Tanzania Form 1 Biology Syllabus

This syllabus outlines the Biology curriculum for Form 1 students in Tanzania, based on the 2023 syllabus from the Tanzanian Institute of Education (TIE):

Introduction

Biology is a compulsory subject for students in the Science, Agriculture, Food and Human Nutrition, Sports, and ICT streams. It is elective for other streams. The syllabus aims to develop biological literacy, critical thinking, and practical skills.

Form 1

1. Introduction to Biology (27 periods)

• Basic Concepts: This section introduces the meaning of biology, its various branches (e.g., zoology, botany, microbiology), basic biological terminologies, and the importance of biology and its relationship with other disciplines.
• Cell Biology: Covers the concept of the cell, including different cell types (prokaryotic and eukaryotic), cell structures (cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, organelles), and their functions. Practical work includes preparing and observing plant and animal cells under a microscope.
• Plant Nutrition: Focuses on nutrition in plants, including photosynthesis, leaf structure (external and internal), and mineral requirements.

2. Classification of Living Things (28 periods)

• Systems of Classification: Explores the concept and importance of classification, including artificial and natural classification systems, and the rules of scientific naming of organisms (binomial nomenclature). Practical work may involve classifying collected organisms.
• Major Groups of Organisms: Covers the characteristics and economic importance of the major groups of organisms: Monera (bacteria), Protista (protozoa and algae), Fungi, Plantae (plants), Animalia (animals), and Viruses.

3. Biological Investigations (40 periods)

• Basic Skills: Introduces basic skills for conducting biological experiments, including observation, measurement, and experimentation. Practical work involves performing experiments using various equipment and apparatus.
• Microscopic Observation: Focuses on microscopic observation of cells. Students learn how to prepare microscope slides and observe cells under a light microscope.
• Photosynthesis Investigations: Students conduct investigations on the conditions necessary for photosynthesis.
• Reporting Investigations: Students learn how to prepare and present reports on biological investigations, including those on cells and photosynthesis.