Sylabus

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ng
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PREAMBLE
This examination sets out to test the different basic skills of communicating in English using the
mediums of speech and writing. The examination will test the receptive and productive abilities
of candidates. These abilities will be demonstrated in the following forms: reading,
comprehension, summary, vocabulary, lexis and structure, listening comprehension and
recognition of different aspects of spoken English.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The objective of the syllabus is to measure the extent to which the aims of the teaching
syllabuses of member countries have been realized in candidates’ secondary school career. The
examination sets out to examine candidates’ ability to
(i) use correct English;

(ii) write about incidents in English that are appropriate to specified audiences and situations;
(iii) organize material in paragraphs that are chronologically, spatially and logically coherent;
(iv) control sentence structures accurately;
(v) exhibit variety in the use of sentence patterns;
(vi) comply with the rules of grammar;
(vii) spell and punctuate correctly;
(viii) comprehend written and spoken English;
(ix) recognize implied meaning, tones and attitudes;
(x) use an acceptable pronunciation that can be comprehended by others;
(xi) recognize the physical characteristics of English sounds and the letters that represent
them.
(xii) pick out and summarize relevant information from set passages.
SCHEME OF EXAMINATION
There will be three papers – Papers 1, 2 and 3, all of which must be taken. Papers 1 and 2 will be
a composite paper to be taken at one sitting.
PAPER 1: Will consist of eighty multiple choice questions, all of which should be answered
within 1 hour for 40 marks.
PAPER 2: Will consist of five essay topics and a passage each to test candidates’
comprehension and summary skills. Candidates will be expected to write an essay
on one of the topics and answer all the questions on the comprehension and
summary passages. The paper will last 2 hours and carry 100 marks.
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PAPER 3: Will consist of sixty multiple choice items on Test of Orals for candidates in
Nigeria and Liberia, and Listening Comprehension Test for candidates in the
Gambia and Sierra Leone. All the questions should be answered in 45 minutes for
30 marks.
DETAILED SYLLABUS
PAPER 1: (For candidates in The Gambia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia only)
This is an objective/multiple choice paper comprising eighty questions: forty lexical and
forty structural questions. Each question will have four options lettered A to D.
A. LEXIS
In addition to items testing knowledge of the vocabulary of everyday usage (i.e home,
social relationships, and common core school subjects) questions will be set to test
candidates’ ability in the use of the general vocabulary associated with the following
fields of human activity:
I. (a) Building and Building Construction;

(b) Agriculture;
(c) Fishing;
(d) Stock exchange;
(e) Health;
(f) Environment;
(g) Culture, Institutions and Ceremonies;
(h) Law and Order;
(i) Motor Vehicles and Travelling;
(j) Government and Administration;
(k) Sports;
(l) Religion;
(m) Science and Technology;
(n) Animal husbandry;
(o) Advertising;
(p) Human Internal Body system and function.
II. Idioms, i.e. idiomatic expressions and collocations (e.g. ‘hook, line and sinker’, ‘every
Tom, Dick and Harry” etc.) the total meaning of which cannot be arrived at simply by
consideration of the dictionary meanings of the words in the structures in which they
appear.
III. Structural elements of English e.g. sequence of tenses, matching of pronouns with their
antecedents, correct use of prepositions etc.
IV. Figurative Usage
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The term ‘general’ vocabulary refers to those words and usage of words normally
associated with the fields of human activity in A1 above which are generally known, used
and understood by most educated people who, while not engaged in that field of activity
may have occasion to read, speak or write about it. Thus, for example, in the vocabulary
of transportation by road, one would expect knowledge of terms such as ‘pedestrian
bridge’ and ‘traffic signs’ which most educated people understand, but not ‘berm’ or
‘camber’ which are specialized.
All items will be phrased in such a way as to test the use and understanding of the
required lexis, rather than dictionary definitions and explanations. In practice, the test of
lexis will be so designed as to explore, not merely the extent of the candidates’
vocabulary but more importantly their ability to respond to sense relations in the use of
lexical items e.g. synonyms, antonyms and homonyms.
In the test of figurative language, candidates will be expected to recognize when an

expression is used figuratively and not only when it is used literally.
B. STRUCTURE
Structure here includes:

