Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Form 5 Subjects (CSEC) - Science > Human and Social Biology

This course provides a foundation in human biology and its social implications, incorporating practical activities and problem-solving skills. It prepares students for further studies in health-related fields and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Course Content:

• Section A: Living Organisms and the Environment
• Characteristics of living organisms
• Comparison of plant, animal, and microbial cells
• Cell structure and function
• Specialized cells in the human body
• Osmosis, diffusion, and active transport
• Photosynthesis
• Food chains and trophic levels
• Carbon and nitrogen cycles
• Section B: Life Processes
• Nutrition:
• Nutrients and their sources
• Vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber
• Deficiency diseases
• Balanced diet and malnutrition
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Teeth structure and function, tooth decay, and dental care
• Digestion and absorption
• Egestion vs. excretion
• Respiratory System:
• Importance of breathing
• Respiratory tract structure and function
• Breathing mechanism and factors affecting breathing rate
• Vital capacity
• Gaseous exchange
• Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
• ADP and ATP in energy transfer
• Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
• Effects of cigarette smoking
• Circulatory System:
• Need for a transport system
• Heart structure and function, blood pressure
• Circulatory system structure and function
• Blood components and function
• Arteries, veins, and capillaries
• Red blood cells, phagocytes, and lymphocytes
• Blood clotting
• Heart attacks
• Lymphatic system
• Formation of tissue fluid and lymph
• Skeletal System:
• Major bones of the skeleton
• Skeletal structure and function
• Bone and cartilage
• Tendons and ligaments
• Types of joints and movement
• Biceps and triceps function in limb movement
• Importance of locomotion
• Factors affecting the skeletal system
• Excretion and Homeostasis:
• Importance of excretion
• Organs involved in excretion (lungs, skin, kidneys)
• Kidney structure and function, nephron, urine formation
• Skin structure and function
• Homeostasis and feedback mechanisms
• Regulation of blood sugar and water
• Heat and temperature regulation
• Coordination and Control:
• Nervous system divisions (central and peripheral)
• Brain parts and functions
• Neurons and nerves
• Motor and sensory neurons, synapses
• Reflex actions
• Voluntary and involuntary actions
• Sense organs and stimuli response
• Eye structure and function, image formation, accommodation, eye defects
• Endocrine vs. nervous system
• Hormone production sites and functions
• Reproductive System:
• Sexual and asexual reproduction
• Human reproductive systems
• Menstrual cycle
• Ovulation, fertilization, implantation, embryonic development
• Birth process and prenatal care
• Birth control methods
• Abortion and family planning
• Section C: Heredity and Variation
• Mitosis and meiosis
• Genetic variation and its importance
• Genetic vs. environmental variation
• Monohybrid inheritance, sex linkage
• Sex determination in humans
• Genetic engineering
• Section D: Disease and Its Impact on Humans
• Health and disease
• Disease classification
• Signs and symptoms
• Asthma
• Chronic/lifestyle diseases
• Infectious diseases
• HIV/AIDS
• STIs and their effects on pregnancy
• Impact of diseases on human populations
• Malaria and dengue fever
• Vectors and their control
• Personal hygiene
• Control of microorganisms (sterilization, disinfection, antiseptics)
• Antibiotics and antifungal agents
• Immunity and immunization
• Drug use and misuse
• Section E: The Impact of Health Practices on the Environment
• Pollutants and pollution (water and air)
• Effects of pollution on humans and the environment
• Pollution control methods
• Water cycle and purification
• Sewage disposal
• Landfills and solid waste management
• Biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials