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;

1. acquisition of adequate laboratory and field skills in order to carry out and evaluate experiments and projects in Biology;

2. acquisition of necessary scientific skills for example observing, classifying and interpreting biological data;

3. acquisition of the basic relevant knowledge in Biology needed for future advanced studies in biological sciences;

4. acquisition of scientific attitudes for problem solving;

5. ability to apply biological principles in everyday life in matters that affect personal, social, environmental, community health and economic problems;

6. 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.