(i) The patterns of changes in word-forms which indicate number, tense, degree, etc;
(ii) The patterns in which different categories of words regularly combine to form
groups and these groups in turn combine to form sentences;
(iii) The use of structural words e.g. conjunctions, determiners, prepositions, etc.
PAPER 1: (For candidates in Ghana only)
This is a multiple choice objective paper comprising eighty questions which will be made
up of two parts: Parts A and B. Part A will consist of thirty lexical and twenty structured
questions, while Part B will have thirty objective questions on literature.
Each question will have four options lettered A to D.
A. LEXIS
In addition to items testing knowledge of the vocabulary of everyday usage (i.e. home,
social relationships, common core school subjects) questions will be set to test the
candidates’ ability in the use of the general vocabulary associated with the following
fields of human activity:
I. (a) Building;
(b) Plumbing;
(c) Fishing;
(d) Finance – commerce, banking, stock exchange, insurance;
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(e) Photography;
(f) Mineral exploration;
(g) Common manufacturing industries;
(h) Printing, publishing, the press and libraries;
(i) Sea, road, rail and air transport;
(j) Government and politics;
(k) Sports and entertainment;
(l) Religion;
(m) Science and Technology;
(n) Power production – hydro, thermal, solar;
(o) Education;
(p) Communication;
(q) Military;
(r) Journalism and Advertising.
The term ‘general vocabulary’ refers to those words and usage of words normally
associated with the relevant field of human activity in (i) above which are
generally known, used and understood by most educated people, who, while not
engaged in that field of activity, may have occasion to read, speak or write about
it. Thus, for example, in the vocabulary of transportation by sea, one would
expect knowledge of terms such as “bridge” and “deck”, which most educated
people understand but not “halyard”, “dodge”, “davit” or “thrust block”, which
are specialized.
II. Idioms, i.e., idiomatic expressions and collocations (e.g. “hook, line and sinker”,
“every Tom, Dick and Harry” etc) the total meaning of which cannot be arrived at
simply by the consideration of the dictionary meanings of words in the structures in
which they appear.
III. Structural elements of English e.g. sequence of tenses, concord and the use
of correct prepositions, matching of pronouns with their antecedents, etc.
IV. Figurative Usage

All items will be phrased in such a way as to test the use and understanding of the
required lexis, rather than dictionary definitions and explanations. In practice, the test
of lexis will be designed to explore, not merely the extent of the candidates’
vocabulary but more importantly their ability to respond to sense relations in the use
of lexical items e.g. synonyms, antonyms and homonyms.
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In the test of figurative language, candidates will be expected to recognize when an

expression is used figuratively and not only when it is used.
B. STRUCTURE
Structure here includes:
(i) The patterns of changes in word-forms which indicate number, tense,

degree, etc.
(ii) The patterns in which different categories of words regularly combine to
form groups and these groups in turn combine to form sentences;
(iii) The use of structural words e.g. conjunctions, determiners, prepositions,
etc.
C. LITERATURE
The objective questions on Literature will be as follows:

10 questions on Drama
10 questions on Prose
10 questions on Poetry
NOTE: For Prose and Drama the candidate is to study one prescribed text each.
PAPER 2: (For all candidates)
The paper will be divided into three sections: Sections A, B and C. Candidates will be required
to spend 2 hours on this paper.
SECTION A: ESSAY WRITING (50 marks)
Candidates will be required to spend 50 minutes on this section. There will be five questions in
all and candidates will be required to answer only one question.
The questions will test candidates’ ability to communicate in writing. The topics will demand the
following kinds of writing:
(i) letter;
(ii) speech;
(iii) narration;
(iv) description;
(v) argument/debate;
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(vi) report;
(vii) article;
(viii) exposition;
(ix) creative writing.
Marks will be awarded for:

(i) Content: relevance of ideas to the topic;
(ii) Organization: formal features (where applicable), good paragraphing, appropriate
emphasis and arrangement of ideas;
(iii) Expression: effective control of vocabulary and sentence structure;
(iv) Mechanical Accuracy: correct grammar, punctuation, spelling etc.
The minimum length will be 450 words.
SECTION B: COMPREHENSION (20 marks)
Candidates will be required to spend 30 minutes on this section. The section will consist of
one passage of at least three hundred and fifty (350) words. Candidates will be required to
answer all the questions on the passage.
The questions will test candidates’ ability to

(i) find appropriate equivalents for selected words or phrases;
(ii) understand the factual content;
(iii) make inferences from the content of the passage;
(iv) understand the use of English expressions that reveal/reflect
sentiments/emotions/attitudes;
(v) identify and label basic grammatical structures, words, phrases or clauses and explain
their functions as they appear in the context;
(vi) identify and explain basic literary terms and expressions;
(vii) recast phrases or sentences into grammatical alternatives.
The passage will be chosen from a wide variety of sources all of which should be suitable for
this level of examination in terms of theme and interest. The passage will be written in
modern English that should be within the experience of candidates. The comprehension test
will include at least four questions based on (ii) above.
SECTION C: SUMMARY (30 marks)
Candidates will be required to spend 40 minutes on this section. The section will consist of
one prose passage of about five hundred (500) words and will test candidates’ ability to
(i) extract relevant information;

