Paper 1: Principles of Biology
Aims:
-To provide candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and processes of biology.
-To develop candidates' critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of biology.
-To encourage candidates to develop an appreciation of the importance of biology and its relevance to human life and the environment.
Content:
1. Biological Molecules:
-Structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
-Enzymes: structure, function, and mechanisms of action.
-DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
-Protein synthesis: translation and post-translational modifications.
2. Cell Structure and Function:
-Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: structure and organization.
-Cell membranes: structure and function, including membrane transport mechanisms.
-Cellular organelles: structure and function, including mitochondria, chloroplasts, and ribosomes.
-Cell division: mitosis and meiosis.
3. Genetics:
-Mendelian genetics: principles of inheritance, including dominance, recessiveness, segregation, and independent assortment.
-Chromosomal basis of inheritance: gene mapping, linkage, and recombination.
-DNA as the genetic material: structure of DNA, replication, and transcription.
-Mutation, gene expression, and regulation of gene activity.
4. Ecology:
-Ecosystems: structure and function, including energy flow, nutrient cycling, and population interactions.
-Population ecology: population growth, regulation, and dynamics.
-Community ecology: species interactions, competition, predation, and symbiosis.
-Conservation ecology: threats to biodiversity, conservation strategies, and sustainable development.
Paper 2: Practical Biology
Aims:
-To provide candidates with opportunities to develop their practical skills in biology, including observation, experimentation, data collection, and analysis.
-To reinforce candidates' understanding of the fundamental principles and processes of biology through practical activities.
-To encourage candidates to develop an appreciation for the importance of experimental design and the use of appropriate techniques in biological investigations.
Content:
1. Laboratory Techniques:
-Use and care of laboratory equipment, including microscopes, glassware, and measuring devices.
-Safety procedures in the laboratory.
-Methods of specimen preparation and staining.
2. Observations:
-Microscopy: use of light microscopes and electron microscopes to observe biological specimens.
-Cell staining: preparation and interpretation of stained slides.
-Plant anatomy: identification of plant tissues and organs.
-Animal anatomy: identification of animal tissues and organs.
3. Experiments:
-Enzymes: experiments on enzyme activity, including temperature, pH, and substrate concentration effects.
-Genetics: experiments on Mendelian inheritance, gene mapping, and DNA extraction.
-Ecology: experiments on population growth, competition, and predator-prey interactions.
-Physiology: experiments on plant and animal physiology, including photosynthesis, respiration, and circulation.
4. Data Analysis:
-Collection, organization, and presentation of data, including graphs, tables, and charts.
-Calculation and interpretation of statistical measures, including mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
-Drawing conclusions and making predictions based on experimental data.
5. Scientific Communication:
-Writing clear and concise laboratory reports, including title, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.
-Presentation of scientific findings in oral or written form.
Note: This is a general outline of the old CE AL Bio science syllabus, and the specific topics and content may vary depending on the specific board or institution.