KCSE Biology
FORM ONE SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
Specific Objectives
Definition of biology
Branches of biology
Importance of biology
Characteristics of living organisms
Comparison between plants and animals
Practical Activities
Collecting, observing and recording external features of plants and animals
CLASSIFICATION
Specific Objectives
Review the use of magnifying lens
External features of plants and animals
Necessity and significance of classification
Major units of classification: (naming) Kingdoms o Monera o Protoctista o Fungi o Plantae o Animalia (At least one example of each)
Discussion on Binomial nomenclature
Practical activities
2.3.1 Use of collecting nets, cutting instruments and hand lens. Collection and detailed observation of: Small animals e.g. insects Plants - rhizoids, root systems (taproot, fibrous and adventitious), stems and leaves
THE CELL
Specific Objectives
Definition of the cell
Structure and functions of parts of a light microscope
Use and care of the light microscope
Cell structure and functions as seen under a light microscope an electron microscope
Preparation of temporary slides of plant cells
Estimation of cell size
Cell specialization, tissues, organs and organ systems
Observe, identify, draw and state the functions of parts of the light microscope
Prepare and observe temporary slides of plant cells
Observe permanent slides of animal cells
Comparison between plant and animal cells
Observe, estimate size and calculate magnification of plant cells
CELL PHYSIOLOGY
Specific Objectives
Meaning of cell physiology
Structure and properties of cell membrane (Theories of membrane structure not required)
Physiological processes - diffusion, osmosis and active transport
Factors affecting diffusion, osmosis and active transport
Role of diffusion, osmosis and active transport in living organisms
Water relations in plant and animal cells: turgor, plasmolysis, wilting and haemolysis
Practical Activities
Diffusion as demonstrated with Potassium permanganate or potassium iodide/flower dyes/coloured plant extracts/smoke
Experiments with visking tubing and living tissues: fresh arrow roots/cassava/sweet potatoes/leaf petioles/irish potatoes/carrots
Plasmolysis can be demonstrated by using any of the following: spirogyra, epidermal cells of onion or raw egg that has been put in dilute hydrochloric acid overnight.
NUTRITION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Specific Objectives
Meaning, importance and types of nutrition
Nutrition in plants (autotrophism) Definition of photosynthesis and its importance in nature Adaptations of leaf to photosynthesis Structure and function of chloroplast Process of photosynthesis - light and dark stages (omit details of electron transport system and chemical details of carbon dioxide fixation) Factors influencing photosynthesis o light intensity o carbon dioxide concentration o water o temperature
Chemical compounds which constitute living organisms Chemical composition and functions of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids (omit details of chemical structure of these compounds and mineral salts in plant nutrition)
Properties and functions of enzymes (omit lock and key hypothesis)
Nutrition in Animals (heterotrophism) Meaning and types of heterotrophism Modes of feeding in animals Dentition of a named carnivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous mammal Adaptation of the three types of dentition to feeding Internal structure of mammalian teeth Common dental diseases, their causes and treatment
Digestive system and digestion in a mammal (human) Digestive system, regions, glands and organs associated with digestion Ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and egestion
Importance of vitamins, mineral salts, roughage and water in human nutrition 5.2.7 Factors determining energy requirements in humans
Practical activities
Carry out experiments on factors affecting photosynthesis
Observe stomata distribution
Carry out food test experiments
Carry out experiments on factors affecting enzymatic activities
Investigate presence of enzymes in living tissues (plants and animals)
Observe, identify, draw and label different types of mammalian teeth
Carry out dissection of a small mammal to observe digestive system and associated organs (demonstration)
FORM TWO SYLLABUS
TRANSPORT IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Specific Objectives
Meaning and importance of transport systems
Absorption of Water and Mineral Salts Internal structure of root and root hairs Absorption of water Active uptake of mineral salts
Transpiration Definition of transpiration Review of the structure of the leaf Structure and function of xylem Factors affecting transpiration Forces involved in water movement in plants o Transpiration pull o Cohesion and adhesion o Capillarity o Root pressure
Translocation Structure and function of phloem Materials translocated (omit mechanisms of translocation)
Comparison between open and closed circulatory system
Mammalian Circulatory System Structure and function of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries Diseases and defects of the circulatory system (Thrombosis, Varicose veins, Arteriosclerosis) and how to control them.