(ii) summarize the points demanded in clear concise English, avoiding repetition and
redundancy;
(iii) present a summary of specific aspects or portions of the passage.
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The passage will be selected from a wide variety of suitable sources, including excerpts from
narratives, dialogues and expositions of social, cultural, economic and political issues in any
part of the world.
PAPER 3: ORAL ENGLISH (30 marks)
This paper will test candidates’ knowledge of Oral English. There will be two alternatives for
this paper: Candidates in Ghana, The Gambia and Sierra Leone will be tested in listening
comprehension and those in Nigeria and Liberia will take a paper on test of oral.
Listening Comprehension Test (For candidates in Ghana, The Gambia and Sierra Leone)
This will be made up of sixty multiple choice objective questions on:
Consonants, consonant clusters, vowels, diphthongs, stress and intonation patterns,

dialogues and narratives.
Section 1: Test of word final voiced-voiceless consonants in isolated words mainly, but other
features such as consonant clusters may also be tested.
Section 2: Test of vowel quality in isolated words.
Section 3: Test of vowel quality and consonant contrasts in isolated words.
Section 4: One of three options below will be used in different years:
(i) test of vowel and/or consonant contrasts in sentence contexts;

(ii) test of vowel and consonant contrasts in isolated words- to be selected from a list
of at least four-word contrasts;
(iii) test of vowel and consonant contrasts through rhymes.
Section 5: Test of rhymes
Section 6: Test of comprehension of emphatic stress
Section 7: Test of understanding of the content of longer dialogues and narratives
NOTE: CD players will be used for the administration of this Listening Comprehension
Test.
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Features to be tested
1. CONSONANTS
(a) Single Consonants – Candidates should be able to recognize and produce all
significant sound contrasts in the consonantal system of English. For the guidance of
candidates, a few examples of such contrasts are given below.
Initial Medial Final

they – day buzzes – buses boat – both
ship – chip parcel – partial breathe – breed
fan – van sopping – sobbing wash – watch
pit – fit written – ridden leaf – leave
pit – bit anger – anchor cup – cub
tuck – duck faces - phrases cart – card
card – guard prices – prizes
gear – jeer
(b) Consonant Clusters – Candidates should be able to produce and recognize consonant
clusters which may occur both initially and finally in a syllable. They should also be
able to recognize and produce the consonant sounds in a consonant cluster in the right
order. For the guidance of candidates, a few examples are given below.
Initial Final
play – pray rains - range
sting – string felt – felled
scheme – scream sent – send
crime – climb nest – next
flee – free ask – axe
three – tree lift – lived
true – drew missed – mixed
blight – bright seats – seeds
tread – thread hens – hence
drift – thrift lisp – lips
glade – grade coast – coats
marks – masks
II. VOWELS
(a) Pure Vowels

(b) Diphthongs
(c) Triphthongs
Candidates should be able to recognize and produce all the significant sound contrasts in the
vowel system of English. For the guidance of candidates, a few examples of such contrasts are
given below.
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seat - sit
sit - set
peck - pack
pack - park
cart - cat
load - lord
pair - purr
park - port
hard - heard
word - ward
let - late
cheer - chair
pet - pat - part - pate
hat - heart - height - hate - hut
caught - cot - cut - curt
pool - pull - pole
bird - bed - bared
but - bat
III. STRESS
(a) Word Stress - Candidates should be able to contrast stressed and unstressed syllables in
words which are not otherwise distinguished. In addition, they should be aware of the
possibility of shifting stress from one syllable to another in different derivations of the
same word with consequent change in vowel quality. For the guidance of candidates, a
few examples of changing word stress are given below.
‘increase (noun) in’crease (verb)

‘import “ im’port “
‘rebel “ re’bel “
‘convict “ con’vict “
‘extract “ ex’tract “
‘record “ re’cord “
‘subject “ sub’ject “
(b) Sentence Stress – Candidates should be aware that stress in sentences in English tends to
occur at regular intervals in time. English is therefore called a stress-timed language.
They should also be aware that in most sentences, unless some sort of emphasis is
introduced, only nouns, main verbs (not auxiliaries), adjectives and adverbs are stressed.
Final pronouns should not be stressed, unless some kind of contrast is intended: relative
pronouns should not be stressed, nor should possessive pronouns. Thus, for example, the
following sentences should be stressed as indicated:
He ‘went to the town and ‘bought some ‘oranges.
I ‘told him to ‘go to the ‘station to ‘ask when the train would ‘leave.
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Did you ‘ask him?
I ‘read it but I did not understand it.
They ar’rived yesterday.
I ‘fetched his ‘book.
NOTE: There are a few words in English that are pronounced differently depending on
whether or not they are stressed in the sentence. These are usually called strong
and weak forms.
(c) Emphatic stress – Candidates should be aware of the use of emphatic stress, most
commonly to indicate a contrast, which is realized partly as a change in pitch within the
intonational pattern. This falling pitch illustrated below is one of the common ways of
indicating this:
He borrowed ‘my newspaper. (i.e. not hers)

He’ borrowed my newspaper. (i.e. he did not steal it)
He borrowed my ‘newspaper.(i.e. not my book)
‘He borrowed my newspaper.(i.e. not someone else’s)
IV. INTONATION
Candidates should be made aware of the different forms that English intonation takes in
relation to the grammar of the language and the attitudes conveyed by the speaker. There
are two basic intonation patterns or tunes: the falling and rising patterns. They should
also realize that whereas the normal place for the changing pitch in an intonation is the
last stressed syllable of the utterance(as indicated below), placing the changing pitch
elsewhere implies a contrast to the item on which this changing pitch falls. For example:
(a) Falling Pattern
They ar’rived to’day. - Statement

