Zimbabwe Form 3 Biology Syllabus

This syllabus covers the content for Biology in Form 3 and 4, aiming to equip learners with theoretical and practical skills for further studies and careers in fields like Medicine, Food Technology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science. The syllabus emphasizes interactive, multi-sensory, learner-centered, and practical approaches.

Form 3

• Safety, Careers and Branches in Biology: This topic introduces laboratory safety procedures, including identifying hazards, following safety rules, and emergency procedures. It also explores various branches of Biology (cytology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, genetics, biotechnology, microbiology, zoology, botany) and related career paths.
• Chemicals of Life: This section covers the properties and biological significance of water, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Learners will perform tests to identify these molecules.
• Cells and Cellular Activities: This topic examines plant and animal cell structures, functions of organelles, cell specialization, and cellular transport mechanisms.
• Enzymes: Learners will study the nature, properties, and mode of action of enzymes, investigating factors affecting enzyme activity.
• Plant Science: This section delves into plant nutrition, including photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, and gaseous exchange. It also covers plant productivity, factors affecting it, and the management of pests and diseases. Additionally, learners will study plant transport mechanisms, including transpiration and translocation, as well as the structure and function of plant stems and roots.
• Animal Science: This comprehensive section covers animal nutrition, including balanced diets, digestion, absorption, and assimilation. It also explores gaseous exchange, respiration, transport in mammals, immunity, and reproduction in humans, including the menstrual cycle, fertilization, and the role of the placenta. Additionally, learners will study the structure and functions of teeth and proper dental care.

Form 4

• Safety, Careers and Branches in Biology: This topic reinforces safety procedures by focusing on safety labels and symbols.
• Chemicals of Life: This section expands on the chemical constituents of life by classifying carbohydrates, and exploring the functions of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
• Enzymes: This topic explores the industrial applications of enzymes, such as in detergents.
• Plant Science: This section covers plant reproduction, including asexual reproduction methods, sexual reproduction in flowering plants (pollination, fertilization, seed and fruit formation, and seed dispersal), and the role of plant hormones. It also covers plant coordination and response, including tropisms.
• Animal Science: This section covers animal productivity, including factors affecting it and the management of pests and diseases. It also explores homeostasis, including temperature regulation, excretion, and the functions of the urinary system. Learners will also study coordination and response in animals, including the nervous system, the structure and function of the eye and ear, and the endocrine system, including the role of hormones like adrenaline and insulin. Finally, the skeletal system and the types and functions of joints and muscles will be covered.
• Microbiology and Biotechnology: This section introduces the characteristics, types, and economic importance of microorganisms, and explores recombinant DNA technology, including its applications and implications.
• Genetics: This section covers variation in plants and animals, including continuous and discontinuous variation, and the concept of natural and artificial selection as mechanisms of evolution. It also covers genetic mutations and factors that increase the rate of mutation.
• Biodiversity: This topic examines threats to biodiversity and conservation measures.
• Ecosystems: This section focuses on the management of ecosystems, including the impact of human activities and corrective measures. It also covers the concept of carrying capacity and its implications.
• Health and Disease: This topic addresses drug use and abuse, focusing on the effects of various substances.

This syllabus is assessed through continuous assessment (40%) and summative assessment (60%). Continuous assessment includes practical tests, theory tests, and end-of-term examinations. Summative assessment consists of three papers: multiple choice, theory, and practical. The syllabus aims to develop learners' knowledge, comprehension, handling of information, problem-solving skills, and experimental skills.