Mathematics

SECTION I: NUMBER AND NUMERATION

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

1. Number bases:

(a) operations in different number bases from 2 to 10;
(b) conversion from one base to another including fractional parts.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. perform four basic operations (x,+,-,÷)
ii. convert one base to another.

 

2. Fractions, Decimals, Approximations and Percentages:

(a) fractions and decimals;
(b) significant figures;
(c) decimal places;
(d) percentage errors;
(e) simple interest;
(f) profit and loss percent;
(g) ratio, proportion and rate;
(h) shares and valued added tax (VAT).

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. perform basic operations
(x,+,-,÷) on fractions and decimals;
ii. express to specified number of significant figures and decimal places;
iii. calculate simple interest, profit and loss percent; ratio proportion and rate;
iv. Solve problems involving share and VAT.

 

3. Indices, Logarithms and Surds:

(a) laws of indices;
(b) standard form;
(c) laws of logarithm;
(d) logarithm of any positive number to a given base;
(e) change of bases in logarithm and application;
(f) relationship between indices and logarithm;
(g) surds.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. apply the laws of indices in calculation;
ii. establish the relationship between indices and logarithms in solving problems;
iii. solve problems in different bases in logarithms;
iv. simplify and rationalize surds;
v. perform basic operations on surds.

 

4. Sets:

(a) types of sets
(b) algebra of sets
(c) venn diagrams and their applications.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify types of sets, i.e empty, universal, complements, subsets, finite, infinite and disjoint sets;
ii. solve problems involving cardinality of sets;
iii. solve set problems using symbol;
iv. use venn diagrams to solve problems involving not more than 3 sets.

 

SECTION II: ALGEBRA.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

1. Polynomials:

(a) change of subject of formula
(b) factor and remainder theorems
(c) factorization of polynomials of degree not exceeding 3.
(d) multiplication and division of polynomials
(e) roots of polynomials not exceeding degree 3
(f) simultaneous equations including one linear one quadratic;
(g) graphs of polynomials of degree not greater than 3.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. find the subject of the formula of a given equation;
ii. apply factor and remainder theorem to factorize a given expression;
iii. multiply and divide polynomials of degree not more than 3;
iv. factorize by regrouping difference of two squares, perfect squares and cubic expressions; etc.
v. solve simultaneous equations – one linear, one quadratic;
vi. interpret graphs of polynomials including applications to maximum and minimum values.

 

2. Variation:

(a) direct
(b) inverse
(c) joint
(d) partial
(e) percentage increase and decrease.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. solve problems involving direct, inverse, joint and partial variations;
ii. solve problems on percentage increase and decrease in variation.

 

3. Inequalities:

(a) analytical and graphical solutions of linear inequalities;
(b) quadratic inequalities with integral roots only.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. solve problems on linear and quadratic
inequalities;
ii. interprete graphs of inequalities.

 

4. Progression:

(a) nth term of a progression
(b) sum of A. P. and G. P.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. determine the nth term of a progression;
ii. compute the sum of A. P. and G.P;
iii. sum to infinity of a given G.P.

 

5. Binary Operations:

(a) properties of closure, commutativity, associativity and distributivity;
(b) identity and inverse elements (simple cases only).

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. solve problems involving closure, commutativity, associativity and distributivity;
ii. solve problems involving identity and inverse elements.

 

6. Matrices and Determinants:

(a) algebra of matrices not exceeding 3 x 3;
(b) determinants of matrices not exceeding 3 x 3;
(c) inverses of 2 x 2 matrices
[excluding quadratic and higher degree equations].

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. perform basic operations (x,+,-,÷) on matrices;
ii. calculate determinants;
iii. compute inverses of 2 x 2 matrices.

 

SECTION III: GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

1. Euclidean Geometry:

(a) Properties of angles and lines
(b) Polygons: triangles, quadrilaterals and general polygons;
(c) Circles: angle properties, cyclic quadrilaterals and intersecting chords;
(d) construction.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify various types of lines and angles;
ii. solve problems involving polygons;
iii. calculate angles using circle theorems;
iv. identify construction procedures of special angles, e.g. 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° etc.

 

2. Mensuration:

(a) lengths and areas of plane geometrical figures;
(b) lengths of arcs and chords of a circle;
(c) Perimeters and areas of sectors and segments of circles;
(d) surface areas and volumes of simple solids and composite figures;
(e) the earth as a sphere:- longitudes and latitudes.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. calculate the perimeters and areas of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles and composite figures;
ii. find the length of an arc, a chord, perimeters and areas of sectors and segments of circles;
iii. calculate total surface areas and volumes of cuboids, cylinders. cones, pyramids, prisms, spheres and composite figures;
iv. determine the distance between two points on the earth’s surface.

 

3. Loci:

locus in 2 dimensions based on geometric
principles relating to lines and curves.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

identify and interpret loci relating to parallel lines, perpendicular bisectors, angle bisectors and circles.

 

4. Coordinate Geometry:

(a) midpoint and gradient of a line segment;
(b) distance between two points;
(c) parallel and perpendicular lines;
(d) equations of straight lines.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. determine the midpoint and gradient of a line segment;
ii. find the distance between two points;
iii. identify conditions for parallelism and perpendicularity;
iv. find the equation of a line in the two-point form, point-slope form, slope intercept form and the general form.

 

5.Trigonometry:

(a) trigonometrical ratios of angels;
(b) angles of elevation and depression;
(c) bearings;
(d) areas and solutions of triangle;
(e) graphs of sine and cosine;
(f) sine and cosine formulae.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. calculate the sine, cosine and tangent of angles between – 360° \(\le\) \(\theta\) \(\le\) 360°;
ii. apply these special angles, e.g. 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 135° to solve simple problems in trigonometry;
iii. solve problems involving angles of elevation and depression;
iv. solve problems involving bearings;
v. apply trigonometric formulae to find areas of triangles;
vi. solve problems involving sine and cosine graphs.

 

SECTION IV: CALCULUS

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

1. Differentiation:

(a) limit of a function
(b) differentiation of explicit
algebraic and simple
trigonometrical functions –
sine, cosine and tangent.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. find the limit of a function
ii. differentiate explicit algebraic and simple trigonometrical functions.

 

2. Application of differentiation:

(a) rate of change;
(b) maxima and minima.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

solve problems involving applications of rate of change, maxima and minima.

 

3. Integration:

(a) integration of explicit
algebraic and simple
trigonometrical functions;
(b) area under the curve.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. solve problems of integration involving algebraic and simple trigonometric functions;
ii. calculate area under the curve (simple cases only).

 

SECTION V: STATISTICS

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

1. Representation of data:

(a) frequency distribution;
(b) histogram, bar chart and pie chart.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify and interpret frequency distribution tables;
ii. interpret information on histogram, bar chat and pie chart

 

2. Measures of Location:

(a) mean, mode and median of ungrouped and grouped data – (simple cases only);
(b) cumulative frequency.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

i. calculate the mean, mode and median of ungrouped and grouped data (simple cases only);
ii. use ogive to find the median, quartiles and percentiles.

 

3. Measures of Dispersion:

range, mean deviation, variance and standard deviation.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

calculate the range, mean deviation, variance and standard deviation of ungrouped and grouped data.

 

4. Permutation and Combination:

(a) Linear and circular arrangements;
(b) Arrangements involving repeated objects.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

solve simple problems involving permutation and combination.

 

5. Probability:

(a) experimental probability (tossing of coin,
throwing of a dice etc);
(b) Addition and multiplication of probabilities
(mutual and independent cases).

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:

solve simple problems in probability (including addition and multiplication).

 

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

Adelodun A. A (2000) Distinction in Mathematics: Comprehensive Revision Text, (3rd Edition) Ado -Ekiti: FNPL.

Anyebe, J. A. B (1998) Basic Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools and Remedial Students in Higher/ institutions, Lagos: Kenny Moore.

Channon, J. B. Smith, A. M (2001) New General Mathematics for West Africa SSS 1 to 3, Lagos: Longman.

David -Osuagwu, M. et al (2000) New School Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: Africana – FIRST Publishers.

Egbe. E et al (2000) Further Mathematics, Onitsha: Africana – FIRST Publishers

Ibude, S. O. et al (2003) Agebra and Calculus for Schools and Colleges: LINCEL Publishers.

Tuttuh – Adegun M. R. et al (1997), Further Mathematics Project Books 1 to 3, Ibadan: NPS Educational

Wisdomline Pass at Once JAMB.

