South Africa Grade 11 School Syllabus - Life Sciences

Term 1

• Diversity, Change and Continuity
• Biodiversity and Classification of Microorganisms: This topic covers the basic structure and general characteristics of viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi. It also explores their roles in the environment, symbiotic relationships (e.g., nitrogen-fixing bacteria, E. coli), and the effects and management of diseases caused by each group (e.g., HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, thrush). The concept of immunity and the use of drugs like antibiotics are also discussed, as well as traditional technologies using microorganisms (e.g., beer, wine, cheese production).
• Biodiversity of Plants: This topic focuses on the classification and characteristics of bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms, emphasizing their adaptations for reproduction and decreasing dependence on water. Asexual and sexual reproduction in plants are compared, along with the significance of seeds and adaptations for pollination.
• Biodiversity of Animals: This topic explores the relationship between body plans and the classification of animals into phyla, focusing on six major phyla (Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, and Chordata). Key features like symmetry, tissue layers, gut openings, coelom, and blood systems are examined, along with the relationship between body plans and modes of living. The role of invertebrates in agriculture and ecosystems is also discussed.

Term 2

• Life Processes in Plants and Animals
• Photosynthesis: This topic covers the process of photosynthesis, including the intake of raw materials, energy trapping and storage, food formation, and oxygen release. The effects of light, carbon dioxide, and temperature on photosynthesis are also examined, along with the role of ATP.
• Animal Nutrition: This topic focuses on mammalian (specifically human) nutrition, including the structure and function of the alimentary canal, the processes of digestion, absorption, assimilation, and egestion, and the importance of a balanced diet. Dietary choices, malnutrition, and the effects of alcohol and drug abuse are also discussed.
• Cellular Respiration: This topic explores aerobic and anaerobic respiration, including the processes involved, energy release, and the role of anaerobic respiration in industries like brewing and baking.

Term 3

• Life Processes in Plants and Animals (continued)
• Gaseous Exchange: This topic covers the requirements for efficient gas exchange, comparing different organisms and environments. Human gas exchange is emphasized, including the structure and function of the respiratory system, ventilation, gas transport, and the effects of smoking, altitude, and diseases like tuberculosis.
• Excretion in Humans: This topic focuses on the role of various organs in excretion (lungs, kidneys, liver, alimentary canal, skin), with a detailed examination of the urinary system, nephron function, and homeostatic control of water and salts. Diseases affecting kidney function are also discussed.
• Environmental Studies
• Population Ecology: This topic explores factors influencing population size, including immigration, emigration, mortality, and birth rates. Concepts like limiting factors, carrying capacity, and logistic/geometric growth curves are examined, along with interactions in the environment (predation, competition, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism), social organization, and community change over time (succession). Human population growth and its consequences are also discussed.

Term 4

• Environmental Studies (continued)
• Human Impact on the Environment: This topic examines the causes and consequences of various environmental issues, including climate change, water availability and quality, food security, and loss of biodiversity. Solid waste disposal and the role of indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable environmental use are also discussed. This topic is completed in Grade 11 but examined in both Grade 11 and the National Senior Certificate exam at the end of Grade 12.