General introduction to the subject:
Biology is the study of life. The foci of this subject are principles and basic structures of life, functions of life, the environment, relationships between organisms and human impact on the environment, evolution and diversity and the science of the living world. The three-year course is divided into 8 learning outcomes which reflect the subject foci listed above. All the learning outcomes have a controlled section which will lead to a final SEC written examination as well as school-based assessment. The school-based assessment will carry 30% of the total mark.
The Biology option school-based assessment will include a variety of work including home and class works, presentations made by students, but also problem solving investigations, practical sessions, fieldwork exercises and visits to sites of biological significance.
During the three-year programme students acquire knowledge and understanding of the diverse basic sections of Biology as listed above. Students will also learn to distinguish between the personal, social, political, economic and environmental implications of Biology. Students will develop a scientific approach as well as acquire a range of manipulative and communicative skills.
Topics studied:
The Biology course includes a variety of topics. One of which Cytology which is the study of cells. The Anatomy (structure) and Physiology (how the structures work) of mainly animals and plants are also studied. Relationships and associations within the environment are other topics within the syllabus. Also studied is how human beings affect the environment; evolution of organisms from primitive to complex ones and how pathogens affect organisms mainly human beings.
Class activities involved:
Classwork, practical work, investigations and inquiry-based activities. Students may go on fieldwork, and site visits. The class activities or a section thereof will form the school-based assessement.
Homework assigned:
Reports on practical work, investigations, fieldwork and projects. Homework might include worksheets as well as a report to a site visit, questionnaires, presentation and other work related to Biology.
Assessment given:
Assessment is formative and summative. Including work related to homework, practical work, investigations and other practical related work. At the end of the year, final summative assessment includes 30% school-based assessment and 70% final exam.
Skills acquired while studying the subject:
a. observational skills – attention to detail
b. interpretation skills
c. practical scientific skills
d. problem solving skills
e. communication skills including writing reports skills
f. mathematical skills
g. Information technology skills including the use of data loggers
Skills required to study the subject:
a. mathematical skills
b. basic communication skills
This subject can lead you to the following Career Paths:
Medical/Health Field
Environment/Nature Conservation Field
Biotechnology
Agriculture/Food Science Field
Research/Scientist
Biology/Health Communication Field
Pharmaceutical Field
Science/Health Educator