 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE 2027 JAMB TUTORIALS ORGANIZED BY EDUGISTNG

English Language

The syllabus consists of three sections:

SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary

SECTION B: Lexis and Structure, and

SECTION C: Oral Forms

A. Comprehension/Summary

Topics:

(a) description
(b) narration
(c) exposition
(d) argumentation/persuasion

(i) Each of the two passages to be set (one will be a cloze test) should reflect various disciplines and be about 200 words long.

(ii) Questions on the passages will test the following:

(a) Comprehension of the whole or part of each passage.
(b) Comprehension of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, figures of speech and idioms as used in the passages.
(c) Coherence and logical reasoning (deductions, inferences, etc).
(d) The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba
(e) Synthesis of ideas from the passages.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify main points/topic sentences in passages;
ii. determine implied meaning;
iii. identify the grammatical functions of words, phrases, clauses and figurative/idiomatic expressions;
iv. deduce or infer the writer’s intentions including mood, attitude to the subject matter and opinion.

 

B. Lexis and Structure

Topics:

(a) synonyms
(b) antonyms
(c) homonyms
(d) clause and sentence patterns
(e) word classes and their functions
(f) mood, tense, aspect, number, agreement/concord, degree (positive, comparative and superlative) and question tags
(g) punctuation and spelling
(h) ordinary usage, figurative usage and idiomatic usage are to be tested.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify words and expressions in their ordinary, figurative and idiomatic contexts;
ii. determine similar and opposite meaning of words;
iii. differentiate between correct and incorrect punctuation and spelling;
iv. identify various grammatical patterns in use;
v. interpret information conveyed in sentences.

 

C. Oral Forms

Topics:

(a) Vowels (monothongs and diphthongs
(b) Consonants (including clusters)
(c) Rhymes (including homophones)
(d) Word stress (monosyllabic and polysyllabic)
(e) Intonation (words emphatic stress)

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:
i. make distinctions between vowel types;
ii. differentiate between consonant types;
iii. identify correct accentuation in individual words and connected speech.

 

THE STRUCTURE OF THE EXAMINATION

SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary

Topics:
(a) 1 comprehension passage – 5 questions

(b) I cloze passage – 10 questions

(c) 1 reading text – 10 questions

SECTION B: Lexis Structure

Topics:

(a) Sentence interpretation – 5 questions

(b) Antonyms – 5 questions

(c) Synonyms – 5 questions

(d) Sentence completion – 10 questions

SECTION C: Oral Forms

Topics:

10 questions

Total: 60 questions

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

Attah, M. O. (2013). Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners, Maiduguri: University of Maiduguri Press.

Bamgbose, A. (2002). English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and colleges (Revised Edition), Ibadan: Heinemann

Banjo, A. et al (2004). New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six for Senior Secondary Schools, Ibadan: UP Plc.

Caesar, O. J. (2003). Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges, Lagos: Tonad Publishers Limited

Daniel Jones (2011). Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Egbe, D. I (1996). Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills, Lagos: Tisons

Elugbe, B. (2000). Oral English for Schools and Colleges, Ibadan: Heinemann

Grant, N. J. H, Nnamonu, S. Jowitt, D. (1998). Senior English Project 3, (New Edition) Harlow: Longman

Idowu, O. O, Sogbesan, T. S, Adofo, A. K. Burgess, D. F and Burgess, L. J. (1998). Round-up English: A Complete Guide, Lagos: Longman

Idris, U. (2001). Oral English at Your Fingertips for Schools and Colleges, Lagos, M. Youngbrain Publishers

Igiligi, E. C. and Ogenyi, S. O. (2010) Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age, Enugu: Joe Hills Production Services

Jauro, L. B. (2013). Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A teaching and Learning Approach, Yola: Paraclete Publishers.

Nnamonu, S. and Jowitt, D. (1989). Common Errors in English, Lagos: Longman

Obinna, M. F. (2001). University Matriculation Use of English,(Fourth Edition) Port Harcourt: Sunray Books Limited

Ogunsanwo, O. Duruaku, A. B.C, Ezechukwu, J and Nwachukwu, U. I (2005). Countdown English Language, (Revised Edition), Ibadan: Evans

Olatoye, S. (2006). The Silent Teacher, Ado-Ekiti: Segun and Sons Enterprises

Oluikpe, B. O. A, Nnaemeka, B. A, Obah, T. Y, Otagburuagu, E. J. Onuigbo, S. and Ogbonna, E. A. (1998). Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3, Onitsha: Africana – FIRST Publisher

Tomori, S. H. O (2000). Objective Tests for School Certificate English: Practice in Lexis, Structure and Idiom (Reprinted Edition), Ibadan: Heinemann

Ukwuegbu, C, Okoro, O., Idris, A. U., Okebukola, F. O. and Owokade, C. O. (2002). Catch-up English for SSCE/UME, Ibadan: Heinemann

Chemistry

Physics

1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS

Topics:

(a) Length, area and volume: Metre rule, Venier calipers Micrometer Screw-guage, measuring cylinder
(b) Mass
(i) unit of mass
(ii) use of simple beam balance
(iii) concept of beam balance
(c) Time
(i) unit of time
(ii) time-measuring devices
(d) Fundamental physical quantities
(e) Derived physical quantities and their units
(i) Combinations of fundamental quantities and determination of their units
(f) Dimensions
(i) definition of dimensions
(ii) simple examples
(g) Limitations of experimental measurements
(i) accuracy of measuring instruments
(ii) simple estimation of errors.
(iii) significant figures.
(iv) standard form.
(h) Measurement, position, distance and displacement
(i) concept of displacement
(ii) distinction between distance and displacement
(iii) concept of position and coordinates
(iv) frame of reference

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the units of length, area and volume;
ii. use different measuring instruments;
iii. determine the lengths, surface areas and volume of regular and irregular bodies;
iv. identify the unit of mass;
v. use simple beam balance, e.g Buchart’s balance and chemical balance;
vi. identify the unit of time;
vii. use different time-measuring devices;
viii. relate the fundamental physical quantities to their units;
ix. deduce the units of derived physical quantities;
x. determine the dimensions of physical quantities;
xi. use the dimensions to determine the units of physical quantities;
xii. test the homogeneity of an equation;
xiii. determine the accuracy of measuring instruments;
xiv. estimate simple errors;
xv. express measurements in standard form.

Candidates should be able to:
i. use strings, meter ruler and engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer, screw guage
ii. note the degree of accuracy
iii. identify distance travel in a specified direction
iv. use compass and protractor to locate points/directions
v. use Cartesians systems to locate positions in x-y plane
vi. plot graph and draw inference from the graph.

 

2. Scalars and Vectors

Topics: 

(i) definition of scalar and vector quantities
(ii) examples of scalar and vector quantities
(iii) relative velocity
(iv) resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions including graphical methods of solution.

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:
i. distinguish between scalar and vector quantities;
ii. give examples of scalar and vector quantities;
iii. determine the resultant of two or more vectors;
iv. determine relative velocity;
v. resolve vectors into two perpendicular components;
vi. use graphical methods to solve vector problems;

 

3. Motion

Topics: 

(a) Types of motion: translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin and random
(b) Relative motion
(c) causes of motion
(d) Types of force
(i) contact
(ii) force field
(e) linear motion
(i) speed, velocity and acceleration
(ii) equations of uniformly accelerated motion
(iii) motion under gravity
(iv) distance-time graph and velocity time graph
(v) instantaneous velocity and acceleration.
(f) Projectiles:
(i) calculation of range, maximum height and time of flight from the ground and a height
(ii) applications of projectile motion
(g) Newton’s laws of motion:
(i) inertia, mass and force
(ii) relationship between mass and acceleration
(iii) impulse and momentum
(iv) force – time graph
(v) conservation of linear momentum (Coefficient of restitution not necessary)
(h) Motion in a circle:
(i) angular velocity and angular acceleration
(ii) centripetal and centrifugal forces.
(iii) applications
(i) Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M):
(i) definition and explanation of simple harmonic motion
(ii) examples of systems that execute S.H.M
(iii) period, frequency and amplitude of S.H.M
(iv) velocity and acceleration of S.H.M
(v) simple treatment of energy change in S.H.M
(vi) force vibration and resonance (simple treatment)

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to :
i. identify different types of motion ;
ii. solve numerical problem on collinear motion;
iii. identify force as cause of motion;
iv. identify push and pull as form of force
v. identify electric and magnetic attractions, gravitational pull as forms of field forces;
vi. differentiate between speed, velocity and acceleration;
vii.deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion;
viii. solve problems of motion under gravity;
ix. interpret distance-time graph and velocity-time graph;
x. compute instantaneous velocity and acceleration
xi. establish expressions for the range, maximum height and time of flight of projectiles;
xii. solve problems involving projectile motion;
xiii. solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum;
xiv. interpretation of area under force – time graph
xv. interpret Newton’s laws of motion;
xvi. compare inertia, mass and force;
xvii. deduce the relationship between mass and acceleration;
xviii. interpret the law of conservation of linear momentum and application
xix. establish expression for angular velocity, angular acceleration and centripetal force;
xx. solve numerical problems involving motion in a circle;
xxi. establish the relationship between period and frequency;
xxii. analyse the energy changes occurring during S.H.M
xxiii. identify different types of forced vibration
xxiv. enumerate applications of resonance.