‘Where did he ‘go? - WH question
‘Come ‘here! - Command
(b) Rising Pattern
Did he ‘see the ‘principal? - Yes/No question

When the ‘train arrived. - Incomplete
They arrived to’day? - Question
Note that (i) the two patterns indicated above may be combined in longer sentences, e.g.
When the ‘train ar’rived, the passengers were on the platform. ( )
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(ii) candidates should note, in addition, that any unstressed syllable following the last
stressed syllable of the sentence is said on a low level pitch when the pattern is
falling, but continues the rise if the pattern is rising. The same rule applies to tags
following quoted speech.
Test Of Orals (For candidates in Nigeria and Liberia)
The test will also be of the multiple-choice objective type consisting of sixty questions on a wide
range of areas or aspects of Orals as contained in the syllabus.
The test will cover the following areas:
1. Vowels – pure vowels and diphthongs;

2. Consonants and clusters;
3. Rhymes;
4. Word stress/Syllable Structure;
5. Emphatic Stress/Intonation Patterns;
6. Phonetic Symbols.
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GENERAL MATHEMATICS/MATHEMATICS (CORE)
1. AIMS OF THE SYLLABUS
The aims of the syllabus are to test candidates’:
(1) mathematical competency and computational skills;

(2) understanding of mathematical concepts and their relationship to the
acquisition of entrepreneurial skills for everyday living in the global world;
(3) ability to translate problems into mathematical language and solve them
using appropriate methods;
(4) ability to be accurate to a degree relevant to the problem at hand;
(5) logical, abstract and precise thinking.
This syllabus is not intended to be used as a teaching syllabus. Teachers are advised to
use their own National teaching syllabuses or curricular for that purpose.
1. EXAMINATION SCHEME
There will be two papers, Papers 1 and 2, both of which must be taken.
PAPER 1: will consist of fifty multiple-choice objective questions, drawn from the common
areas of the syllabus, to be answered in 1½ hours for 50 marks.
PAPER 2: will consist of thirteen essay questions in two sections – Sections A and B, to be
answered in 2½ hours for 100 marks. Candidates will be required to answer ten
questions in all.
Section A - Will consist of five compulsory questions, elementary in nature carrying a

total of 40 marks. The questions will be drawn from the common areas of
the syllabus.
Section B - will consist of eight questions of greater length and difficulty. The
questions shall include a maximum of two which shall be drawn from
parts of the syllabuses which may not be peculiar to candidates’ home
countries. Candidates will be expected to answer five questions for
60marks.
2. DETAILED SYLLABUS
The topics, contents and notes are intended to indicate the scope of the questions which
will be set. The notes are not to be considered as an exhaustive list of
illustrations/limitations.
TOPICS CONTENTS NOTES
A. NUMBER AND
NUMERATION
( a ) Number bases ( i ) conversion of numbers from Conversion from one base

one base to another to base 10 and vice versa.
Conversion from one base to
another base .
( ii ) Basic operations on number Addition, subtraction and

bases multiplication of number
bases.
(b) Modular Arithmetic (i) Concept of Modulo Arithmetic. Interpretation of modulo

arithmetic e.g.
6 + 4 = k(mod7),
(ii) Addition, subtraction and 3 x 5 = b(mod6),
multiplication operations in m = 2(mod 3), etc.
modulo arithmetic.
(iii) Application to daily life Relate to market days,

clock,shift duty, etc.
( c ) Fractions, Decimals and (i) Basic operations on fractions

Approximations and decimals.
(ii) Approximations and Approximations should be
significant figures. realistic e.g. a road is not
measured correct to the
nearest cm.
( d ) Indices ( i ) Laws of indices e.g. ax x ay = ax + y , ax÷ay =

ax – y, (ax)y = axy, etc where x,
y are real numbers and a ≠0.
Include simple examples of
negative and fractional

indices.
( ii ) Numbers in standard form Expression of large and small

( scientific notation) numbers in standard form
e.g. 375300000 = 3.753 x 108
0.00000035 = 3.5 x 10-7
Use of tables of squares,
square roots and reciprocals
is accepted.
( e) Logarithms ( i ) Relationship between indices

and logarithms e.g. y =
10k implies log10y = k. Calculations involving
( ii ) Basic rules of logarithms e.g. multiplication, division,
log10(pq) = log10p + log10q powers and roots.
log10(p/q) = log10p – log10q
log10pn = nlog10p.
(iii) Use of tables of logarithms
and antilogarithms.
( f ) Sequence and Series (i) Patterns of sequences. Determine any term of a

given sequence. The notation
Un = the nth termof a
sequence may be used.
(ii) Arithmetic progression (A.P.) Simple cases only, including