The Structure and Functions of Blood Composition of blood Functions of blood plasma The structure and functions of red blood cells and white blood Mechanism of blood clotting and its importance
Blood groups (ABO system and the Rhesus factor)
Immune responses Natural and artificial immunity Allergic reactions Importance of vaccinations against diseases (Tuberculosis, Poliomyletis, Measles, Diphtheria, Whooping cough)
Practical Activities
Observe permanent slides of sections of stems and roots
Carry out experiments to compare transpiration on lower and upper leaf surfaces
Observe wall charts/models
Analyze data on transpiration rate under different environmental conditions in Plants
Dissect a small mammal and observe its transport system (demonstration) 6.3.6 Make a longitudinal section of the mammalian heart to display the chambers and associated blood vessels
Record pulse rate at the wrist before and after vigorous activities and analyse the results
Demonstrate the unidirectional flow of blood in the cutaneous veins of the fore arm
GASEOUS EXCHANGE
Specific Objectives
Gaseous exchange in living organisms (necessity)
Gaseous Exchange in Plants Mechanisms of opening and closing of stomata The process of gaseous exchange in root, stem and leaves of both aquatic (floating) and terrestrial plants
Gaseous Exchange in Animals Types and Characteristics of Respiratory Surfaces - cell membrane, gills, buccal cavity, skin and lungs Mechanism of gaseous exchange in o Protozoa – amoeba o Insect – grasshopper o Fish – bonyfish o Amphibia – frog o Mammal - human
Factors affecting rate of breathing in humans
Respiratory diseases: Asthma, Bronchitis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Pneumonia and whooping cough
Practical Activities
Observe permanent slides of cross- sections of aerial and aquatic leaves and stems
Examine the distribution of spiracles on grasshopper or locust
Examine the gills of a bony fish
Dissect a small mammal and identify the structures of the respiratory system (demonstration) Construct and use models to demonstrate breathing mechanisms in a mammal (human) Demonstrate the effect of exercise on the rate of breathing
RESPIRATION
Specific Objectives
Meaning and significance of respiration
Tissue respiration
Mitochondrion - structure and function Aerobic respiration (Details of kreb’s cycle not required) Anaerobic respiration in plants and animals, the products and by-products Application of anaerobic respiration in industry and at home Compare the energy output of aerobic and anaerobic respiration
Practical Activities
Carry out experiments to Investigate the gas produced when food is burnt, the gas produced during fermentation4 Heat production by germinating seeds
EXCRETION AND HOMEOSTASIS
Specific Objectives
Excretion in Plants Methods of excretion in plants Useful and harmful excretory products of plants and their economic importance e.g. caffeine in tea and coffee, quinine, tannins, colchicines, cocaine, rubber, gum, papain (from pawpaw) and products of cannabis sativa (bhang) and khat (miraa)
Excretion and homeostasis in Animals Distinction between excretion, homeostasis and egestion Excretion in a named uni-cellular organism (protozoa) Structure and functions of skin and kidney Neuro-endocrine system and homeostasis o Water balance (blood osmotic pressure) o Blood sugar level (control) o Temperature regulation (mention the role of hypothalamus)
Common kidney diseases, their symptoms and possible methods of prevention and control
The role of the skin in thermoregulation, salt and water balance.
Major functions of the liver and their contributions to homeostasis
Common diseases of the liver, their symptoms and possible methods of prevention/control
Practical Activities
Examine and draw the mammalian kidney
Make vertical sections of the kidney to identify cortex and medulla
Observe permanent slides of mammalian skin
Investigate effect of catalase enzyme on hydrogen peroxide
FORM THREE SYLLABUS
CLASSIFICATION II
Specific Objectives
Review of binomial nomenclature
General principles of classification
General characteristics of kingdoms: Monera - Protoctista - Fungi - Plantae - Animalia
Main characteristics of major divisions of plantae: Bryophyta - Pteridophyta - Spermatophyta (cover only up to class level)
Main Characteristics of the Phyla Arthropoda and Chordata (cover up to classes as shown): Arthropoda - Diplopoda chilopoda - Insecta - Crustacean - Arachnida Chordata - Pisces - Amphibian - Reptilian - Ayes - Mammalia
Construction and use of simple dichotomous keys based on observable features of plants and animals
Practical activities
Examine live/preserved specimen or photographs of representatives of major divisions of plantae and phyla arthropoda and chordata
Construct simple dichotomous keys using leaves/parts of common plants/arthropods/ common chordates in the local environment
Use dichotomous keys to identify organisms
ECOLOGY
Specific Objectives
Concepts of Ecology: Habitat - Niche - Population - Community
- Ecosystem - Biomass - Carrying capacity
Factors in an ecosystem Abiotic factors (environmental factors) - light, temperature, atmospheric pressure, salinity, humidity, pH and wind Biotic factors Inter-relationships – competition, predation, saprophytism, parasitism and symbiosis Nitrogen cycle
Energy flow in an ecosystem. Food chains, food webs, decomposers, pyramid of numbers and pyramid of biomass
Population estimation methods Quadrat method Line transect Belt transect Capture – recapture method
Adaptations of plants to various habitats Xerophytes Mesophytes (common terrestrial plants) Hydrophytes - Nymphea, Salvinia, spp Halophytes — mangrove
Effect of pollution on human beings and other organisms Causes, effects and control of pollutants in air, water and soil
Human diseases & Bacterial diseases - Cholera and Typhoid Protozoa - Malaria and Amoebic dysentry (Amoebiasis) Ascaris lumbricoides and Schistosoma - Mode of transmission - Effects of the parasites on the hosts - Adaptive characteristics of the parasites - Control/prevention of diseases associated with the parasites
Practical activities
Collect, record, analyse and interpret data from ecological studies (examples of food chains should be used to join up to make food webs. Calculate ratios of consumers to producers from data provided)
Examine specimens of hydrophytes, mesophytes and xerophytes, and identify the features that adapt them to their habitats
Examine roots of legumes taken from fertile and poor soils to compare the number of root nodules
Estimate populations using sampling methods (for quadrat and line/belt transect, measure pl-1, temperature, wind direction and humidity)
REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Specific Objectives
Concept of reproduction Importance of reproduction
Chromosomes, mitosis and meiosis (mention gamete formation)
Asexual reproduction Binary fission in amoeba Spore formation/reproduction in mucor/Rhizopus Budding in yeast
Sexual reproduction in plants Structure and functions of parts of named insect and wind pollinated flowers Pollination and agents of pollination Features and mechanisms that hinder self-pollination and self-fertilization The process of fertilization Fruit and seed formation and dispersal
Sexual reproduction in animals External fertilization in amphibians Structure of the reproductive system of a named mammal (human) functions Functions of the parts of reproductive system Fertilization, implantation and the role of placenta Gestation period Role of hormones in reproduction in humans (secondary sexual characteristics, menstrual cycle)
Sexually transmitted infections (S.T.Is) Gonorrhoea Herpes simplex Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Hepatitis, Candidiasis HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) - emphasize preventive measures especially change of behaviour
Advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction
Practical Activities
Examine stages of mitosis using squashed young onion tip/charts/electron micrographs Examine stages of meiosis using anthers of a flower
Grow bread mould and examine using a hand lens
Examine spores in son of a fern
Examine various types of insect and wind pollinated flowers and relate structure to function
Collect, classify and dissect fruits and seeds and relate their structure to mode of dispersal
Dissect a small mammal to show organs associated with reproduction (demonstration)
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Specific Objectives
Concepts of growth and development
Growth and development in plants Dormancy and ways of breaking it Conditions necessary for germination Epigeal and hypogeal germination Measurement of one aspect of growth in a named seedling e.g. region of growth Primary and secondary growth Role of growth hormones in plants Apical dominance
