BIOLOGY SYLLABUS FORM I

Biology course objectives
This course is designed to respond to Tanzania's present aspiration to produce more creative scientists by encouraging greater participation in science and technology in all walks of life.

The main objectives of the course are to enables learners to:
Cultivates an understanding and appreciation of the role. Influence and importance of science in everyday life, at work, and in society in general; develop mastery in the fundamental concepts. Principles and skills of Biological Science and use these to best utilize their natural heritage and raise the standard of living;

Apply their knowledge and skills in proper use of and management of the environment;
Analyze the behaviors of people involved in the abuse and misuse of the environment and make informed judgment in as for as making amendments is concerned;
Inculcate in the Tanzania growing youth positive population family life attitudes, values and behaviour to enable him/her contribute effectively to national self-reliance and enhance community and family well-being.
Contribute to the physical, mental, cultural and spiritual development of every family member in a way, which will maximize personal growth and happiness so that helshe will perform his/her roles as a member of the Tanzania society in conformity with society's values and norms.

Prepare themselves for further studies and training in biology and related fields.

Organization of the Syllabus
In designing this syllabus due consideration has been made to both the learner's and the teacher's needs.
The content has been carefully selected and organized so as to promote interest and motivation throughout the course. All topics and sub-topics are blockly organized in a progressive manner such that the acquisition of knowledge and skills is synchronized with the learning level of the leaner. The topics fall under 4 blocks Form I, Form II, Form III and Form IV. Each form has its objectives. In the format of the syllabus are also included instructional objectives for each subtopic.

Choice and Use of Instructional Materials
With the new book production policy, the science book market is seeing more and more up to date science books.

The biology teacher is expected to be well informed about books which best meet the requirements of the syllabus. Teachers will also be expected to use their academic and professional knowledge and skills to guide and advice learners on how best to use books and other non-textual instructional materials available in schools and libraries.

Methods of Teaching and Learning
The syllabus has proposed teaching, learning strategies for each topic. These are just proposals. The teacher of Biology will be free to use any teaching/ learning method considered effective in promoting concept formation, skill development and internalization of knowledge in general. It is worth bearing in mind that it is generally agreed among science schools that using the active methods of instruction learns science better.

Assessment Students Progress and Performance
It is expected that teachers will carry out assessment of their student progress and performance periodically. This is so as to identify their strengths and weaknesses and so as to help the weak and encourage the good one as appropriate. Assessment of student’s progress and performance does also measure the effectiveness of the course and the teaching/learning strategies. At the end of Form IV students are expected to do an overall achievements examination intended to determine the extent to which the objectives of the course have been attained

Instructional Time
The teacher is advised to make maximum use of the located time per week for this subject. Lost instructional time for whatever cause. Should be compensated for through the teacher's own local arrangement with the school administration. It should be remembered that this course of study is designed to be covered in four years at a minimum of 420 minutes duration each.

OBJECTIVES

The Form One Biology Course is aimed at introducing pupils to the concept of Biology as a Science, the fundamentals units of structure and function in organisms, grouping of organisms and safe living. It is therefore expected that at the end of this course pupils should be able to:
1.      Discuss and practise the scientific methods of studying biology
2.      Explain the characteristics of living things.
3.      Describe structure of cells and explain the organization of the body of organisms.
4.      Distinguish organisms in the Kingdoms Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia on the basis of their morphology and physiology.
5.      Discuss and apply various health precautions and give First Aid to victims of some of the common accidents and other health problems.
6.      Explain the cause, symptoms, transmission and prevention of Aids and other communicable diseases.

TOPICS

1.      INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
1.1.  Basic concept of Biology
1.2.  Scientific processes in Biology
1.3.  The Biology  Laboratory

2.      CELL STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION
2.2. Cell Differentiation

3.      GROUPING LIVING THINGS
3.1.  Viruses
3.2.  Kingdoms of Living Things

4.      FIRST AID
4.1.  Health and Prevention of Diseases
4.1.1.      Concept of good health
4.1.2.      Concept of disease
4.1.3.      Immunity against disease
4.1.4.      Communicable disease
4.1.5.      Sexual transmitted disease
4.1.6.      Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
4.1.6.1.Responsible Behavior
a.       Lifestyles choices and Consequences
b.      Risk behaviour and situations
c.       Community Resources
d.      Responsible Decision Making
e.       Assertive Behavior
f.        Sexually and self-Protection
g.       Delaying Sex
h.       Protected sex
4.1.6.2. Care and Support for People living with HIV and AIDS      Discrimination and Compassion