Ordinary Level REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES 565 Human Biology

565 HUMAN BIOLOGY curled from the GCE Syllabus by Sir Lesley (sirmklesley@gmail.com)
1.0 AIMS
The aims of the syllabus for Human Biology are to provide the students
1.1 Correlated study of the structure and function of the human body.
1.2 Good understanding of man’s interaction with the human body,
1.3 Good understanding of how man can modify his environment and habits to attain good,
health.
1.4 Good foundation for further studies in paramedical fields
1.5 Better understanding of man as a sociable being
2.0 GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The objectives are to provide scientific facts, terms, principles and concepts for
2. 1 An understanding of human anatomy.
2.2 An understanding of human physiology.
2.3 An understanding of useful and harmful organisms to man.
2.4 An understanding of man’s place in the ecosystem.
2.5 A good understanding of man’s activities that influence his environment.
2.6 A good understanding of man’s habits (good and bad) and how they influence his health.
2.7 A good understanding of the different health institutions and their functions.
2.8 A good understanding of the role of social institutions.
3. 0 ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
The assessment objectives of the Human Biology examination are:
3.1 The knowledge of the facts and principles contained in the syllabus
3.2 Comprehension of facts in the syllabus.
3.3 The evaluation and application of relevant knowledge and scientific data.
3.4 The ability to analyse and interpret data and information.
4.0 THE EXAMINATION STRUCTURE
Paper Type of Syllabus No Duration Marks Weighting Remarks
questions section set
MCQ ALL 50 1 ½ 50 40 % Full Syllabus Coverage
I
hours
Essay Section 1 5 2½ 100 60 % Section I covers Anatomy
Type Section 2 4 hours and Physiology.
II
Section II: Man’s place in
nature
The examination consists of two papers, P1 and P2.
A. P1 consists of 50 compulsory MCQ questions set from the whole syllabus. This paper is
written in 90 minutes and has a weighting of 40% of the whole exam.
B. P2 consists of 9 essay type questions arranged in two sections, A & B. Candidates are
required to answer 5 of the question in 150 minutes. The questions in section A are drawn
from part the of a Syllabus and questions in section B from part 2 of the syllabus Paper 2
has a weighting of 60% of whole examination.

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2022 CAMEROON GCE BOARD REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES
Ordinary Level REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES 565 Human Biology

565 HUMAN BIOLOGY curled from the GCE Syllabus by Sir Lesley (sirmklesley@gmail.com)
SECTION ONE
1.0 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
1.1 Introduction to Human Biology
Man should be considered as a mammal and a unique animal.
a. Structure and Function of man. Parts of this section e.g. body movement, position of heart,
should be demonstrated on the students’ bodies. Dissection of a small mammal may be used to
illustrate the position and appearance of all the principal internal organs. Charts, films, and
coloured transparencies of histological slides are simple and efficient methods of illustrating
many parts of this section. Further suggestions for practical work are included in the relevant
sections.
b. Movement of substance into and out of cells
- Diffusion
- Osmosis
- Active transport
1.2. Cells and Tissues
Much of this section will be covered when the appropriate organ or system is being studied.
Electron micrographs as well as light microscope preparations of slides or transparencies could
be used to study the general structure of the cell and its organelles.
a. Cells - a general outline of their internal structure and function. The following should be
considered: nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi body, ribosomes
and cell membrane. Details of internal structure of organelles not required.
b. Tissues-Grouping of cells into tissues involved in support, movement, transport, nerve
impulse conduction, reproduction, secretion and the formation of surfaces.
c. Cell Division; multiplication of cells; mitosis and meiosis simply explained.
1.3. Form and Movement
a. Bones: The main parts of the skeleton and major muscle masses should be studied. Details of
bones are required only where they relate to major functions. No specific references to muscles
by name is expected except in the example chosen below.
b. Bones and Muscles: The gross structure and function of muscles and bones. This should be
particularly illustrated by a suitable group such as the brachialis, biceps, and triceps and
associated bones in the arm and shoulder.
c. Joints.
‫ ۔‬Types of joints. Joints should be illustrated by the elbow, shoulder, hip and cartilaginous
intervertebral joints.
‫ ۔‬The nature of muscle and bone and factors controlling their healthy development.
‫ ۔‬The role of the major muscles and bones and their use as levers in movements at joints
can best be appreciated by the use of the students’ own bodies. The study of a fresh
mammalian ‘limb e.g. rabbit, makes a good demonstration.
1.4. Co-ordination
a. Nervous co-ordination
‫ ۔‬The structure and functions of different types of neurons.

