Course Description
It builds a foundational understanding of life processes and biological organization—from cell to ecosystem—with emphasis on accurate diagrams, definitions, experiments and everyday applications. Learners study cell structure and division, tissue and organ systems in plants and humans, nutrition and transport, photosynthesis and respiration, coordination and reproduction, genetics and biotechnology, immunity and health, and ecology and environment. Practice includes short/long questions, MCQs, labeled diagrams, practical skills and exam-style problem solving.
Course Content
1) Introduction to Biology & Themes
- Levels of organization
- Characteristics of life
- Branches and scope
- Laboratory safety symbols
2) Cell Biology — Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells
- Animal vs plant cells
- Cell organelles and functions
- Cell membrane and transport (diffusion/osmosis)
3) Cell Division
- Mitosis phases and significance
- Basic idea of meiosis and its role in gamete formation (qualitative SSC level)
4) Tissues & Organs
- Plant tissues (meristematic/permanent)
- Animal tissues (epithelial, connective, muscular, nervous)
- Organ and system concept
5) Nutrition
- Autotrophic vs heterotrophic
- Human nutrition (balanced diet, macronutrients/micronutrients, malnutrition)
- Digestive system structure and function
- Common disorders
6) Transport in Plants & Animals
- Xylem/phloem
- Transpiration and factors
- Translocation
- Human circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, blood components)
- Blood pressure and common issues
7) Respiration & Gas Exchange
- Aerobic vs anaerobic respiration
- ATP concept
- Human respiratory system (structure, breathing mechanism and gas exchange)
- Smoking hazards
8) Excretion & Osmoregulation
- Excretory products
- Human urinary system (nephron, urine formation)
- Kidney health and hygiene
- Excretion in plants (overview)
9) Coordination & Control
- Human nervous system (neurons, CNS/PNS, reflex arc)
- Endocrine glands and hormones (roles and imbalances)
- Homeostasis idea
10) Movement & Support
- Human skeletal system (bone types, joints, muscles)
- Posture and injury prevention
- Plant support (turgor, lignin—qualitative)
11) Reproduction & Development
- Asexual vs sexual reproduction
- Flowering plant reproduction (structure, pollination, fertilization, seed/fruit formation)
- Human reproductive systems and menstrual cycle (overview)
- Maternal health and hygiene
12) Genetics & Heredity
- Mendel’s ideas (trait, gene, allele, dominance)
- Monohybrid cross (qualitative), Punnett logic
- Genetic disorders (simple awareness)
13) Biotechnology & Its Applications
- Concept and simple techniques (fermentation, tissue culture)
- Applications in agriculture, medicine and environment
- Bioethics overview
14) Microorganisms
- Bacteria, viruses, fungi (features, benefits and harms)
- Industrial and health roles
- Hygiene and sterilization basics
15) Immunity & Human Health
- Innate vs acquired immunity
- Vaccination; communicable and non-communicable diseases
- First-aid basics and public health habits
16) Plant Physiology
- Photosynthesis (site, pigments, light/dark ideas, factors)
- Mineral nutrition and deficiency symptoms
- Plant growth regulators (intro)
17) Ecology & Environment
- Ecosystem components; food chain/web and trophic levels
- Biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen—qualitative)
- Population and community
- Biodiversity and conservation
18) Environment & Human Impact
- Pollution (air, water, soil, noise)
- Climate change basics
- Waste management (3R)
- Sustainable practices in daily life
19) Practical Skills & Diagrams
- Microscope handling (intro)
- Slide observation (onion epidermis etc.)
- Biological drawings (cells, tissues, systems, flowers)
- Tabulation of observations
- Error sources
20) Exam Workshops & Final Revision
- Mixed MCQ and CQ practice
- Diagram labeling drills
- Time management
- Last-week checklist and formula/facts sheet
Learning Objectives
Core Knowledge — Explain cell structure and function, tissue types, and the organization of organs and systems in plants and humans.
Life Processes — Describe and analyze nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion, coordination, movement and reproduction with accurate labeled diagrams.
Genetics & Microbiology — Outline basic heredity principles and common genetic terms; describe roles of microorganisms and principles of hygiene and vaccination.
Biotechnology & Society — Identify simple biotechnological applications in agriculture/health/environment and discuss associated benefits and ethics at an SSC level.
Ecology & Environment — Interpret ecosystem interactions, food chains/webs and simple cycles; explain pollution impacts and propose practical conservation steps.
Practical & Exam Skills — Follow lab safety; make neat, labeled biological diagrams; record observations; answer MCQ/CQ using SSC marking criteria within time.
