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KCSE BIOLOGY SYLLABUS
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, the learner should be able to:
1. Communicate biological information in a precise, clear and logical manner
2. Develop an understanding of interrelationships between plants and animals and between.
humans and their environment
3. Apply the knowledge gained to improve and maintain the health of the individual, family
and the community
4. Relate and apply relevant biological knowledge and understanding to social and
economic situations in rural and urban settings
5. Observe and identify features of familiar and unfamiliar organisms, record the
observation and make deductions about the functions of parts of organisms
6. Develop positive attitudes and interest towards biology and the relevant practical skills
7. Demonstrate resourcefulness, relevant technical skills and scientific thinking necessary
for economic development
8. Design and carry out experiments and projects that will enable them understand
biological concepts
9. Create awareness of the value of cooperation in solving problems acquire a firm
foundation of relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes for further education and for
training in related scientific fields.
FORM ONE SYLLABUS
1.0.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1.0 Specific Objectives
1.2.1 Definition of biology
1.2.2 Branches of biology
1.2.3 Importance of biology
1.2.4 Characteristics of living organisms
1.2.5 Cornparison between plants and animals
1.3.0 Practical Activities
1.3.1 Collecting, observing and recording external features of plants and animals
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2.0.0 CLASSIFICATION (12 LESSONS)
2.1.0 Specific Objectives
2.2.1 Review the use of magnifying lens
2.2.2 External features of plants and animals
2.2.3 Necessity and significance of classification
2.2.4 Major units of classification: (naming)
Kingdoms
o Monera
o Protoctista
o Fungi
o Plantae
o Animalia (At least one example of each)
2.2.5 Discussion on Binomial nomenclature
2.3.0 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
3.0.0 THE CELL (20 LESSONS)
3.1.0 Specific Objectives
3.2.1 Definition of the cell
3.2.2 Structure and functions of parts of a light microscope
3.2.3 Use and care of the light microscope
3.2.4 Cell structure and functions as seen under a light microscope an electron microscope
3.2.5 Preparation of temporary slides of plant cells
3.2.6 Estimation of cell size
3.2.7 Cell specialization, tissues, organs and organ systems
3.3.1 Observe, identify, draw and state the functions of parts of the light microscope
3.3.2 Prepare and observe temporary slides of plant cells
3.3.3 Observe permanent slides of animal cells
3.3.4 Comparison between plant and animal cells
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3.3.5 Observe, estimate size and calculate magnification of plant cells
4.0.0 CELL PHYSIOLOGY (20 LESSONS)
4.1.0 Specific Objectives
4.2.1 Meaning of cell physiology
4.2.2 Structure and properties of cell membrane (Theories of membrane structure not required)
4.2.3 Physiological processes - diffusion, osmosis and active transport
4.2.4 Factors affecting diffusion, osmosis and active transport
4.2.5 Role of diffusion, osmosis and active transport in living organisms
4.2.6 Water relations in plant and animal cells: turgor, plasmolysis, wilting and haemolysis
4.3.0 Practical Activities
4.3.1 Diffusion as demonstrated with Potassium permanganate or potassium iodide/flower
dyes/coloured plant extracts/smoke
4.3.2 Experiments with visking tubing and living tissues: fresh arrow roots/cassava/sweet
potatoes/leaf petioles/irish potatoes/carrots
4.3.3 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.
5.0.0 NUTRITION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS (59 LESSONS)
5.1.0 Specific Objectives
5.2.1 Meaning, importance and types of nutrition
5.2.2 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
5.2.3 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).
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Properties and functions of enzymes (omit lock and key hypothesis)
5.2.4 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
5.2.5 Digestive system and digestion in a mammal (human)
Digestive system, regions, glands and organs associated with digestion
Ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and egestion
5.2.6 Importance of vitamins, mineral salts, roughage and water in human nutrition
5.2.7 Factors determining energy requirements in humans
5.3.0 Practical activities
5.3.1 Carry out experiments on factors affecting photosynthesis
5.3.2 Observe stomata distribution
53.3 Carry out food test experiments
5.3.4 Carry out experiments on factors affecting enzymatic activities
5.3.5 Investigate presence of enzymes in living tissues (plants and animals)
5.3.6 Observe, identify, draw and label different types of mammalian teeth
5.3.7 Carry out dissection of a small mammal to observe digestive system and associated organs
(demonstration)
FORM TWO SYLLABUS
6.0.0 TRANSPORT IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS (20 LESSONS)
6.1.0 Specific Objectives
6.2.1 Meaning and importance of transport systems
6.2.2 Absorption of Water and Mineral Salts
Internal structure of root and root hairs
Absorption of water
Active uptake of mineral salts
6.2.3 Transpiration
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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
6.2.4 Translocation
Structure and function of phloem
Materials translocated (omit mechanisms of translocation)
6.2.5 Comparison between open and closed circulatory system
6.2.6 Mammalian Circulatory System
Structure and function of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries
Diseases and defects of the circulatory system (Thrombosis, Varicose veins, Arterio-
sclerosis) and how to control them.