Geometric Progression (G.P.) word problems. (Include sum
for A.P. and exclude sum for
G.P).
( g ) Sets (i) Idea of sets, universal sets, Notations: ℰ, ⊂, ∪, ∩, { }, ∅,

finite and infinite sets, P’( the compliment of P).
subsets, empty sets and
disjoint sets. ♦• properties e.g.
Idea of and notation for union, commutative, associative and
intersection and complement distributive
of sets.
(ii) Solution of practical problems Use of Venn diagrams

involving classification using restricted to at most 3 sets.
Venn diagrams.
( h ) Logical Reasoning Simple statements. True and Use of symbols: ⟹, ⇐, use of
false statements. Negation of Venn diagrams.
statements, implications.
(i) Positive and negative The four basic operations on Match rational numbers with
integers, rational numbers rational numbers. points on the number line.
Notation: Natural numbers

(N), Integers ( Z ), Rational
numbers ( Q ).
( j ) Surds (Radicals) Simplification and rationalization Surds of the form , a√ and

√
of simple surds.
a ±√ where a is a rational
number and b is a positive
integer.
Basic operations on surds
(exclude surd of the form
).
√
•∗ ( k ) Matrices and ( i ) Identification of order, Not more than 3 x 3 matrices.

Determinants notation and types of Idea of columns and rows.
matrices.
( ii ) Addition, subtraction, Restrict to 2 x 2 matrices.

scalar multiplication and
multiplication of
matrices.
( iii ) Determinant of a matrix Application to solving

simultaneous linear equations
in two variables. Restrict to 2
x 2 matrices.
( l ) Ratio, Proportions and Ratio between two similar

Rates quantities.
Proportion between two or more Relate to real life situations.
similar quantities.
Financial partnerships, rates of Include average rates, taxes

work, costs, taxes, foreign e.g. VAT, Withholding tax, etc
exchange, density (e.g.
population), mass, distance, time
and speed.
( m ) Percentages Simple interest, commission, Limit compound interest to a

discount, depreciation, profit and maximum of 3 years.
loss, compound interest, hire
purchase and percentage error.
∗( n) Financial Arithmetic ( i ) Depreciation/ Amortization. Definition/meaning,

calculation of depreciation on
fixed assets, computation of
amortization on capitalized
assets.
( ii ) Annuities Definition/meaning, solve

simple problems on annuities.
(iii ) Capital Market Instruments Shares/stocks, debentures,

bonds, simple problems on
interest on bonds and
debentures.
( o ) Variation Direct, inverse, partial and joint Expression of various types of

variations. variation in mathematical
symbols e.g. direct (z ∝n ),
inverse (z ∝ ), etc.
Application to simple practical
problems.
B. ALGEBRAIC PROCESSES
( a ) Algebraic expressions (i) Formulating algebraic e.g. find an expression for the
expressions from given cost C Naira of 4 pens at x
situations Naira each and 3 oranges at y
naira each.
Solution: C = 4x + 3y
( ii ) Evaluation of algebraic e.g. If x =60 and y = 20, find

expressions C.
C = 4(60) + 3(20) = 300
naira.
( b ) Simple operations on ( i ) Expansion e.g. (a +b)(c + d),

algebraic expressions (a + 3)(c - 4), etc.
(ii ) Factorization factorization of expressions of

the form ax + ay,
a(b + c) + d(b + c), a2 – b2,
ax2 + bx + c where a, b, c
are integers.
Application of difference of
two squares e.g. 492 – 472 =
(49 + 47)(49 – 47) = 96 x 2
= 192.
♦•♣♠ (iii) Binary Operations Carry out binary operations

on real numbers such as: a*b
= 2a + b – ab, etc.
( c ) Solution of Linear ( i ) Linear equations in one Solving/finding the truth set

Equations variable (solution set) for linear
equations in one variable.
( ii ) Simultaneous linear Solving/finding the truth set

equations in two variables. of simultaneous equations in
two variables by elimination,
substitution and graphical
methods. Word problems
involving one or two variables
( d ) Change of Subject of ( i ) Change of subject of a e.g. if = + , find v.

a Formula/Relation formula/relation
Finding the value of a
(ii) Substitution.
variable e.g. evaluating v
given the values of u and f.
( e ) Quadratic Equations ( i ) Solution of quadratic Using factorization i.e. ab = 0

equations ⇒ either a = 0 or b = 0.
•∗♣♠By completing the
square and use of formula
(ii) Forming quadratic equation Simple rational roots only e.g.

with given roots. forming a quadratic equation
whose roots are -3 and ⇒ (x
(iii) Application of solution of + 3)(x - ) = 0.

quadratic equation in
practical problems.
(f) Graphs of Linear and (i) Interpretation of graphs, Finding:

