, the equivalent of 45 class periods has been allocated to this non-prescriptive material, which is distributed throughout the syllabus.

Assessment

The syllabus will be assessed in relation to its learning objectives through a terminal examination paper. All material within the syllabus is examinable. Practical work is an integral part of the study of biology. A practical assessment component may be introduced as part of the overall assessment at a later stage.

Objectives

The objectives of the syllabus are:

(a) Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

Students should have a knowledge and understanding of biological facts, terms, principles, concepts, relationships and experimental techniques, including practical laboratory skills.

Such skills should include

an ability to carry out practical work, laboratory work and fieldwork activities safely and effectively
an ability to record and interpret biological data.

(b) Application and Interface with Technology

Students should be able to apply, where possible, their knowledge and understanding of biology in environmental, industrial, agricultural, medical, waste management and other technological contexts.

Students should be able to apply, where possible, their knowledge and understanding of biology in personal, social and economic spheres and to make informed evaluations about contemporary biological issues.

Biology Syllabus