 

 

4. Gravitational field

(i) Newton’s law of universal gravitation;

(ii) gravitational potential;

(iii)conservative and non-conservative fields;

(iv) acceleration due to gravity;

(v) variation of g on the earth’s surface;

(vi) distinction between mass and weight; escape velocity;

(vii) parking orbit and weightlessness.

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify the expression for gravitational force between two bodies;

ii. apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation;

iii. give examples of conservative and non-conservative fields;

iv. deduce the expression for gravitational field potentials;

v. identify the causes of variation of g on the earth’s surface;

vi. differentiate between mass and weight;

vii. determine escape velocity

5. Equilibrium of Forces

Topics:

(a) equilibrium of particles:
(i) equilibrium of coplanar forces
(ii) triangles and polygon of forces
(iii) Lami’s theorem
(b) principles of moments
(i) moment of a force
(ii) simple treatment and moment of a couple (torque)
(iii) applications
(c) conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies under the action of parallel and non-parallel forces
(i) resolution and composition of forces in two perpendicular directions,
(ii) resultant and equilibrant
(d) centre of gravity and stability
(i) stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the conditions for the equilibrium of coplanar forces to solve problems;
ii. use triangle and polygon laws of forces to solve equilibrium problems;
iii. use Lami’s theorem to solve problems;
iv. analyse the principle of moment of a force;
v. determine moment of a force and couple;
vi. describe some applications of moment of a force and couple;
vii. apply the conditions for the equilibrium of rigid bodies to solve problems;
viii. resolve forces into two perpendicular directions;
ix. determine the resultant and equilibrant of forces;
x. differentiate between stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium.

 

6. (a) Work, Energy and Power

Topics:

(i) definition of work, energy and power
(ii) forms of energy
(vii) conservation of energy
(iv) qualitative treatment between different forms of energy
(viii) interpretation of area under the force-distance curve
(b) Energy and society
(i) sources of energy
(ii) renewable and non-renewable energy eg coal, crude oil etc
(iii) uses of energy
(iv) energy and development
(v) energy diversification
(vi) environmental impact of energy eg global warming, green house effect and spillage
(vii) energy crises
(viii)conversion of energy
(ix) devices used in energy production.
(c) Dams and energy production
(i) location of dams
(ii) energy production
(d) nuclear energy
(e) solar energy
(i) solar collector
(ii) solar panel for energy supply.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between work, energy and power;
ii. compare different forms of energy, giving examples;
iii. apply the principle of conservation of energy;
iv. examine the transformation between different forms of energy;
v. interpret the area under the force-distance curve.
vi. solve numerical problems in work, energy and power.

Candidates should be able to:
i. itemize the sources of energy
ii. distinguish between renewable and non- renewable energy, examples should be given
iii. identify methods of energy transition
iv. explain the importance of energy in the development of the society
v. analyze the effect of energy use to the environment
vi. identify the impact of energy on the environment
vii. identify energy sources that are friendly or hazardous to the environment
viii. identify energy uses in their immediate environment
ix. suggests ways of safe energy use
x. state different forms of energy conversion.

 

7. Friction

Topics:

(i) static and dynamic friction
(ii) coefficient of limiting friction and its determination.
(iii) advantages and disadvantages of friction
(iv) reduction of friction
(v) qualitative treatment of viscosity and terminal velocity.
(vi) Stoke’s law.

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between static and dynamic friction
ii.determine the coefficient of limiting friction;
iii.compare the advantages and disadvantages of friction;
iv. suggest ways by which friction can be reduced;
v. analyse factors that affect viscosity and terminal velocity;
vi. apply Stoke’s law.

 

8. Simple Machines

Topics:

(i) definition of simple machines
(ii) types of machines
(iii) mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of machines

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify different types of simple machines;
ii. solve problems involving simple machines.

 

9. Elasticity

Topics: 

(i) elastic limit, yield point, breaking point, Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus
(ii) the spring balance as a device for measuring force
(iii) work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings
(i) work done per unit volume in springs and elastic strings.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret force-extension curves;
ii. interpret Hooke’s law and Young’s modulus of a material;
iii use spring balance to measure force;
iv. determine the work done in spring and elastic strings

 

10. Pressure

Topics:

(a) Atmospheric Pressure
(i) definition of atmospheric pressure
(ii) units of pressure (S.I) units (Pa)
(iii) measurement of pressure
(iv) simple mercury barometer, aneroid barometer and manometer.
(v) variation of pressure with height
(vi) the use of barometer as an altimeter.
(b) Pressure in liquids
(i) the relationship between pressure, depth and density (P = \(\rho\)gh)
(ii) transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal’s Principle)
(iii) application

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:
i. recognize the S.I units of pressure; (Pa)
ii. identify pressure measuring instruments;
iii. relate the variation of pressure to height;
iv. use a barometer as an altimeter.
v. determine the relationship between pressure, depth and density;
vi apply the principle of transmission of pressure
in liquids to solve problems;
vii. determine and apply the principle of pressure in liquid;

 

11. Liquids At Rest

Topics:

(i) determination of density of solids and liquids
(ii) definition of relative density
(iii) upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
(iv) Archimedes’ principle and law of floatation and applications, e.g. ships and hydrometers.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. distinguish between density and relative density of substances;
ii. determine the upthrust on a body immersed in a liquid
iii. apply Archimedes’ principle and law of floatation to solve problems

 

12. Temperature and Its Measurement

Topics:

(i) concept of temperature
(ii) thermometric properties
(iii) calibration of thermometers
(iv) temperature scales -Celsius and Kelvin.
(v) types of thermometers
(vi) conversion from one scale of temperature to another

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify thermometric properties of materials that are used for different thermometers;
ii. calibrate thermometers;
iii. differentiate between temperature scales e.g Celsius and Kelvin.
iv. compare the types of thermometers;
vi. convert from one scale of temperature to another.

 

13. Thermal Expansion

Topics:

(a) Solids
(i) definition and determination of linear, volume and area expansivities
(ii) effects and applications, e.g. expansion in building strips and railway lines
(iii) relationship between different expansivities
(b) Liquids
(i) volume expansivity
(ii) real and apparent expansivities
(iii) determination of volume expansivity
(iv) anomalous expansion of water

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine linear and volume expansivities;
ii. assess the effects and applications of thermal expansivities
iii. determine the relationship between different expansivities.
iv. determine volume, apparent, and real expansivities of liquids;
v. analyse the anomalous expansion of water.

 

14. Gas Laws

Topics:

(i) Boyle’s law (isothermal process)
(ii) Charles’ law (isobaric process)
(iii) Pressure law (volumetric process
(iv) absolute zero of temperature
(v) general gas equation (\(\frac{PV}{T}\) = constant)
(vi) ideal gas equation Eg. Pv = nRT
(vii) Van der waal gas

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret the gas laws;
ii. use expression of these laws to solve numerical problems.
iii. interpret Van der waal equation for one mole of a real gas

 

15. Quantity of Heat

Topics:

(i) heat as a form of energy
(ii) definition of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of solids and liquids
(iii) determination of heat capacity and specific heat capacity of substances by simple methods e.g method of mixtures and electrical method and Newton’s law of cooling

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between heat capacity and specific heat capacity;
ii. determine heat capacity and specific heat capacity using simple methods;
iii. solve numerical problems.