Quadratic functions. coordinate of points, table of (i) the coordinates of
values, drawing quadratic maximum and minimum
graphs and obtaining roots points on the graph.
from graphs. (ii) intercepts on the axes,
identifying axis of symmetry,
recognizing sketched graphs.
( ii ) Graphical solution of a pair Use of quadratic graphs to

of equations of the form: solve related equations e.g.
y = ax2 + bx + c and y = mx + k graph of y = x2 + 5x + 6 to
solve x2 + 5x + 4 = 0.
∗♣♠(iii) Drawing tangents to Determining the gradient by
curves to determine the gradient drawing relevant triangle.
at a given point.
( g ) Linear Inequalities (i) Solution of linear inequalities Truth set is also required.
in one variable and Simple practical problems
representation on the number
line.
∗(ii) Graphical solution of linear

inequalities in two variables.
∗(iii) Graphical solution of Maximum and minimum

simultaneous linear values. Application to real life
inequalities in two variables. situations e.g. minimum cost,
maximum profit, linear
programming, etc.
( h ) Algebraic Fractions Operations on algebraic fractions

with:
( i ) Monomial denominators Simple cases only e.g. +
= ( x≠0, y≠ 0).
( ii ) Binomial denominators Simple cases only e.g. +

= ! !
where a andb
are constants and x≠a or b.
Values for which a fraction is
undefined e.g. "
is not
defined for x = -3.
♦•♣♠(i) Functions and Types of Functions One-to-one, one-to-many,
Relations many-to-one, many-to-many.
Functions as a mapping,
determination of the rule of a
given mapping/function.
C. MENSURATION
( a ) Lengths and (i) Use of Pythagoras theorem, No formal proofs of the

Perimeters ∗♣♠sine and cosine rules to theorem and rules are
determine lengths and required.
distances.
(ii) Lengths of arcs of
circles, perimeters of sectors
and segments.
♦∗♣♠(iii) Longitudes and Distances along latitudes and
Latitudes. Longitudes and their
corresponding angles.
( b ) Areas ( i ) Triangles and special

quadrilaterals – rectangles, Areas of similar figures.
parallelograms and Include area of triangle = ½
trapeziums base x height and ½absinC.
Areas of compound shapes.
(ii) Circles, sectors and segments Relationship between the

of circles. sector of a circle and the
surface area of a cone.
(iii) Surface areas of cubes,

cuboids, cylinder, pyramids,
righttriangular prisms, cones
andspheres.
( c ) Volumes (i) Volumes of cubes, cuboids,

cylinders, cones, right
pyramids and spheres. Include volumes of compound
shapes.
( ii ) Volumes of similar solids
D. PLANE GEOMETRY
(a) Angles (i) Angles at a point add up to The degree as a unit of

360o. measure.
(ii) Adjacent angles on a straight Consider acute, obtuse, reflex
line are supplementary. angles, etc.
(iii) Vertically opposite angles are
equal.
(b) Angles and intercepts on (i) Alternate angles are equal.

parallel lines. ( ii )Corresponding angles are
equal.
( iii )Interior opposite angles are
supplementary
∗♣♠(iv) Intercept theorem. Application to proportional
division of a line segment.
(c) Triangles and Polygons. (i) The sum of the angles of a

triangle is 2 right angles. ∗The formal proofs of those
(ii) The exterior angle of a underlined may be required.
triangle equals the sum of
the two interior opposite
angles.
(iii) Congruent triangles. Conditions to be known but

proofs not required e.g. SSS,
SAS, etc.
( iv ) Properties of special Use symmetry where

triangles - Isosceles, applicable.
equilateral, right-angled, etc
(v) Properties of special

quadrilaterals –
parallelogram, rhombus,
square, rectangle, trapezium.
( vi )Properties of similar Equiangular properties and

triangles. ratio of sides and areas.
( vii ) The sum of the angles of a Sum of interior angles =

polygon (n - 2)180o or (2n – 4)right
angles, where n is the
number of sides
(viii) Property of exterior angles

of a polygon.
(ix) Parallelograms on the same

base and between the same
parallels are equal in area.
( d ) Circles (i) Chords. Angles subtended by chords

in a circle and at the centre.
Perpendicular bisectors of
chords.
(ii) The angle which an arc of a

circle subtends at the centre
of the circle is twice that ∗the formal proofs of those
which it subtends at any underlined may be required.
point on the remaining part
of the circumference.
(iii) Any angle subtended at the

circumference by a diameter
is a right angle.
(iv) Angles in the same segment

are equal.
(v) Angles in opposite segments
are supplementary.
( vi )Perpendicularity of tangent
and radius.
(vii )If a tangent is drawn to a

circle and from the point of
contact a chord is drawn,
each angle which this chord
makes with the tangent is
equal to the angle in the

alternate segment.
♦∗♣♠( e ) Construction ( i ) Bisectors of angles and line

segments
(ii) Line parallel or perpendicular
to a given line.
( iii )Angles e.g. 90o, 60o, 45o, Include combination of these
30o, and an angle equal to a angles e.g. 75o, 105o,135o,
given angle. etc.
(iv) Triangles and quadrilaterals
from sufficient data.
♦∗♣♠( f ) Loci Knowledge of the loci listed