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2022 CAMEROON GCE BOARD REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES
Ordinary Level REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES 565 Human Biology

565 HUMAN BIOLOGY curled from the GCE Syllabus by Sir Lesley (sirmklesley@gmail.com)
‫۔‬The nature of the nerve impulse and its transfer along the neurone, from neurone to
neurone and neurone to muscle.
‫ ۔‬The gross anatomy of the central nervous system and the functions of its main parts in
outline.
‫ ۔‬Peripheral nervous system.
‫ ۔‬Reflex responses inherent in daily life and conditioned reflexes.
‫ ۔‬Receptors responding to heat, chemicals, mechanical and light energy.
‫ ۔‬Structure and function of the eye. Eye defects.
‫ ۔‬The structure of the ear and its functions in balance and hearing. Ear defects.
b. Chemical co-ordination
‫ ۔‬Hormones from the following gland: the pituitary, adrenals, thyroid, islets of Langerhans
and gonads.
‫ ۔‬Emphasis should be on the integrating action of hormones rather than on the effects of
the malfunctioning of endocrine organs.

Suggested Practical Work

(If a nerve/muscle preparation can be obtained, it will illustrate the control of the muscle by its
nerve. Students should have observed reflex actions and sensory mechanisms on themselves and
others. Good models of the brain and eye are valuable for the easy understanding of their gross
structure, but dissections and specimens could also be shown if possible).
1.5. Nutrition
a. Kinds, sources, composition and tests for different food types.
b. Uses of Food: Food as a source of energy and material for growth and normal functioning of
the body
‫ ۔‬the part played in the body by proteins, carbohydrates, fats, water, vitamins and minerals.
‫ ۔‬The tongue, teeth, their functions in nutrition, and factors affecting the growth of teeth.
‫ ۔‬The structure and movements of the gut.
‫ ۔‬The principles of digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats and the main digestive glands
and their enzymes involved. Absorption of digested food and water.
‫ ۔‬Enzymes and their characteristics. Factors affecting enzyme action. Experiments on
enzymes to illustrate the general principles of their action.
‫ ۔‬Nutrients as they occur in common foods e.g. Achu, corn fufu, ndole, myondo, ekwang, eru
etc. Balanced diet. Composition and variations in diet necessary with age, pregnancy,
climate and occupation.
‫ ۔‬Obesity and its effects on the body.
‫ ۔‬Disorders of the digestive system: constipation, indigestion, diarrhoea, inflammations,
heartburn and hernia,
1.6 Respiration and Energy Release
a. Structure of the respiratory system and its adaptations as efficient respiratory surface.
Mechanisms of gaseous exchange, and control of breathing rate in simple outline.
b. Disorders/diseases of the respiratory system: coughs, choking, bronchitis, pneumonia and TB.

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2022 CAMEROON GCE BOARD REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES
Ordinary Level REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES 565 Human Biology

565 HUMAN BIOLOGY curled from the GCE Syllabus by Sir Lesley (sirmklesley@gmail.com)
c. Tissue respiration, aerobic and anaerobic respiration. The principles and mechanisms of
respiration, energy transfer, ATP and its regeneration (all in simple outline without biochemical
- details). Biochemical details e.g. chloride shift, not enquired.
1.7. Internal Transport
a. The structure and function of the heart.
b. Arteries, veins, capillaries, lymph vessels, their structure and inter-relations in the circulation
of body fluids to and from the cells. The composition formation and functions of blood.
c. Structure, formation and function site of tissue fluid and lymph:
d. Causes and prevention of disorders and diseases of the circulatory system. Suggested
Practical Work
I. Model of a heart of a sheep or other large mammal is useful for anatomical studies.
II. Function can be illustrated by exercises undertaken by the students. Circulation can be
demonstrated in the web of a frog's foot.
1.8. Homeostatic Mechanisms.
a. Temperature regulation (heat production and loss) including a study of the variation of body
temperature and the effects of different types of clothing on skin temperature.
Regulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide content of blood (variations in rate and depth of
breathing and exercise).
b. The structure and functions of the renal system-the formation of urine, normal composition
and variations.
c. The structure and functions of the liver,
1.9. Defence of the body
a. Structure and function of the skin. The skin and the mucous membranes as barriers against
mechanical and chemical trauma and infection. Reference should be made to the effect of smoke
on the respiratory mucous membranes.
b. Blood clotting phagocytosis, defensive action of the lymphatic system, including antibody
production.
c. Natural and artificial immunity in defence of the individual and the community.
d. Blood screening and transfusion - RH factor and the ABO blood groups.
e. Detoxification by the liver.
1.10. Reproduction and Heredity
a. Reproduction
‫ ۔‬Meiosis simply explained in relation to gamete formation.
‫ ۔‬Sex determination in man.
‫ ۔‬Male and female reproductive systems.
‫ ۔‬Puberty and the menstrual cycle.
‫ ۔‬Copulation, fertilization, implantation.
‫ ۔‬Gestation Functions of the placenta and foetal membranes. Foetal circulation and dependence
of foetus on maternal blood.
‫ ۔‬Birth and parental care. Advantages of breast feeding:
‫ ۔‬Multiple birth.