6.2.7 The Structure and Functions of Blood
Composition of blood
Functions of blood plasma
The structure and functions of ed blood cells and white blood
Mechanism of blood clotting and its importance
6.2.8 Blood groups (ABO system and the Rhesus factor)
6.2.9 Immune responses
Natural and artificial immunity
Allergic reactions
Importance of vaccinations against diseases (Tuberculosis, Poliomyletis, Measles,
Diphtheria, Whooping cough)
6.3.0 Practical Activities
6.3.1 Observe permanent slides of sections of stems and roots
6.3.2 Carry out experiments to compare transpiration on lower and upper leaf surfaces
6.3.3 Observe wall charts/models
6.3.4 Analyse data on transpiration rate under different environmental conditions in Plants
6.3.5 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
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6.3.7 Record pulse rate at the wrist before and after vigorous activities and analyse the results
6.3.8 Demonstrate the unidirectional flow of blood in the cutaneous veins of the fore arm
7.0.0 GASEOUS EXCHANGE (36 LESSONS)
7.1.0 Specific Objectives
7.2.1 Gaseous exchange in living organisms (necessity)
7.2.2 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
7.2.3 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
7.2.4 Factors affecting rate of breathing in humans
7.2.5 Respiratory diseases: Asthma, Bronchitis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Pneumonia and
whooping cough
7.3.0 Practical Activities
7.3.1 Observe permanent slides of cross- sections of aerial and aquatic leaves and stems
7.3.2 Examine the distribution of spiracles on grasshopper or locust
7.3.3 Examine the gills of a bony fish
7.3.4 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
8.0.0 RESPIRATION (18 LESSONS)
8.1.0 Specific Objectives
8.2.1 Meaning and significance of respiration
8.2.1 Tissue respiration
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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
8.3.0 Practical Activities
8.3.1 Carry out experiments to Investigate
The gas produced when food is burnt
The gas produced during fermentation4
Heat production by germinating seeds
9.0.0 EXCRETION AND HOMEOSTASIS (42 LESSONS)
9.1.0 Specific Objectives
9.2.1 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)
9.2.2 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)
9.2.3 Common kidney diseases, their symptoms and possible methods of prevention and control
9.2.4 The role of the skin in thermoregulation, salt and water balance.
9.2.5 Major functions of the liver and their contributions to homeostasis
9.2.6 Common diseases of the liver, their symptoms and possible methods of prevention/control
9.3.0 Practical Activities
9.3.1 Examine and draw the mammalian kidney
9.3.2 Make vertical sections of the kidney to identify cortex and medulla
9.3.3 Observe permanent slides of mammalian skin
9.3.4 Investigate effect of catalase enzyme on hydrogen peroxide
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FORM THREE SYLLABUS
10.0.0 CLASSIFICATION II (35 LESSONS)
10.1.0 Specific Objectives
10.2.1 Review of binomial nomenclature
10.2.2 General principles of classification
10.2.3 General characteristics of kingdoms
Monera
Protoctista
Fungi
Plantae
Animalia
10.2.4 Main characteristics of major divisions of plantae
Bryophyta
Pteridophyta
Spermatophyta (cover only up to class level)
10.2.5 Main Characteristics of the Phyla Arthropoda and Chordata (cover up to classes as
shown)
Arthropoda
o Diplopoda chilopoda
o Insecta
o Crustacean
o Arachnida
Chordata
o Pisces
o Amphibian
o Reptilian
o Ayes
o Mammalia
10.2.6 Construction and use of simple dichotomous keys based on observable features of plants
and animals
10.3.0 Practical activities
10.3.1 Examine live/preserved specimen or photographs of representatives of major divisions of
plantae and phyla arthropoda and chordata
10.3.2 Construct simple dichotomous keys using leaves/parts of common plants/arthropods/
common chordates in the local environment
10.3.3 Use dichotomous keys to identify organisms
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11.0.0 ECOLOGY (55 LESSONS)
11.1.0 Specific Objectives
11.2.1 Concepts of Ecology
Ecology
Habitat
Niche
Population
Community Ecosystem
Biomass
Carrying capacity
11.2.2 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
11.2.3 Energy flow in an ecosystem. Food chains, food webs, decomposers, pyramid of numbers
and pyramid of biomass
11.2.4 Population estimation methods
Quadrat method
Line transect
Belt transect
Capture – recapture method
11.2.5 Adaptations of plants to various habitats
Xerophytes
Mesophytes (common terrestrial plants)
Hydrophytes - Nymphea, Salvinia, spp
Halophytes — mangrove
11.2.6 Effect of pollution on human beings and other organisms Causes, effects and control of
pollutants in air, water and soil
11.2.7 Human diseases
Bacterial diseases - Cholera and Typhoid
Protozoa - Malaria and Amoebic dysentry (Amoebiasis)
Ascaris lumbricoides and Schistosoma
o Mode of transmission
o Effects of the parasites on the hosts
o Adaptive characteristics of the parasites
o Control/prevention of diseases associated with the parasites
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11.3.0 Practical activities
11.3.1 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)
11.3.2 Examine specimens of hydrophytes, mesophytes and xerophytes, and identify the features
that adapt them to their habitats
11.3.3 Examine roots of legumes taken from fertile and poor soils to compare the number of root
nodules
11.3.4 Estimate populations using sampling methods (for quadrat and line/belt transect, measure
pl-1, temperature, wind direction and humidity)
12.0.0 REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