below and their intersections in 2
dimensions.
(i) Points at a given distance from
a given point.
(ii) Points equidistant from two
given points. Consider parallel and
( iii)Points equidistant from two intersecting lines.
given straight lines. Application to real life
(iv)Points at a given distance situations.
from a given straight line.
E. COORDINATE (i) Concept of the x-y plane.
GEOMETRY OF
STRAIGHT LINES (ii) Coordinates of points on the Midpoint of two points,
x-y plane. distance between two points
i.e. |PQ| =
# $ − $ ! + ' − ' ! ,
where P(x1,y1) and Q(x2, y2),
gradient (slope) of a line
m= ( ), equation of a line
( )
in the form y = mx + c and
y – y1 = m(x – x1), where m
is the gradient (slope) and c
is a constant.
F. TRIGONOMETRY
(a) Sine, Cosine and Tangent (i) Sine, Cosine and Tangent of Use of right angled triangles
of an angle. acute angles.
(ii) Use of tables of trigonometric

ratios.
(iii) Trigonometric ratios of 30o, Without the use of tables.

45o and 60o.
(iv) Sine, cosine and tangent of Relate to the unit circle.

angles from 0o to 360o. 0o≤ x ≤ 360o.
( v )Graphs of sine and cosine. e.g.y = asinx, y = bcosx
(vi)Graphs of trigonometric Graphs of simultaneous linear

ratios. and trigonometric equations.
e.g. y = asin x + bcos x, etc.
( b ) Angles of elevation and (i) Calculating angles of elevation Simple problems only.
depression and depression.
(ii) Application to heights and
distances.
♦∗♣♠( c ) Bearings (i) Bearing of one point from Notation e.g. 035o, N35oE
another.
(ii) Calculation of distances and Simple problems only. Use of

angles diagram is required.∗♣♠Sine
and cosine rules may be
used.
∗G. INTRODUCTORY (i) Differentiation of algebraic Concept/meaning of

CALCULUS functions. differentiation/derived
+,
function, , relationship
+-
between gradient of a curve
at a point and the differential
coefficient of the equation of
the curve at that point.
Standard derivatives of some
basic function e.g. if y = x2,
+, +.
+-
= 2x. If s = 2t3 + 4, +/ =
v = 6t2, where s = distance, t
= time and v = velocity.
Application to real life
situation such as maximum
and minimum values, rates of
change etc.
(ii) Integration of simple Meaning/ concept of

Algebraic functions. integration, evaluation of
simple definite algebraic
equations.
H. STATISTICS AND
PROBABILITY. (i) Frequency distribution Construction of frequency
( A ) Statistics distribution tables, concept of
class intervals, class mark and
class boundary.
( ii ) Pie charts, bar charts, Reading and drawing simple

histograms and frequency inferences from graphs,
polygons interpretation of data in
histograms.
Exclude unequal class
(iii) Mean, median and mode for interval.
both discrete and grouped data. Use of an assumed mean is
acceptable but not required.
For grouped data, the mode
should be estimated from the
histogram while the median,
quartiles and percentiles are
estimated from the
cumulative frequency curve.
(iv) Cumulative frequency curve Application of the cumulative

(Ogive). frequency curve to every day
life.
(v) Measures of Dispersion: Definition of range, variance,

range, semi inter-quartile/inter- standard deviation, inter-
quartile range, variance, mean quartile range. Note that
deviation and standard deviation. mean deviation is the mean
of the absolute deviations
from the mean and variance
is the square of the standard
deviation. Problems on range,
variance, standard deviation
etc.
∗♣♠Standard deviation of
grouped data
( b ) Probability (i) Experimental and theoretical Include equally likely events

probability. e.g. probability of throwing a
six with a fair die or a head
when tossing a fair coin.
(ii) Addition of probabilities for With replacement.

mutually exclusive and ∗♣♠without replacement.
independent events.
(iii) Multiplication of probabilities

for independent events. Simple practical problems
only. Interpretation of “and”
and “or” in probability.
♦♣♠I. VECTORS AND
TRANSFORMATION
(a) Vectors in a Plane Vectors as a directed line (5, 060o)

segment.
.12 345
Cartesian components of a vector e.g. 0 67345
8.
Magnitude of a vector, equal
vectors, addition and subtraction Knowledge of graphical
of vectors, zero vector, parallel representation is necessary.
vectors, multiplication of a
vector by scalar.
(b) Transformation in the Reflection of points and shapes in Restrict Plane to the x and y
Cartesian Plane the Cartesian Plane. axes and in the lines x = k, y
= x and y = kx, where k is an
integer. Determination of
mirror lines (symmetry).
Rotation of points and shapes in Rotation about the origin and

the Cartesian Plane. a point other than the origin.
Determination of the angle of
rotation (restrict angles of
rotation to -180o to 180o).
Translation of points and shapes Translation using a translation

in the Cartesian Plane. vector.
Enlargement Draw the images of plane

figures under enlargement
with a given centre for a
given scale factor.Use given
scales to enlarge or reduce
plane figures.
3. UNITS
Candidates should be familiar with the following units and their symbols.
( 1 ) Length
1000 millimetres (mm) = 100 centimetres (cm) = 1 metre(m).
1000 metres = 1 kilometre (km)
( 2 ) Area
10,000 square metres (m2) = 1 hectare (ha)
( 3 ) Capacity
1000 cubic centimeters (cm3) = 1 litre (l)
( 4 ) Mass
1000 milligrammes (mg) = 1 gramme (g)
1000 grammes (g) = 1 kilogramme( kg )
1000 ogrammes (kg) = 1 tonne.
( 5) Currencies
The Gambia – 100 bututs (b) = 1 Dalasi (D)
Ghana - 100 Ghana pesewas (Gp) = 1 Ghana Cedi ( GH¢)
Liberia - 100 cents (c) = 1 Liberian Dollar (LD)

