O/L Human Biology with Sir Billy

CGCE Ordinary Level (O/L) Human Biology (Subject Code 540) Syllabus Outline

CGCE Ordinary Level (O/L) Human Biology (Subject Code 540) Syllabus Outline Target Cycle: Ordinary Level Senior Phase (Forms 4–5) Subsystem: Cameroon Anglophone Subsystem Approach: Competency-Based Approach (CBA) The syllabus is organised into two major levels: Form 4 (Human Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition & Energetics) and Form 5 (Coordination, Continuity, Epidemiology & Environmental Health). --- FORM 4: HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, NUTRITION & ENERGETICS TERM 1: CYTOLOGY, TISSUES, INTEGUMENTARY & MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEMS --- 1. Advanced Human Cytology and Organisation Subtopics Cell components and organelles Ultrastructure of human cells Levels of organisation Human tissues Overview Students study the structure and functions of human cells, including: Plasma membrane (fluid mosaic model) Mitochondria Ribosomes Endoplasmic reticulum Golgi apparatus Lysosomes They also examine the organisation of the body from: Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism Major human tissues studied: Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Muscular tissue Nervous tissue Practical work includes microscopic observation of tissues. --- 2. Integumentary System and Thermoregulation Subtopics Structure of the skin Functions of the skin Temperature regulation Overview Students learn the anatomy of human skin: Epidermis Stratum corneum Stratum granulosum Malpighian layer Dermis Contains: Blood vessels Sweat glands Sebaceous glands Nerve endings Hair follicles Subcutaneous layer Fat storage Insulation Functions studied: Protection Sensation Excretion through sweat Temperature regulation through: Vasodilation Vasoconstriction --- 3. Human Skeleton: Axial Framework Subtopics Functions of the skeleton Bone structure Axial skeleton Overview Students study: Functions of skeleton Support Protection Movement Blood cell formation Mineral storage Bone composition Calcium phosphate Collagen Osteocytes Bone marrow Axial skeleton Includes: Skull Vertebral column: Cervical vertebrae Thoracic vertebrae Lumbar vertebrae Sacrum Coccyx Rib cage --- 4. Appendicular Skeleton and Articulations Subtopics Appendicular skeleton Types of joints Joint movement Overview Students study: Pectoral girdle Scapula Clavicle Upper limb bones Humerus Radius Ulna Carpals Metacarpals Phalanges Pelvic girdle and lower limb Femur Patella Tibia Fibula Tarsals Types of joints Fixed joints Partially movable joints Synovial joints: Hinge joints Ball-and-socket joints --- 5. Muscular System and Biomechanics of Locomotion Subtopics Types of muscles Muscle contraction Muscle fatigue Overview Students learn: Types of muscles 1. Skeletal muscle Striated Voluntary 2. Smooth muscle Non-striated Involuntary 3. Cardiac muscle Heart muscle Topics include: Sliding filament theory Antagonistic muscles: Biceps Triceps Muscle tone Oxygen debt Fatigue --- TERM 2: HUMAN NUTRITION, DIGESTION & CARDIOVASCULAR TRANSPORT --- 6. Human Nutrients and Balanced Dietetics Subtopics Nutrient classes Food sources Balanced diet Deficiency diseases Overview Students study: Macronutrients Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids Other nutrients Water Vitamins: A B complex C D E K Minerals Calcium Iron Iodine Phosphorus Also studied: Dietary fibre Balanced diets for: Infants Pregnant women Manual workers Food tests: Benedict’s test (reducing sugars) Biuret test (proteins) Iodine test (starch) Ethanol emulsion test (lipids) --- 7. Anatomy and Enzymes of the Digestive System Subtopics Alimentary canal Digestive glands Digestive enzymes Overview Students study: Alimentary canal Mouth Pharynx Oesophagus Stomach Duodenum Ileum Colon Rectum Anus Associated organs Salivary glands Liver Gall bladder Pancreas Digestive enzymes Amylase Protease Lipase Focus: Digestion of carbohydrates Protein digestion Fat digestion Enzyme activity --- 8. Absorption, Assimilation and Gastrointestinal Disorders Subtopics Absorption in ileum Liver functions Malnutrition disorders Overview Students learn: Ileum adaptations Villi Large surface area Lacteals Capillary networks Liver functions Deamination Detoxification Glycogen storage Bile production Disorders Kwashiorkor Marasmus Obesity Anorexia Constipation --- 9. Composition and Functions of Human Blood Subtopics Blood components Blood functions Blood clotting Overview Students study: Plasma Contains: Water Ions Proteins Dissolved gases Blood cells Red blood cells (erythrocytes) White