12.1.0 Specific Objectives
12.2.1 Concept of reproduction
Importance of reproduction
12.2.2 Chromosomes, mitosis and meiosis (mention gamete formation)
12.2.3 Asexual reproduction
Binary fission in amoeba
Spore formation/reproduction in mucor/Rhizopus
Budding in yeast
12.2.4 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
12.2.5 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)
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12.2.6 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
12.2.7 Advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction
12.3.0 Practical Activities
12.3. Examine stages of mitosis using squashed young onion tip/charts/electron micrographs
12.3.2 Examine stages of meiosis using anthers of a flower
12.3.3 Grow bread mould and examine using a hand lens
12.3.4 Examine spores in son of a fern
12.3.5 Examine various types of insect and wind pollinated flowers and relate structure to
function
12.3.6 Collect, classify and dissect fruits and seeds and relate their structure to mode of dispersal
12.3.7 Dissect a small mammal to show organs associated with reproduction (demonstration)
13.0.0 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (20 Lessons)
13.1.0 Specific Objectives
13.2. 1 Concepts of growth and development
13.2.2 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
13.2.3 Growth and development in animals
Complete and incomplete metamorphosis in insects
Role of growth hormones in insects
13.3.0 Practical activities
13.3. Examine, draw and differentiate seeds
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13.3.2 Determine the region of growth in shoots and roots
13.3.3 Investigate hypogeal and epigeal germination
13.3.4 Carry out experiments to demonstrate apical dominance
13.3.5 Observe stages of complete and incomplete metamorphosis in insects
13.4.0 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
14.0.0 GENETICS (34 LESSONS)
14.1.0 Specific Objectives
14.2.1 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)
14.2.2 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
14.2.3 Sex determination in humans
14.2.4 Linkage
Sex linked genes, sex linked characteristics e.g. Colour blindness, Haemophilia, Hairy
ears and Nose
14.2.5 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)
14.2.6 Practical applications of genetics
Blood transfusion
Plant and animal breeding using artificial selection
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Genetic counselling
Genetic engineering
14.3.0 Practical Activities
14.3.1 Measure and record heights of class members and plot the data on graphs
14.3.2 Demonstrate chromosome behaviour in mitosis and meiosis by using clay / plasticine /
insulated coloured wires/coloured thread
14.3.3 Carry out investigations on finger prints and tongue rolling
15.0.0 EVOLUTION (19 LESSONS)
15.1.0 Specific Objectives
15.2.1 Meaning of evolution
15.2.2 The origin of life
Special creation
Chemical evolution (Brief explanation required)
15.2.3 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
15.2.4 Mechanisms of evolution
Lamarcks theory (Brief mention)
Evolution by natural selection
Natural selection in action e.g. peppered moth (industrial melanism)Resistance to drugs,
pesticides and antibiotics
15.3.0 Practical activities
15.3.1 Compare vertebrate limbs
15.3.2 Compare wings of birds and insects
15.2.3 Education tour to an archaeological site/local museum
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16.0.0 RECEPTION, RESPONSE AND COORDINATION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
(43 LESSONS)
16.1.0 Specific Objectives
16.2.1 Meaning of stimulus, response and irritability
16.2.2 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
16.2.3 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
16.2.4 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
16.2.5 Effects of drug abuse on the human health
16.2.6 Structure and functions of parts of the mammalian eye (human)
Accommodation, image formation and interpretations
Common eye defects and their corrections
16.2.7 Structure and functions of parts of the mammalian ear (human)
Hearing (omit details of cochlea)
Balance and posture (mention only parts involved)
16.3.8 Practical activities
16.3.1 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
16.3.2 Carry out experiments on tropisms and etiolation
16.3.3 Determine the distance of blind spot
16.3.4 Carry out knee jerk experiment
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17.0.0 SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS (39 Lessons)
17.1.0 Specific Objectives
17.2.1 Plants
Necessity for support and movement in plants
Review of tissue distribution in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants
(Histological details of tissues are not required)
17.2.2 Animals
Necessity for support and movement in animals
Types and functions of the skeleton
o Exoskeleton in arthropods
o Endoskeleton in vertebrate
17.2.3 Locomotion in a finned fish
17.2.4 Identification of the bones of axial and appendicular skeletons (names of individual bones
of coccyx not required)
17.2.5 Types and functions of movable joints (ball and socket, hinge joint)
17.2.6 Structure, function and location of cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscles (Details of fine
structure not required)
Role of muscles in the arm in humans
17.3.0 Practical activities
17.3. 1 Observe permanent slides of transverse sections of the stems of herbacious and woody
plants
17.3.2 Observe wilting in young herbacious plants
17.3.3 Examine the exoskeleton in arthropods
I 7.3.-I Observe and identify external features of a finned fish
17.3.5 Examine and draw different types of bones in mammals
