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