blood cells (leukocytes) Platelets (thrombocytes) Functions: Transport of oxygen Nutrient transport Waste removal Immunity Clotting --- 10. Cardiovascular System: Heart and Blood Vessels Subtopics Heart structure Blood vessels Circulation Overview Students study: Heart structure Four chambers Valves Septum Blood vessels Arteries Veins Capillaries Circulation Pulmonary circulation Systemic circulation Coronary circulation Also includes: Heart attacks Pulse measurement --- TERM 3: RESPIRATION, ENERGETICS & IMMUNITY --- 11. Respiratory System: Anatomy and Ventilation Subtopics Respiratory organs Breathing mechanism Gas exchange Overview Students study: Respiratory pathway: Nose Pharynx Larynx Trachea Bronchi Bronchioles Alveoli Breathing mechanism: Inspiration Expiration Gas exchange at alveoli. --- 12. Cellular Respiration and Energy Production Subtopics Aerobic respiration Anaerobic respiration ATP production Overview Students learn: Aerobic respiration Uses oxygen Produces ATP Complete breakdown of glucose Anaerobic respiration Occurs without oxygen Produces lactic acid Causes oxygen debt --- 13. Lymphatic System and Human Immunity Subtopics Lymphatic organs Defence mechanisms Immunity and vaccines Overview Students study: Lymphatic structures: Lymph vessels Lymph nodes Spleen Thoracic duct Immune responses: Non-specific immunity Specific immunity B lymphocytes T lymphocytes Antibodies Types of immunity: Active immunity Passive immunity Natural immunity Artificial immunity Vaccination is included. --- FORM 5: COORDINATION, CONTINUITY, EPIDEMIOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH --- 14. Excretion and Renal System Subtopics Excretory organs Kidney structure Nephron Urine formation Overview Students study: Kidneys Ureters Bladder Urethra Nephron structures: Bowman’s capsule Glomerulus Tubules Collecting duct Processes: Ultrafiltration Selective reabsorption --- 15. Homeostasis and Feedback Control Subtopics Homeostasis Water balance Blood glucose regulation Overview Students study: Negative feedback mechanisms ADH regulation Insulin and glucagon Diabetes mellitus --- 16. Nervous System and Reflex Actions Subtopics CNS and PNS Neurons Reflex actions Overview Students study: Brain Spinal cord Peripheral nerves Neuron types: Sensory neurons Relay neurons Motor neurons Also: Synapses Reflex arcs Voluntary and involuntary actions --- 17. Sense Organs: Vision Subtopics Eye structure Vision process Eye defects Overview Students study: Cornea Iris Lens Retina Optic nerve Vision defects: Myopia Hypermetropia Astigmatism Cataracts --- 18. Hearing, Balance and Endocrine System Subtopics Ear structure Hearing mechanism Hormonal coordination Overview Students study: Outer ear Middle ear Inner ear Cochlea Semicircular canals Endocrine glands: Pituitary gland Thyroid gland Adrenal glands Pancreas Gonads --- 19. Human Reproduction Subtopics Male reproductive system Female reproductive system Menstrual cycle Pregnancy Contraception Overview Students study: Gamete formation Fertilisation Implantation Placenta Gestation Birth Birth control methods --- 20. Genetics and Heredity Subtopics Chromosomes and genes Cell division Mendelian inheritance Overview Students learn: Genes Alleles Genotypes Phenotypes Mitosis Meiosis Punnett squares Blood groups Sex-linked diseases Examples: Haemophilia Colour blindness --- 21. Variation, Evolution and Biotechnology Subtopics Variation Mutation Natural selection Genetic engineering Overview Students study: Continuous variation Discontinuous variation Gene mutations Chromosome abnormalities Recombinant DNA technology Ethical issues of biotechnology --- 22. Epidemiology and Tropical Diseases Subtopics Pathogens Disease transmission Disease prevention Overview Students study: Pathogens: Viruses Bacteria Fungi Protozoa Helminths Diseases: Malaria Typhoid Cholera Tuberculosis HIV/AIDS Amoebic dysentery Schistosomiasis --- 23. Public Health, Pollution and Environmental Sanitation Subtopics Water purification Sewage management Pollution Healthy environment Overview Students study: Water treatment: Sedimentation Filtration Chlorination Pollution: Air pollution Water pollution Soil pollution Pollutants: Carbon monoxide Lead Plastics Industrial wastes --- 24. GCE Examination Preparation and Revision Subtopics Past paper practice Diagram mastery Command words Examination techniques Overview Students revise: Genetics problems Kidney diagrams Heart structures Disease cycles Biological drawings --- This represents the complete two-year CGCE O/L Human Biology (540) syllabus structure from the uploaded MINESEC scheme of work.