 

16. Change of State

Topics:

(i) latent heat
(ii) specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization;
(iii) melting, evaporation and boiling
(iv) the influence of pressure and of dissolved substances on boiling and melting points.
(ii) application in appliances

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between latent heat and specific latent heats of fusion and vaporization;
ii. differentiate between melting, evaporation and boiling;
iii. examine the effects of pressure and of dissolved substance on boiling and melting points.
iv. solve numerical problems

 

17. Vapours

Topics:

(i) unsaturated and saturated vapours
(ii) relationship between saturated vapour pressure (S.V.P) and boiling
(iii) determination of S.V.P by barometer tube method
(iv) formation of dew, mist, fog, and rain
(v) study of dew point, humidity and relative humidity
(vi) hygrometry; estimation of the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. distinguish between saturated and unsaturated vapours;
ii. relate saturated vapour pressure to boiling point;
iii. determine S.V.P by barometer tube method
iv. differentiate between dew point, humidity and relative humidity;
vi. estimate the humidity of the atmosphere using wet and dry bulb hygrometers.
vii. solve numerical problems

 

18. Structure of Matter and Kinetic Theory

Topics:

(a) Molecular nature of matter
(i) atoms and molecules
(ii) molecular theory: explanation of Brownian motion, diffusion, surface tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angles of contact etc
(iii) examples and applications.
(b) Kinetic Theory
(i) assumptions of the kinetic theory
(ii) using the theory to explain the pressure exerted by gas, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, melting, boiling, vapourization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between atoms and molecules;
ii. use molecular theory to explain Brownian motion , diffusion, surface, tension, capillarity, adhesion, cohesion and angle of contact;
iii. examine the assumptions of kinetic theory;
iv. interpret kinetic theory, the pressure exerted by gases Boyle’s law, Charles law melting,boiling vaporization, change in temperature, evaporation, etc.

 

19. Heat Transfer

Topics:

(i) conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer
(ii) temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux
(iii) effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it.
(iv) the conductivities of common materials.
(v) the thermos flask
(vii) land and sea breeze
(viii) engines

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between conduction, convection and radiation as modes of heat transfer;
ii. solve problems on temperature gradient, thermal conductivity and heat flux;
iii. assess the effect of the nature of the surface on the energy radiated and absorbed by it;
iv. compare the conductivities of common materials;
v. relate the component part of the working of the thermos flask;
vi. differentiate between land and sea breeze.
vii. to analyse the principles of operating internal combustion jet engines, rockets

 

20. Waves

Topics: 

(a) Production and Propagation
(i) wave motion,
(ii) vibrating systems as source of waves
(iii) waves as mode of energy transfer
(iv) distinction between particle motion and wave motion
(v) relationship between frequency, wavelength and wave velocity V = f λ
(vi) phase difference, wave number and wave vector
(vii) progressive wave equation e.g \(Y = A \sin \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} (vt \pm x)\)

(b) Classification
(i) types of waves; mechanical and electromagnetic waves
(ii) longitudinal and transverse waves
(iii) stationary and progressive waves
(iv) examples of waves from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank.

(c) Characteristics/Properties
(i) reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane Polarization
(ii) superposition of waves e.g interference
(iii) beats
(iv) Doppler effects (qualitative treatment only)

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret wave motion;
ii. identify vibrating systems as sources of waves;
iii use waves as a mode of energy transfer;
iv distinguish between particle motion and wave motion;
v. relate frequency and wave length to wave velocity;
vi. determine phase difference, wave number and wave vector
vii. use the progressive wave equation to compute basic wave parameters;
viii. differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves;
ix. differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves
x. distinguish between stationary and progressive waves;
xi. indicate the example of waves generated from springs, ropes, stretched strings and the ripple tank;
vii. differentiate between reflection, refraction, diffraction and plane polarization of waves;
viii. analyse the principle of superposition of waves.
ix. solve numerical problems on waves
x. explain the phenomenon of beat, beat frequency and uses
xi. explain Doppler effect of sound and application

 

21. Propagation of Sound Waves

Topics:

(i) the necessity for a material medium
(ii) speed of sound in solids, liquids and air;
(iii) reflection of sound; echoes, reverberation and their applications
(iv) disadvantages of echoes and reverberations

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine the need for a material medium in the propagation of sound waves;
ii. compare the speed of sound in solids, liquids and air;
iii. relate the effects of temperature and pressure to the speed of sound in air;
iv. solve problem on echoes, reverberation and speed
iv. compare the disadvantages and advantages of echoes.
vi. solve problems on echo, reverberation and speed of sound

 

22. Characteristics of Sound Waves

Topics: 

(i) noise and musical notes
(ii) quality, pitch, intensity and loudness and their application to musical instruments;
(iii) simple treatment of overtones produced by vibrating strings and their columns \(F_0 = \frac{1}{2L} \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}\); (\(\mu = \frac{m}{l}\))
(iv) acoustic examples of resonance
(v) frequency of a note emitted by air columns in closed and open pipes in relation to their lengths.

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between noise and musical notes;
ii. analyse quality, pitch, intensity and loudness of sound notes;
iii. evaluate the application of (ii) above in the construction of musical instruments;
iv. identify overtones by vibrating strings and air columns;
v. itemize acoustical examples of resonance;
vi. determine the frequencies of notes emitted by air columns in open and closed pipes in relation to their lengths.

 

23. Light Energy

Topics:

(a) Sources of Light:
(i) natural and artificial sources of light
(ii) luminous and non-luminous objects

(b) Propagation of light
(i) speed, frequency and wavelength of light
(ii) formation of shadows and eclipse
(iii) the pin-hole camera.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. compare the natural and artificial sources of light;
ii. differentiate between luminous and non luminous objects;
iii. relate the speed, frequency and wavelength of light;
iv. interpret the formation of shadows and eclipses;
v. solve problems using the principle of operation of a pin-hole camera.

 

24. Reflection of Light at Plane and Curved Surfaces

Topics:

(i) laws of reflection.
(ii) application of reflection of light
(iii) formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors and ray diagrams
(iv) use of the mirror formula \(\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v}\)                                                      (v) linear magnification

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

i. interpret the laws of reflection;

ii. illustrate the formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors;

iii. apply the mirror formula to solve optical problems;

iv. determine the linear magnification;

v. apply the laws of reflection of light to the working of periscope, kaleidoscope and the sextant.

 

25. Refraction of Light Through at Plane and Curved Surfaces

Topics:

(i) explanation of refraction in terms of velocity of light in the media.
(ii) laws of refraction
(iii) definition of refractive index of a medium
(iv) determination of refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law
(v) real and apparent depth and lateral displacement
(vi) critical angle and total internal reflection
(b) Glass Prism
(i) use of the minimum deviation formula \(U = \frac{\sin[\frac{A + D}{2}]}{\sin [\frac{A}{2}]}\)                (ii) type of lenses
(iii) use of lens formula \(\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v}\) and Newton’s formula (F\(^2\) = ab)
(iv) magnification

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret the laws of reflection;
ii. illustrate the formation of images by plane, concave and convex mirrors;
iii. apply the mirror formula to solve optical problems;
iv. determine the linear magnification;
v. apply the laws of reflection of light to the working of periscope, kaleidoscope and the sextant.

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret the laws of reflection;
ii. determine the refractive index of glass and liquid using Snell’s law;
iii. determine the refractive index using the principle of real and apparent depth;
iv. determine the conditions necessary for total internal reflection;
v. examine the use of periscope, prism, binoculars, optical fibre;
vi. apply the principles of total internal reflection to the formation of mirage;
vii. use of lens formula and ray diagrams to solve optical numerical problems;
viii. determine the magnification of an image;
ix. calculate the refractive index of a glass prism using minimum deviation formula.

 

26. Optical Instruments

Topics:

(i) the principles of microscopes, telescopes, projectors, cameras and the human eye (physiological details of the eye are not required)
(ii) power of a lens
(iii) angular magnification
(iv) near and far points
(v) sight defects and their corrections

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the principles of operation of optical instruments to solve problems;
ii. distinguish between the human eye and the cameras;
iii. calculate the power of a lens;
iv. evaluate the angular magnification of optical instruments;
v. determine the near and far points;
vi. detect sight defects and their corrections.

 

27. (a) Dispersion of light and colours

Topics:

(i) dispersion of white light by a triangular prism
(ii) production of pure spectrum
(iii) colour mixing by addition and subtraction
(iv) colour of objects and colour filters
(v) rainbow

(b) Electromagnetic spectrum

(i) description of sources and uses of various types of radiation.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify primary colours and obtain secondary colours by mixing;
ii. understand the formation of rainbow
iii. deduces why objects have colours;
iv. relate the expression for gravitational force between two bodies;
v. apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation;
vi. analyse colours using colour filters
vii. analyse the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to their wavelengths, sources, detection and uses

 

28. Electrostatics

Topics:

(i) existence of positive and negative charges in matter
(ii) charging a body by friction, contact and induction
(iii) electroscope
(iv) Coulomb’s inverse square law, electric field and potential
(v) electric field intensity and potential difference
(vi) electric discharge and lightning

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify charges;
ii. examine uses of an electroscope;
iii. apply Coulomb’s square law of electrostatics to solve problems;
iv. deduce expressions for electric field intensity and potential difference;
v. identify electric field flux patterns of isolated and interacting charges;
vi. analyse the distribution of charges on a conductor and how it is used in lightening conductors.

 

29. Capacitors

Topics:

(i) Types and functions of capacitors
(ii) parallel plate capacitors
(iii) capacitance of a capacitor
(iv) the relationship between capacitance, area separation of plates and medium between the plates. ( \(C = \frac{EA}{d}\) )
(v) capacitors in series and parallel
(vi) energy stored in a capacitor

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine uses of capacitors;
ii. analyse parallel plate capacitors;
iii. determine the capacitance of a capacitor;
iv. analyse the factors that affect the capacitance of a capacitor;
v. solve problems involving the arrangement of capacitor;
vi. determine the energy stored in capacitors

 

30. Electric Cells

Topics:

(i) simple voltaic cell and its defects;
(ii) Daniel cell, Leclanche cell (wet and dry)
(iii) lead -acid accumulator and Nickel-Iron (Nife) Lithium lron and Mercury cadmium
(iv) maintenance of cells and batteries (detail treatment of the chemistry of a cell is not required)
(v) arrangement of cells
(vi) Efficiency of a cell

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the defects of the simple voltaic cell and their correction
ii. compare different types of cells including solar cell;
iii. compare the advantages of lead-acid and Nickel iron accumulator;
iv. solve problems involving series and parallel combination of cells.

 

31. Current Electricity

Topics:

(i) electromagnetic force (emf), potential difference (p.d.), current, internal resistance of a cell and lost Volt
(ii) Ohm’s law
(iii) measurement of resistance
(iv) meter bridge
(v) resistance in series and in parallel and their combination
(vi) the potentiometer method of measuring emf, current and internal resistance of a cell.
(v) electrical networks

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between emf, p.d., current and internal resistant of a cell;
ii. apply Ohm’s law to solve problems;
iii. use metre bridge to calculate resistance;
iv. compute effective total resistance of both parallel and series arrangement of resistors;
v. determine the resistivity and the conductivity of a conductor;
vi. measure emf. current and internal resistance of a cell using the potentiometer.
vii. identify the advantages of the potentiometer
viii. apply Kirchoff’s law in electrical networks

 

32. Electrical Energy and Power

Topics:

(i) concepts of electrical energy and power
(ii) commercial unit of electric energy and power
(iii) electric power transmission
(v) heating effects of electric current.
(vi) electrical wiring of houses
(vii) use of fuses

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the expressions of electrical energy and power to solve problems;
ii. analyse how power is transmitted from the power station to the consumer;
iii. identify the heating effects of current and its uses;
iv. identify the advantages of parallel arrangement over series
v. determine the fuse rating

 

33. Magnets and Magnetic Fields

Topics:

(i) natural and artificial magnets
(ii) magnetic properties of soft iron and steel
(iii) methods of making magnets and demagnetization
(iv) concept of magnetic field
(v) magnetic field of a permanent magnet
(vi) magnetic field round a straight current carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid
(vii) properties of the earth’s magnetic field; north and south poles, magnetic meridian and angle of dip and declination
(viii) flux and flux density
(ix) variation of magnetic field intensity over the earth’s surface
(x) applications: earth’s magnetic field in navigation and mineral exploration.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. give examples of natural and artificial magnets
ii. differentiate between the magnetic properties of soft iron and steel;
iii. identify the various methods of making magnets and demagnetizing magnets;
iv. describe how to keep a magnet from losing its magnetism;
v. determine the flux pattern exhibited when two magnets are placed together pole to pole;
vi. determine the flux of a current carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid including the polarity of the solenoid;
vii. determine the flux pattern of a magnet placed in the earth’s magnetic fields;
viii. identify the magnetic elements of the earth’s flux;
ix. determine the variation of earth’s magnetic field on the earth’s surface;
x. examine the applications of the earth’s magnetic field.

 

34. Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field

Topics:

(i) quantitative treatment of force between two parallel current-carrying conductors
(ii) force on a charge moving in a magnetic field;
(iii) the d. c. motor
(iv) electromagnets
(v) carbon microphone
(vi) moving coil and moving iron instruments
(vii) conversion of galvanometers to ammeters and voltmeter using shunts and multipliers
(viii) sensitivity of a galvanometer

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine the direction of force on a current carrying conductor using Fleming’s left-hand rule;
ii. interpret the attractive and repulsive forces between two parallel current-carrying conductors using diagrams;
iii. determine the relationship between the force, magnetic field strength, velocity and the angle through which the charge enters the field;
iv. interpret the working of the d. c. motor;
v. analyse the principle of electromagnets and give examples of its application;
vi. compare moving iron and moving coil instruments;
vii. convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or a voltmeter.
viii. identify the factors affecting the sensitivity of a galvanometer

 

35. (a) Electromagnetic Induction

Topics:

(i) Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction
(ii) factors affecting induced emf
(iii) Lenz’s law as an illustration of the principle of conservation of energy
(iv) A.C. and D.C generators
(v) transformers
(vi) the induction coil
(b) Inductance
(i) explanation of inductance
(ii) unit of inductance
(iii) energy stored in an inductor \(E = \frac{1}{2} I^2 L\)
(iv) application/uses of inductors
(ix) Eddy Current
(i) reduction of eddy current
(ii) applications of eddy current

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret the laws of electromagnetic induction;
ii. identify factors affecting induced emf;
iii. recognize how Lenz’s law illustrates the principle of conservation of energy;
iv. interpret the diagrammatic set up of A. C. generators;
v. identify the types of transformer;
vi. examine principles of operation of transformers;
vii. assess the functions of an induction coil;
viii. draw some conclusions from the principles of operation of an induction coil;
ix. interpret the inductance of an inductor;
x. recognize units of inductance;
xi. calculate the effective total inductance in series and parallel arrangement;
xii. deduce the expression for the energy stored in an inductor;
xiii. examine the applications of inductors;
xiv. describe the method by which eddy current losses can be reduced.
xv. determine ways by which eddy currents can be used.

 

36. Simple A. C. Circuits

Topics:

(i) explanation of a.c. current and voltage
(ii) peak and r.m.s. values
(iii) a.c. source connected to a resistor;
(iv) a.c source connected to a capacitor- capacitive reactance
(v) a.c source connected to an inductor inductive reactance
(vi) series R-L-C circuits
(vii) vector diagram, phase angle and power factor
(viii) resistance and impedance
(ix) effective voltage in an R-L-C circuits
(x) resonance and resonance frequency \(F_o = \frac{1}{2π\sqrt{LC}}\)

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify a.c. current and d.c. voltage
ii. differentiate between the peak and r.m.s. values of a.c.;
iii. determine the phase difference between current and voltage
iv. interpret series R-L-C circuits;
v. analyse vector diagrams;
vi. calculate the effective voltage, reactance and impedance;
vii. recognize the condition by which the circuit is at resonance;
viii. determine the resonant frequency of R-L-C arrangement;
ix. determine the instantaneous power, average power and the power factor in a. c. circuits

 

37. Conduction of Electricity Through;

Topics:

(a) liquids
(i) electrolytes and non-electrolyte
(ii) concept of electrolysis
(iii) Faraday’s laws of electrolysis
(iv) application of electrolysis, e.g electroplating, calibration of ammeter etc.

(b) gases
(i) discharge through gases (qualitative treatment only)
(ii) application of conduction of electricity through gases

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes;
ii. analyse the processes of electrolysis
iii. apply Faraday’s laws of electrolysis to solve problems;
iv. analyse discharge through gases;
v. determine some applications/uses of conduction of electricity through gases.

 

38. Elementary Modern Physics

Topics:

(i) models of the atom and their limitations
(ii) elementary structure of the atom;
(iii) energy levels and spectra
(iv) thermionic and photoelectric emissions;
(v) Einstein’s equation and stopping potential
(vi) applications of thermionic emissions and photoelectric effects
(vii) simple method of production of x-rays
(viii) properties and applications of alpha, beta and gamma rays
(xiii) half-life and decay constant
(xiv) simple ideas of production of energy by fusion and fission
(xv) binding energy, mass defect and Einstein’s Energy equation [\(\Delta E = \Delta MC^2\)]
(xvi) wave-particle paradox (duality of matter)
(xvii) electron diffraction
(xviii) the uncertainty principle

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the models of the atom and write their limitations;
ii. describe elementary structure of the atom;
iii. differentiate between the energy levels and spectra of atoms;
iv. compare thermionic emission and photoelectric emission;
v. apply Einstein’s equation to solve problems of photoelectric effect.
vi. calculate the stopping potential;
vii. relate some application of thermionic emission and photoelectric effects;
viii. interpret the process involved in the production of x-rays.
ix identify some properties and applications of x-rays
x. analyse elementary radioactivity
xi. distinguish between stable and unstable nuclei;
xii. identify isotopes of an element;
xiii. compare the properties of alpha, beta and gamma rays;
xiv. relate half-life and decay constant of a radioactive element;
xv. determine the binding energy, mass defect and Einstein’s energy equation;
xvi. analyse wave particle duality;
xvii. solve some numerical problems based on the uncertainty principle and wave – particle duality

 

39. Introductory Electronics

Topics:

(i) distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators (elementary knowledge of band gap is required)
(ii) intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors;
(iii) uses of semiconductors and diodes in rectification and transistors in amplification
(iv) n-type and p-type semiconductors
(v) elementary knowledge of diodes and transistors

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between conductors, semi- conductors and insulators;
ii. distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors;
iii. distinguish between electron and hole carriers;
iv. distinguish between n-type and p-type semiconductor;
v. analyse diodes and transistor
vi. relate diodes to rectification and transistor to amplification.

 

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

Ike E.E (2014) Essential Principles of Physics, Jos ENIC publishers

Ike E.E (2014) Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics, Jos ENIC publishers

Nelson M. (1977) Fundamentals of Physics, Great Britain, Hart Davis Education

Nelson M. and Parker … (1989) Advanced Level Physics, (Sixth Edition) Heinemann

Okeke P.N and Anyakoha M.W. (2000) Senior Secondary School Physics, Lagos, Pacific Printers

Olumuyiwa A. and Ogunkoya O. O (1992) Comprehensive Certificate Physics, Ibadan: University Press Plc.

Biology

A: VARIETY OF ORGANISMS

1. Living organisms:

Topics:

a. Characteristics

b. Cell structure and functions of cell Components

c. Level of organization
i. Cell e.g. euglena and paramecium,
ii. Tissue, e.g. epithelial tissues and hydra
iii. Organ, e.g. onion bulb
iv. Systems, e.g. reproductive, digestive and excretory
v. Organisms e.g. Chlamydomonas

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between the characteristics of living and non-living things.
ii. identify the structures of plants and animal cells.
iii. analyse the functions of the components of plants and animal cells.
iv. compare and contrast the structure of plant and animal cells.
v. trace the levels of organization among organisms in their logical sequence in relation to the five-level of organization of living organisms.

 

2. Evolution among the following:

Topics

a. Monera (prokaryotes), e.g. bacteria and blue green algae.

b. Protista (protozoans and protophyta), e.g. Amoeba, Euglena and Paramecium

c. Fungi, e.g. mushroom and Rhizopus.

d. Plantae (plants)
i. Thallophyta (e.g. Spirogyra)
ii. Bryophyta (mosses and liveworts) e.g. Brachmenium and Merchantia.
iii. Pteridophyta (ferns) e.g. Dryopteris.
iv. Spermatophyta (Gymnospermae and Angiospermae)
– Gymnosperms e.g. Cycads and conifers.
– Angiosperms (monocots, e.g. maize; dicots, e.g. water leaf)

e. Animalia (animals)
i. Invertebrates
– coelenterate (e.g. Hydra)
– Platyhelminthes (flatworms) e.g. Taenia
– Nematoda (roundworms)
– Annelida (e.g. earthworm)
– Arthropoda e.g. mosquito, cockroach, housefly, bee, butterfly
– Mollusca (e.g. snails)
ii. Multicellular animals (vertebrates)
– pisces (cartilaginous and bony fish)
– Amphibia (e.g. toads and frogs)
– Reptilia (e.g. lizards, snakes and turtles)
– Aves (birds)
– Mammalia (mammals)

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:
i. analyse external features and characteristics of the listed organisms:
ii. apply the knowledge from (i) above to demonstrate increase in structural complexity.
iii. trace the stages in the life histories of the listed organisms.
iv. apply the knowledge of the life histories to demonstrate gradual transition from life in water to life on land.
v. trace the evolution of the listed plants.

Candidates should be able to:
i. trace the advancement of the invertebrate animals.
ii. determine the economic importance of the insects studied.
iii. asses their values to the environment.
i. trace the advancement of multi-cellular animals.
ii. determine their economic importance.

 

3. Variety of Organisms

Topics: 

a. Structural/functional and behavioural adaptations of organisms.
b. Adaptive colouration and its functions
c. Behavioural adaptations in social animals
d. Structural adaptations in organisms.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. Describe how the various structures, functions and behaviour adapt these organisms to their environment, and way of life

Candidates should be able to:
i. Categorize countershading in fish, toads and snakes and warning colouration in mushrooms.

Candidates should be able to:
i. Differentiate various castes in social insects like termites and their functions in their colony hive.
ii. Account for basking in lizards, territorial behaviour of other animals under unfavourable conditions (hibernation and aestivation).

Candidates should be able to account for adaptation in organisms with respect to the following:
i. Obtaining food (beaks and legs of birds, mouthparts of insects especially mosquito, butterfly and moth.)
ii. Protection and defence (stick insects, praying mantis and toad).
iii. Securing mates (redhead male and female Agama lizards, display of fathers by birds).
iv. Regulating body temperature (skin, feathers and hairs)
v. Conserving water (spines in plants and scales in mammals).

 

B: FORM AND FUNCTIONS

1. Internal structure of a flowering plant

Topics: 

a) 

i. Root
ii. Stem
iii. Leaf

b. Internal structure of a mammal

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. Identify the transverse sections of these organs.
ii. Relate the structure of these organs to their functions.
iii. Identify supporting tissues in plants (collenchyma) sclerenchyma, xylem and phloem fibres)
iv. Describe the distribution of supporting tissues in roots, stem and leaf

Candidates should be able to:
i. examine the arrangement of the mammalian internal organs.
ii. describe the appearance and position of the digestive, reproductive and excretory organs.

 

2. Nutrition

Topics:

a. Modes of nutrition
i. Autotrophic
ii. Heterotrophic

b. Types of Nutrition

c. Plant nutrition
i. Photosynthesis
ii. Mineral requirements (macro and micro-nutrients)

d. Animal nutrition
i. Classes of food substances; carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, vitamins, mineral salts and water
ii. Food tests (e.g. starch, reducing sugar, protein, oil, fat etc.
iii. The mammalian tooth (structures, types and functions
iv. Mammalian alimentary canal
v. Nutrition process (ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of digested food.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. compare the photosynthetic and chemosynthetic modes of nutrition;
ii. provide examples from both flowering and non-flowering plants
iii. compare autotrophic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition.

Candidates should be able to:
i. Differentiate the following examples:
– holozoic (sheep and man)
– Parasitic (roundworm, tapeworm and Loranthus)
– saprophytic (Rhizopus and mushroom)
– carnivorous plants (sundew and bladderwort)

ii. determine their nutritional value.

Candidates should be able to:
i. Differentiate the light and dark reactions, and state conditions necessary for photosynthesis.
ii. determine the necessity of light, carbon (IV) oxide and chlorophyll in photosynthesis.
iii. detect the presence of starch in a leaf as an evidence of photosynthesis.

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify macro and micro-elements required by plants.
ii. recognise the deficiency symptoms of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

Candidates should be able to:

i. indicate the sources of the various classes of food;

ii. relate the importance and deficiency e.g. scurvy, rickets, kwashiorkor etc. of each class;

iii. determine the importance of a balanced diet.

Candidates should be able to;
i. Detect the presence of the listed food items from the result of a given experiment.