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2022 CAMEROON GCE BOARD REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES
 Ordinary Level REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES 565 Human Biology

565 HUMAN BIOLOGY curled from the GCE Syllabus by Sir Lesley (sirmklesley@gmail.com)
‫۔‬
Birth control. Stating the different methods and their advantages as well as disadvantages.
‫۔‬
Abortions, miscarriages and their causes.
‫۔‬
Outline only of growth and development to maturity and the beneficial effects of exercise on
the systems of the body.
b. Heredity.
‫ ۔‬The difference between genotype and phenotype and homozygous and heterozygous should
be appreciated.
‫ ۔‬The mechanism of monohybrid inheritance i.e. of characteristics illustrated by human
‫ ۔‬examples of sex-linked characters and autosomal characters. Use of crosses /Punnett Square
to explain intericlesr explanation of genetic terminology e.g. gene, allele,
‫ ۔‬An elementary understanding of the role played by chromosomes and DNA in heredity.
‫ ۔‬A simple account of mutation. Variation within a species as illustrated by man.

SECTION TWO
2.0 MAN’S PLACE IN NATURE
2.1 Relations with other organisms
a. Dependence on green plants
‫ ۔‬The significance of photosynthesis. The green leaf as an organ of photosynthesis, factors
affecting rate of photosynthesis and experiments on photosynthesis.
‫ ۔‬Food chains, food webs and ecosystems.
‫ ۔‬Viruses -a brief description of their nature including reproduction.
‫ ۔‬Methods of spread of viral diseases e.g. common cold, poliomylitis and typhus, HIV/
AIDS.
‫ ۔‬Bacteria - a description of their nature including reproduction.
‫ ۔‬Examples of non-pathogenic bacteria useful to man e.g. in the decomposition of organic
matter and vitamin formation.
b. Bacteria diseases
Their life cycle, spread (food, water, air) and prevention and control of bacterial diseases. E.g.
diphtheria, TB, gonorrhoea, syphilis, cholera, typhoid, Trypanosomiasis, Bilhaziasis.
‫ ۔‬Protozoa-Characteristics and diseases caused by protozoa e.g amoebic dysentery,
malaria etc
‫ ۔‬Endemic, epidemic and, pandemics diseases.
‫ ۔‬Fungi Nutrition, growth and reproduction.
‫ ۔‬Useful and harmful fungi.
‫ ۔‬The life cycles of roundworms, tapeworms, flukes, lice.
‫ ۔‬Elementary First Aids; its necessity, and when and how it is administered in the
following cases: snake, scorpions, and dog bites, epilepsy cases, convulsion, stroke,
fractures, sprains, nose bleeding and cuts, and electrocution.
2.2 Environment
a. The relationship between man and his physical and chemical environment. Reforestation,
deforestation, overgrazing, bush fires, Global warming.

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2022 CAMEROON GCE BOARD REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES
 Ordinary Level REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES 565 Human Biology

565 HUMAN BIOLOGY curled from the GCE Syllabus by Sir Lesley (sirmklesley@gmail.com)
b. Effects of the following on the environment. Nutrient cycles Carbon and water, Nitrogen
and water.
c. Shelter: Aspects to be considered in the construction of a house (site, size, lighting,
ventilation, material etc) and their effects on health of the occupants. Foundation, walls and
roof. Use and care of houses.
d. Sewage and garbage disposal. Sewage treatment in a modem sewage plant, and oxidation
ponds.
e. Food: Hygienic preparation, storage and preservation.
f. Water: Sources, uses, purification, distribution and storage. Visit to water and sewage
works, etc would be valuable experience when the relevant parts of this section are being
studied. Alternatively, films on these subjects could be used.
g. Pollution in air, water and land. Causes of pollution, effects and prevention.
h. h. Hazards of ultra-violet light, x-rays and other ionising radiations.
2.3 Personal Hygiene
Definition and rules of good hygiene.
a. The importance and care of different parts of the body: head and hair, mouth and teeth,
eyes, ears, hands and feet, skin and genitals.
b. The effects of smoking, alcohol consumption and drug abuse on health of the individual.
c. The importance of exercise, rest sleep to health of an individual
d. Clothing: Types of fabrics, appropriate use in different climates, and care.
2.4 Community Health
a. The role of health centres and clinics e.g. antenatal clinics, maternities etc. in the
community,
b. Types of hospitals (general and specialized). Qualities of a good hospital.
c. Geriatric homes.
d. Play grounds and gymnasia.
e. The role of charitable and social 0rganizations e.g., religious NGOS etc Prisons.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SUBJECT

a. Practical work - Encouraged but not assessed.
b. Field work - Visits to water works, sewage treatment plants, healthcare services encouraged.

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2022 CAMEROON GCE BOARD REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES