Topics
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.
COURSE
OBJECTIVES
The Form Four Biology Course is aimed at
exploring growth in organisms, the mechanisms of
heredity, the
origin of life and life forms and the way living things interact
among themselves and with their environment.
It is therefore expected that, at the end of this course
pupils should be able to:
1.
State and explain factors affecting growth and discuss how growth is
brought about in mammals and flowering plants.
2.
Explain how traits/characteristics are passed on from parents to their
off spring
3.
Discuss how humans have benefited from the knowledge of inheritance
4.
Explain how organisms might have evolved
5.
Explain and discuss the interactions of organisms in their environment
6.
Discuss the effects of human’s interferences with balance of nature and
how to enhance sustainable use of natural resources
TOPICS
14.
GROWTH
14.1.
Mitosis and Growth
14.2.
Human post-natal growth and development
14.3.
Growth in flowering plants
15.
HEREDITY (Genetics)
15.1.
General concept
15.2.
Variation among organisms
15.3.
Principles of inheritance
15.3.1.
Mendelian inheritance
15.3.2.
Sex inheritance and development in human beings
15.4.
Genetic disorders
15.5.
Application of genetics
16.
ORGANIC EVOLUTION
16.1.
General Concept
16.2.
Evidence of organic Evolution
16.3.
Mechanism of organic Evolution
16.3.1.
Lamerckism
16.3.2.
Darwinism
17.
THE ENVIRONMENT
17.1.
General Concept
17.2.
Balance of Nature
17.3.
Human population growth and control
17.4.
Natural Resources
17.5.
Conservation and Improvement
17.6.
Environmental Degradation
