Introduction: The syllabus was designed to build on the strong foundation laid in
Science by the CBSE BOARD, INDIA, for the 9th and 10th grades to study Biology at the honors
level. A strong foundation in Biology is required to pursue an Honors Level Biology course
structured for the final two years (equivalent to Sophomore and Senior years) of
homeschooling. It was designed following the specification of the United Kingdom’s A Level
Biology content.
The course was designed for modular assessment and the candidate is given the freedom to
study any module during the course of two years. The final grade for the subject is assigned
based on the continuous assessment of all modules. However, the students are recommended to
study the first three units of Biology (Biology 1, 2, and 3) in their sophomore year and the
final three units (Biology 4, 5, and 6) in their Senior year. The students are also advised
to take the practical paper at the end of their sophomore and senior year.
The student is continuously assessed rather than at the end of the unit. Each Unit consists
of several modules and sub-modules. Assessment milestones are set at sub-module, module, and
unit levels. Evaluation of the student is done by taking into account the performance at
each sub-module, module, and unit before arriving at the grade for that unit.
BIOLOGY 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport, and Health
This module includes consideration of molecules that are important in biology – including
water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, providing a basis for many areas
of biology. This leads to the relevance of diet to health and the cardiovascular system in
particular. The unit includes cell membrane transport processes, such as diffusion and
active transport, proteins, enzymes, and protein synthesis. This unit also includes an
understanding of the genetic code and how mutations can result in disorders. Students will
also consider techniques for genetic screening and the associated ethical and social issues.
MODULE I: Molecules, Transport and Health
- CHEMISTRY FOR BIOLOGISTS
- MAMMALIAN TRANSPORT
- CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH AND RISK
MODULE II: Membranes, Proteins, DNA, and Gene Expression
- MEMBRANES AND TRANSPORT
- PROTEINS AND DNA
- 3. GENE EXPRESSION AND GENETICS
BIOLOGY 2: Cells, Development, Biodiversity, and Conservation
This module starts with the cell as the basic unit of all living organisms, leading to
cell division, formation of gametes, fertilization, and the continuity of life. The roles of
stem cells, gene expression, and the influence of the environment and epigenetics on
phenotypes are also included. Cell development leads to an understanding of the structure
and functions of plant cells and how plants may be exploited by humans for fibers and as
sources of drugs. This unit also considers the diversity of life and how biodiversity can be
measured. The unit ends with an account of reasons for changes in populations over time, and
the methods used by zoos and seed banks for the conservation of endangered species and their
genetic diversity.
MODULE I: Cell Structure, Reproduction, and Development
- CELL STRUCTURE
- MITOSIS, MEIOSIS, AND REPRODUCTION
- DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANISMS
MODULE II: Plant Structure and Function, Biodiversity and Conservation
- PLANT STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
- CLASSIFICATION
- BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
BIOLOGY 3: Practical Skills in Biology I
This unit will assess students’ ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of
experimental design, procedures, and techniques developed throughout units 1 and 2
- Solve problems set in practical contexts.
- Comment on experimental design and evaluate
scientific methods.
- Present data in appropriate ways.
- Evaluate results and draw conclusions with
reference to measurement uncertainties and errors
- Plot and interpret graphs.
- Present information and data in a scientific way
BIOLOGY 4: Energy, Environment, Microbiology, and Immunity
This unit begins with energy capture in photosynthesis and the synthesis of organic
compounds by plants, and the flow of energy in ecosystems. This is followed by a
consideration of the carbon cycle and how disruption of this cycle may lead to climate
change. Students will also consider changes that occur in populations, both in the short
term and long term, as a result of mutation and natural selection. The unit continues with
an introduction to the diversity and features of microorganisms and how hosts respond to
infection by pathogens. This leads to a consideration of the role of microorganisms in the
decomposition of organic materials and the techniques and applications of polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis.
MODULES
- PHOTOSYNTHESIS
- ECOLOGY
- ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
- MICROBIOLOGY
- IMMUNITY
- DECOMPOSITION AND FORENSICS
BIOLOGY 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination, and Gene Technology
Following on from energy and the environment in Unit 4, this unit starts by considering
energy within organisms and how energy is made available for processes, including muscle
contraction. These are further details of some of the topics in earlier modules, including
coordination of the heartbeat. Students will also consider some aspects of maintenance of
the internal environment, with specific references to kidney function and the mode of action
of hormones. This leads on to the topic of coordination in mammals and in flowering plants,
the effects of drugs on the nervous system, and how modern techniques of gene technology are
used for the production of drugs. Modern aspects of gene technology, including the use of
microarrays, provide a foundation for further study in this area.
MODULES
- CELLULAR RESPIRATION
- MUSCLES, MOVEMENT, AND THE HEART
- CONTROL OF THE INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
- THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND NEURONES
- COORDINATION IN ANIMALS AND PLANTS
- GENE TECHNOLOGY
BIOLOGY 6: Practical Skills in Biology II
Students are expected to develop a wide knowledge and understanding of experimental
procedures and techniques throughout their course. Students are expected to become aware of
how these techniques and procedures might be used to investigate interesting biological
questions.
This unit will assess students’ ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of
experimental procedures and techniques and their ability to plan whole investigations,
analyze data and evaluate their results and experimental methodology.