8876 H1 Biology

 Subject description

Biology aims to address the broader questions of what life is and how life is sustained. This includes understanding life at the cellular and molecular levels, and making connections to how these micro-systems interact at the physiological and organismal levels. It also aims to recognise the evolving nature of biological knowledge and stimulate interest in and demonstrating care for the local and global environment.

4 core ideas and 1 extension topic will be examined in this syllabus:

Core ideas:

1. The Cell and Biomolecules of Life

2. Genetics and Inheritance

3. Energetics

4. Biological Evolution

Extension topics:

A. Impact of Climate Change

 Pre-requisites

Candidates taking H1 Biology are assumed to have knowledge and understanding of Biology at 'O' level, as a single subject or as part of a balanced science course. Candidates may not simultaneously offer Biology at H1 and H2 levels.

Candidates offering H1 Biology must attain at ‘O’ level;

At least C6 in Pure Biology OR  At least C6 in Combined Science (Biology / Chemistry or Physics)

 Scheme of Assessment

The Assessment Objectives are weighted as shown below.  

Paper / Weightage for ‘A’ level is shown in the table below.

All candidates are required to sit for both Papers 1 and 2.

 Subject objectives and other details

The H1 Biology syllabus guide can be accessed via the link below:

8876 H1 Biology syllabus 

 Enrichment opportunities in YIJC / Unique teaching approach

H1 Biology students in YIJC will have the opportunity to participate in a guided tour cum workshop at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in NUS to understand concepts relating to biodiversity and the evolution of life. 

Selected students may also be invited to participate in various relevant work attachments at research institutes, research programmes or competitions and learning journeys to institutes of higher learning. 

In YIJC, Biology tutors employ innovative strategies in teaching and learning, such as the use of IT applications via SLS, collaborative learning using Google Classroom and game-based approaches, to further deepen students’ understanding of the various concepts taught.

 Skill attainment

Upon successful completion of H1 Biology, students will develop skills in identifying problems, observing phenomena and posing questions. Students will also learn to select, organise and interpret information from a variety of sources. They will gain skills in analysis and evaluation of information to identify patterns, report conclusions and construct arguments, as well as organisation and presentation of ideas and information clearly and coherently.

 University requirements

H1 Biology is not a requirement subject for any courses/ faculties in the local universities. Thus, students offering H1 Biology at the JC level is based on students’ passion and interest to learn more about the subject at the breadth level.

 Career prospects

A strong background in science prepares students to take on careers in science and engineering-related sectors as well as opens up in-roads to many opportunities even in fields not traditionally associated with the hard sciences.

 FAQ

1. If I didn’t take O Level Biology or Science (Biology/__), can I take H1 Biology?

No, you will not be able to take A level Biology. Candidates taking H2 & H1 Biology at A level are assumed to have knowledge and understanding of Biology at O level, as a single subject or part of a balanced science subject.

Please refer to our college’s website for subject eligibility criteria for more information.

 https://yijc.moe.edu.sg/curriculum/subject-combination-n-eligibility/subject-eligibility-criteria 

2. What is the difference between ‘O’ and ‘A’ level Biology?

As the curriculum framework follows a spiral curriculum, topics that are covered in ‘O’ level Biology will be revisited in ‘A’ level Biology at a greater depth. This is especially true for topics related to Genetics and Inheritance.

3. What’s the difference between H1 and H2 Biology?

H2 Biology covers a wider range of topics compared to H1 Biology. For example, Cell Signalling and Infectious Diseases are taught in H2 Biology but not in H1 Biology. There is greater breadth and depth for some topics in H2 Biology as compared to H1 Biology. For the same topics taught in both H1 & H2 Biology, there may be less learning objectives in the syllabus covered in H1 compared to H2. However, the academic demand and rigor are comparable.

H2 Biology has a practical assessment component while H1 Biology does not.   However, students will still be taught relevant practical skills to expose them to better understanding of concepts taught during lectures and tutorials.

4. Is a Pass in H1 Biology a requirement for admission into medical-related faculties/ courses in the local universities e.g. Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing etc.?

A Pass in H1 Biology is not a requirement for admission into medical-related faculties/ courses in the local universities. However, having a good knowledge of the subject will provide an undergraduate with a better understanding of the concepts taught in the university modules.

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