Candidates should be able to:

i. describe the structure of a typical mammalian tooth;

ii. differentiate the types of mammalian tooth and relate their structures to their functions.

iii. compare the dental formulae of man, sheep, and dog.

Candidates should be able to:

i. relate the structure of the various components of the alimentary canal and its accessory organs (liver, pancreas, and gall bladder) to their functions.

Candidates should be able to:

i. identify the general characteristics of digestive enzymes;

ii. associate enzymes with digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats;

iii. determine the end products of these classes of food

 

3. Transport

Topics:

a. Need for transportation
b. Materials for transportation. (Excretory products, gases, manufactured food, digested food, nutrient, water and hormones)
c. Channels for transportation
i. Mammalian circulatory system (heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries)
ii Plant vascular system (phloem and xylem)
d. Media and processes of mechanism for transportation.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine the relationship between increase in size and complexity and the need for the development of a transport system in plants and animals.

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine the sources of materials and the forms in which they are transported.

Candidates should be able to:
i. describe the general circulatory system;
ii. compare specific functions of the hepatic portal vein, the pulmonary vein and artery, aorta, the renal artery and vein

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the organs of the plant vascular system.
ii. understand the specific functions of the phloem and xylem.

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify media of transportation (e.g. cytoplasm, cell sap, body fluid, blood and lymph);
ii. know the composition and functions of blood and lymph;
iii. describe diffusion, osmosis, plasmolysis and turgidity as mechanism of transportation in organisms.
iv. compare the various mechanisms of open circulatory systems, in animal transpiration pull, root pressure and active transport as mechanism of transportation in plants.

 

4. Respiration

Topics:

a. Respiration
b. Respiratory organs and surfaces
c. The mechanism of gaseous exchange in:
i. Plants
ii. Mammals
d. Aerobic respiration
e. Anaerobic respiration

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. examine the significance of respiration;
ii. describe a simplified outline of the chemical process involved in glycolysis and Kreb’s cycle with reference to the role ATP
iii deduce from an experimental setup, gaseous exchange and products, exchange and production of heat energy during respiration.

Candidates should be able to:
i. describe the following respiratory organs and surfaces with organisms in which they occur; body surface, gill, trachea, lungs, stomata and lenticel.

Candidates should be able to:
i. describe the mechanism for the opening and closing of the stomata;
ii. determine respiratory movements in these animals.

Candidates should be able to:
iii. examine the role of oxygen in the liberation of
energy for the activities of the living organisms;
iv. deduce the effect of insufficient supply of oxygen to the muscles.

Candidates should be able to:
i. use yeast cells and sugar solution to demonstrate the process of fermentation.
ii. know the economic importance of yeasts.

 

5. Excretion

Topics:

a. Types of excretory structures:

i. contractile vacuole
ii flamecell,
iii. nephridium
iv. Malpighian tubule
v. kidney
vi. stoma and lenticel.

b. Excretory mechanisms:
i. Kidneys
ii. lungs
ii. skin

c. Excretory products of plants

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. define the meaning and state the significance of excretion;
ii. relate the characteristics of each structure with functions.

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate the structure of the kidneys to the excretory and osmo-regulatory functions.
ii. identify the functions and excretory products of the lungs and the skin.

Candidates should be able to:
i. deduce the economic importance of the excretory products of plants, e.g carbon (IV) oxide, oxygen, tannins, resins, gums, mucilage, alkaloids etc.

 

6. Support and movement

Topics:

a. Tropic, tactic, nastic and sleep movements in plants
b. supporting tissues in animals
c. Types and functions of the skeleton
i. Exoskeleton
ii. Endoskeleton
iii. Functions of the skeleton in animals

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine the need for support and movement in organisms;
ii. identify supporting tissues in plants (collenchyma, sclerenchyma, xylem and phloem fibres);
iii. describe the distribution of supporting tissues in roots, stem, and leaf.

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate the response of plants to the stimuli of light, water, gravity and touch;
ii. identify the regions of growth in roots and shoots and the roles of auxins in tropism.

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate the location of chitin, cartilage and bone to their supporting function.
ii. relate the structure and the general layout of the mammalian skeleton to their supportive, locomotive and respiratory function.
iii. differentiate types of joints using appropriate examples.

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the protective, supportive, locomotive and respiratory functions of the skeleton to the well being of the animal.

 

7. Reproduction

Topics:

a. Asexual reproduction
i. Fission as in Paramecium
ii. Budding as in yeast
iii. Natural vegetative propagation
iv. Artificial vegetative propagation.

b. sexual reproduction in flowering plants
i. Floral parts and their functions
ii. Pollination and fertilization
iii. products of sexual reproduction

c. Reproduction in mammals
i. structures and functions of the male and female reproductive organs
ii. Fertilization and development. (Fusion of gametes)

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between asexual and sexual reproduction
ii. apply natural vegetative propagation in crop production and multiplication.
iii. apply grafting, budding and layering in agricultural practices.

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate parts of flower to their functions and reproductive process
ii. deduce the advantages of cross-pollination.
iii. deduce the different types of placentation that develop into simple, aggregate, multiple and succulent fruits.

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between male and female reproductive organs
ii. relate their structure and function to the production of offspring.

Candidates should be able to:
i. describe the fusion of gametes as a process of fertilization.
ii. relate the effects of the mother’s health, nutrition and indiscriminate use of drugs on the developmental stages of the embryo up to birth.
iii. Modern methods of regulating reproduction on e.g. invitro-fertilization and birth control

 

8. Growth

Topics:

a. Meaning of growth
b. Germination of seeds and condition necessary for germination of seeds.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the knowledge of the conditions necessary for germination on plants growth.
ii. differentiate between epigeal and hypogeal germination.

 

9. Co-ordination and control

Topics:

a. Nervous co-ordination:
i. The components, structure and functions of the central nervous system;
ii. The components and functions of the peripheral nervous systems;
iii. Mechanism of transmission of impulses;
iv. Reflex action

b. The sense organs
i. skin (tactile)
ii. nose (olfactory)
iii. tongue (taste)
iv. eye (sight)
v. ear (auditory)

c. Hormonal control
i. Animal hormonal system
– Pituitary
– thyroid
– parathyroid
– adrenal gland
– pancreas
– gonads

ii. Plant hormones (phytohormones)

d. Homeostatsis
i. Body temperature regulation
ii. Salt and water regulation

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the knowledge of the structure and function of the central nervous system in the coordination of body functions in organisms.
ii. illustrate reflex actions such as blinking of the eyes, knee jerk etc.
iii. differentiate between reflex and voluntary actions as well as conditioned reflexes such as salivation, riding a bicycle and swimming.

Candidates should be able to:
i. associate the listed sense organs with their functions.
ii. apply the knowledge of the structure and functions of these sense organs in detecting and correcting their defects.

Candidates should be able to:
i. locate the listed endocrine glands in animals.
ii. relate the hormone produced by each of these glands to their functions.
iii. examine the effects of various phytohormones (e.g. auxins, gibberellin, cytokinin, and ethylene) on growth, tropism, flowering, fruit ripening and leaf abscission.

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate the function of hormones to regulating the levels of materials inside the body.

 

C. ECOLOGY

1. Factors affecting the distribution of Organisms

Topics:

i. Abiotic
ii. Biotic

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

A.
i. deduce the effects of temperature; rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, altitude, salinity, turbidity, pH and edaphic (soil) conditions on the distribution of organisms.
ii. use appropriate equipment (e.g. secchi disc, thermometer, rain gauge etc) to measure abiotic factors.
Candidates should be able to:

B. describe how the activities of plants/animals (particularly human) affect the distribution of organisms.

 

2. Symbiotic interactions of plants and animals

Topics:

(a) Energy flow in the ecosystem: food chains, food webs and trophic levels
(b) Nutrient cycling in nature
i. carbon cycle
ii. water cycle
iii. Nitrogen cycle

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine appropriate examples of symbiosis, parasitism, saprophytism, commensalism, mutualism, amensalism, competition, predation and cooperation among organisms.
ii. associate the distribution of organisms with food chains and food webs in particular habitats.

Candidates should be able to:
i. food chains and webs

Candidates should be able to:
i. describe the cycle and its significance including the balance of atmospheric oxygen and carbon (IV) oxide and global warming.

ii. assess the effects of water cycle on other nutrient cycles.

iii. relate the roles of bacteria and leguminous plants in the cycling of nitrogen.