Growth and development in animals, Complete and incomplete metamorphosis in insects and the role of growth hormones in insects
Practical activities
Examine, draw and differentiate seeds
Determine the region of growth in shoots and roots
Investigate hypogeal and epigeal germination
Carry out experiments to demonstrate apical dominance
Observe stages of complete and incomplete metamorphosis in insects
Project work: Measure either length of internodes/ breadth of leaves/height/dry weight of seedlings over a known period of time, analyse and present the data obtained in form of graphs, charts or histograms
FORM FOUR SYLLABUS
GENETICS
Specific Objectives
Concepts of genetics Variation within plant and animal species Review of chromosomes Brief mention of genes and DNA (without details of the molecular structure of genes and DNA)
First law of heredity Mendel’s experiments - monohybrid inheritance (3:1 ratio) Complete and incomplete dominance, backcross/testcross Inheritance of ABO blood groups and Rh factor
Sex determination in humans
Linkage Sex linked genes, sex linked characteristics e.g. Colour blindness, Haemophilia, Hairy ears and Nose
Mutations: Types of mutations, Causes and consequences of chromosomal mutations, Gene mutations(only cover the following examples of genetic disorders: Albinism, Sickle cell Anaemia, Haemophilia, Colour blindness)
Practical applications of genetics which include, Blood transfusion, plant and animal breeding using artificial selection, genetic counselling and genetic engineering
Practical Activities
Measure and record heights of class members and plot the data on graphs
Demonstrate chromosome behaviour in mitosis and meiosis by using clay / plasticine / insulated coloured wires/coloured thread
Carry out investigations on finger prints and tongue rolling
EVOLUTION
Specific Objectives
Meaning of evolution
The origin of life Special creation Chemical evolution (Brief explanation required)
Evidences for organic evolution Fossil records - brief mention of human evolution Geographical distribution - continental drift Comparative embryology Comparative anatomy (Convergent and divergent evolution based on homology and analogy) Cell biology - occurrence of cell organelles and blood pigments
Mechanisms of evolution Lamarck's theory (Brief mention) Evolution by natural selection Natural selection in action e.g. peppered moth (industrial melanism)Resistance to drugs, pesticides and antibiotics
Practical activities
Compare vertebrate limbs
Compare wings of birds and insects
Education tour to an archaeological site/local museum
RECEPTION, RESPONSE AND COORDINATION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Specific Objectives
Meaning of stimulus, response and irritability
Reception, response and coordination in plants Response to a variety of external stimuli Tropisms and tactic movements and their survival values Production of auxins and their effects on plant growth
Reception, responses and coordination in animals Components of the nervous system in a mammal Structure and functions of the neurons Functions of major parts of human brain Simple and conditioned reflex actions
The role of hormones in coordination in a mammal Effects of over secretion and under secretion of adrenaline and thyroxine in humans Functional differences and similarities between endocrine and nervous systems
Effects of drug abuse on the human health
Structure and functions of parts of the mammalian eye (human) Accommodation, image formation and interpretations Common eye defects and their corrections
Structure and functions of parts of the mammalian ear (human) Hearing (omit details of cochlea) Balance and posture (mention only parts involved)
Practical activities
Carry out experiments to investigate tactic responses e.g. chemotaxis - use any of the following organisms: worker termites/fly maggots/earth worms/honey bee/grasshoppers/ woodlice
Carry out experiments on tropisms and etiolation
Determine the distance of blind spot
Carry out knee jerk experiment
SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Specific Objectives
Plants Necessity for support and movement in plants Review of tissue distribution in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants (Histological details of tissues are not required)
Animals Necessity for support and movement in animals Types and functions of the skeleton o Exoskeleton in arthropods o Endoskeleton in vertebrate
Locomotion in a finned fish
Identification of the bones of axial and appendicular skeletons (names of individual bones of coccyx not required)
Types and functions of movable joints (ball and socket, hinge joint)
Structure, function and location of cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscles (Details of fine structure not required)
Role of muscles in the arm in humans
Practical activities
Observe permanent slides of transverse sections of the stems of herbacious and woody plants
Observe wilting in young herbacious plants
Examine the exoskeleton in arthropods
Observe and identify external features of a finned fish
Examine and draw different types of bones in mammal