 

3. Natural Habitats

Topics:

(a) Aquatic (e.g. ponds, streams, lakes seashores and mangrove swamps)
(b) Terrestrial/arboreal (e.g. tree-tops of oil palm, abandoned farmland or a dry grassy (savanna) field, and burrow or hole.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. associate plants and animals with each of these habitats.

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate adaptive features to the habitats in which organisms live.

 

4. Local (Nigerian) Biomes

Topics:

a. Tropical rainforest
b. Guinea savanna (southern and northern)
c. Sudan Savanna
d. Desert
e. Highlands of montane forests and grasslands of the Obudu, Jos, Mambilla Plateau.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. locate biomes in regions
ii. apply the knowledge of the features of the listed local biomes in determining the characteristics of different regions of Nigeria.

 

5. The Ecology of Populations:

Topics:

(a) Population density and overcrowding.

(b) Adaptation for survival
i. Factors that bring about competition
ii. Intra and inter-specific competition
iii. Relationship between competition and succession.

(c) Factors affecting population sizes:
i. Biotic (e.g. food, pest, disease, predation, competition, reproductive ability).
ii. Abiotic (e.g. temperature, space, light, rainfall, topography, pressure, pH, etc.

(d) Ecological succession
i. primary succession
ii. secondary succession

 

Objectives: 

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine the reasons for rapid changes in human population and the consequences of overcrowding.
ii. compute/calculate density as the number of organisms per unit area.

Candidates should be able to:
i) Relate increase in population, diseases, shortage of food and space with intra- and inter-specific competition.
ii) Determine niche differentiation as a means of reducing intra-specific completion.
iii) Relate competition to succession.

Candidates should be able to:
i. deduce the effect of these factors on the size of population.
ii. determine the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors, e.g. drought or scarcity of water which leads to food shortage and lack of space which causes increase in disease rates.

Candidates should be able to:
i. trace the sequence in succession to the climax stage of stability in plant population.

 

6. SOIL

Topics:

a) characteristics of different types of soil (sandy, loamy, clayey)
i. soil structure
ii. porosity, capillarity and humus content

b). Components of the soil
i. inorganic
ii. organic
iii. soil organisms
iv. Soil air
v. Soil water

c) Soil fertility:
i. loss of soil fertility
ii. Renewal and maintenance of soil fertility

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify physical properties of different soil types based on simple measurement of particle size, porosity or water retention ability.
ii. determine the amounts of air, water, humus and capillarity in different soil types experimentally.

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate soil characteristics, types and components to the healthy growth of plant.

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate such factors as loss of inorganic matter, compaction, leaching, erosion of the topsoil and repeated cropping with one variety.

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the knowledge of the practice of contour ridging, terracing, mulching, poly-cropping, strip-cropping, use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, crop rotation, shifting cultivation, etc to enhance soil conservation.

 

7. Humans and Environment

Topics:

(a) Diseases:
(i) Common and endemic diseases.
ii. Easily transmissible diseases and disease syndrome such as:
– poliomyelitis
– cholera
– tuberculosis
– sexually transmitted disease/syndrome (gonorrhea, syphilis, AIDS, etc.

b. Pollution and its control
(i) sources, types, effects and methods of control.
(ii) Sanitation and sewage

(c) Conservation of Natural Resources

(d) Game reserves and National parks

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify ecological conditions that favour the spread of common endemic and potentially epidemic disease e.g. malaria, meningitis, drancunculiasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, typhoid fever and cholera etc.
ii. relate the biology of the vector or agent of each disease with its spread and control.

Candidates should be able to:
i. use the knowledge of the causative organisms, mode of transmission and symptoms of the listed diseases to their prevention/treatment/control.
ii. apply the principles of inoculation and vaccination on disease prevention.

Candidates should be able to:
i. categorize pollution into air, water and soil pollution.
ii. relate the effects of common pollutants to human health and environmental degradation.
iii. determine the methods by which each pollutant may be controlled.

Candidates should be able to:
i. examine the importance of sanitation with emphasis on solid waste sewage disposal, community health and personal hygiene.
ii assess the roles and functions of international and national health agencies (e.g. World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), International Red Cross Society (IRCS), and the ministries of health and environment.

Candidates should be able to:
(i) apply the various methods of conservation of both the renewable and non-renewable natural resources for the protection of our environment for present and future generations.
(ii) outline the benefits of conserving natural resources, prevention of desertification.
(iii) identify the bodies responsible for the conservation of resources at the national and international levels (e.g. Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria National Parks, World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and their activities.
(iv) assess their activities.

Candidates should be able to:
i. Know the location and importance of game reserves and National parks in Nigeria

 

D: HEREDITY AND VARIATIONS

(I) Variation In Population

Topics:

a. Morphological variations in the physical appearance of individuals.
(i) size (height, weight)
(ii) Colour (skin, eye, hair, coat of animals, scales and feathers.
(iii) Fingerprints

b. Physiological variation
(i) Ability to roll tongue
(ii) Ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC)
(iii) Blood groups

c. Application of discontinuous variation in crime detection, blood transfusion and determination of paternity.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between continuous and discontinuous variations with examples.
ii. relate the role of environmental conditions, habitat and the genetic constitution to variation.

Candidates should be able to:
i) measure heights and weight of pupils of the same age group;
ii) plot graphs of frequency distribution of the heights and weights.

Candidates should be able to:
i) observe and record various colour patterns in some plants and mammals.
Candidates should be able to:
ii) apply classification of fingerprints in identity detection.

Candidates should be able to:
i) identify some specific examples of physiological variation among human population.
ii) categorize people according to their physiological variation.

Candidates should be able to:
i) apply the knowledge of blood groups in blood transfusion and determination of paternity.
ii) use discontinuous variation in crime detection.

 

2. Heredity

Topics:

a) Inheritance of characters in organisms;
i) Heritable and non-heritable characters.

b) Chromosomes – the basis of heredity;
(i) Structure
(ii) Process of transmission of hereditary characters from parents to offspring.

c) Probability in genetics and sex determination.

d) Application of the principles of heredity in:
i) Agriculture
ii) Medicine

e. Sex-linked characters e.g. baldness, haemophilia, colour blindness, etc.

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine heritable and non-heritable characters with examples.
ii. illustrate simple structure of DNA
iii. illustrate segregation of genes at meiosis and recombination of genes at fertilization to account for the process of transmission of characters from parents to offsprings.
iv deduce that segregation of genes occurs during gamete formation and that recombination of genes at fertilization is random in nature.

Candidates should be able to:
i. analyze data on cross-breeding experiments.
ii. apply the principles of heredity in the production of new varieties of crops and livestock through cross-breeding.
iii. deduce advantages and disadvantages of out-breeding and in-breeding.
iv. analyze elementarily the contentious issues of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and gene therapy and biosafety.

Candidates should be able to:
i) apply the knowledge of heredity in marriage counselling with particular reference to blood grouping, sickle-cell anaemia and the Rhesus factors.
ii) examine the significance of using recombinant DNA materials in the production of important medical products such as insulin, interferon and enzymes.

Candidates should be able to:
i) identify characters that are sex-linked.

 

E: EVOLUTION

1. Theories of evolution

Topics:

a) Lamarck’s theory
b) Darwin’s theory
c) organic theory

 

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i.) relate organic evolution as the sum total of all adaptive changes that have taken place over a long period of time resulting in the diversity of forms, structure and functions among organisms.
ii.) examine the contributions of Lamarck and Darwin to the theory of evolution.
iii.) know evidences in support of organic evolution

 

2. Evidence of evolution

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:
i.) provide evidences for evolution such as fossil records, comparative anatomy, physiology and embryology.
ii.) trace evolutionary trends in plants and animals.
iii.) provide evidence for modern evolutionary theories such as genetic studies and the role of mutation.

 

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

Ndu, F.O. C. Ndu, Abun A. and Aina J.O. (2001) Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1 -3, Lagos: Longman

Odunfa, S.A. (2001) Essential of Biology, Ibadan: Heinemann

Ogunniyi M.B. Adebisi A.A. and Okojie J.A. (2000) Biology for Senior Secondary Schools: Books 1 – 3, Macmillan

Ramalingam, S.T. (2005) Modern Biology, SS Science Series. New Edition, AFP

Stan. (2004) Biology for Senior Secondary Schools. Revised Edition, Ibadan: Heinemann

Stone R.H. and Cozens, A.B.C. (1982) Biology for West African Schools. Longman

Usua, E.J. (1997) Handbook of practical Biology 2nd Edition, University Press, Limited

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