Nigeria - 100 kobo (k) = 1 Naira (N)
Sierra Leone - 100 cents (c) = 1 Leone (Le)
UK - 100 pence (p) = 1 pound (£)
USA - 100 cents (c) = 1 dollar ($)
French Speaking territories: 100 centimes (c) = 1 Franc (fr)
Any other units used will be defined.
4. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
( 1) Use of Mathematical and Statistical Tables

Mathematics and Statistical tables, published or approved by WAEC may be used
in the examination room. Where the degree of accuracy is not specified in a
question, the degree of accuracy expected will be that obtainable from the
mathematical tables.
(2) Use of calculators

The use of non-programmable, silent and cordless calculators is allowed. The
calculators must, however not have the capability to print out nor to receive
or send any information. Phones with or without calculators are not
allowed.
(3) Other Materials Required for the examination

Candidates should bring rulers, pairs of compasses, protractors, set squares etc
required for papers of the subject. They will not be allowed to borrow such
instruments and any other material from other candidates in the examination
hall.
Graph papers ruled in 2mm squares will be provided for any paper in which it is
required.
( 4) Disclaimer
In spite of the provisions made in paragraphs 4 (1) and (2) above, it should be
noted that some questions may prohibit the use of tables and/or calculators.
PHYSICS
PREAMBLE
The syllabus is evolved from the Senior Secondary School teaching syllabus and is intended to
indicate the scope of the course for Physics examination.
It is structured with the conceptual approach. The broad concepts of matter, position, motion and
time; energy; waves; fields; Atomic and Nuclear Physics, electronics are considered and each
concept forms a part on which other sub-concepts are further based.
AIMS
The aims of the syllabus are to enable candidates
(1) acquire proper understanding of the basic principles and applications of
Physics;
(2) develop scientific skills and attitudes as pre-requisites for further scientific
activities;
(3) recognize the usefulness, and limitations of scientific method to appreciate
its applicability ion other disciplines and in every life;
(4) develop abilities, attitudes and skills that encourage efficient and safe
practice;
(5) develop scientific attitudes such as accuracy, precision, objectivity, integrity,
initiative and inventiveness.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
The following activities appropriate to Physics will be tested:
(1) Acquisition of knowledge and understanding:
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
(a) Scientific phenomena, facts laws, definitions, concepts and theories;
(b) Scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities
and units);
(c) The use of scientific apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of
safety;
(d) Scientific quantities and their determinations;
(e) Scientific and technological applications with their social economic and
environmental implications.
1
(2) Information Handling and Problem-solving
Candidates should be able, using visual, oral, aural and written (including symbolic,
diagrammatic, graphical and numerical) information to
(a) locate select, organize and present information from a variety of sources including
everyday experience;
(b) analyse and evaluate information and other data;
(c) use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw inferences;
(d) present reasonable explanations for natural occurrences, patterns and relationships;
(e) make predictions from data.
(3) Experimental and Problem-Solving Techniques
Candidates should be able to
(a) follow instructions;

(b) carry out experimental procedures using apparatus;
(c) make and record observations, measurements and estimates with due regard to
precision, accuracy and units;
(d) interpret, evaluate and report on observations and experimental data;
(e) identify problems, plan and carry out investigations, including the selection of
techniques, apparatus, measuring devices and materials;
(f) evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements;
(g) state and explain the necessary precautions taken in experiments to obtain
accurate results.
There will be three papers, Papers 1, 2 and 3, all of which must be taken. Papers 1 and 2
will be a composite paper to be taken at one sitting.
PAPER 1: Will consist of fifty multiple choice questions lasting 1¼ hours and carrying
50 marks.
PAPER 2: Will consist of two sections, Sections A and B lasting1½ hours and carrying
60 marks.
Section A - Will comprise seven short-structured questions. Candidates
will be required to answer any five questions for a total of 15 marks.
Section B - Will comprise five essay questions out of which candidates
will be required to answer any three for 45 marks.
2
PAPER 3: Will be a practical test for school candidates or an alternative to practical

work paper for private candidates. Each version of the paper will comprise
three questions out of which candidates will be required to answer any two
in 2¾ hours for 50 marks.
DETAILED SYLLABUS
It is important that candidates are involved in practical activities in covering this syllabus.
Candidates will be expected to answer questions on the topics set in the column headed ‘ TOPIC’.
The ‘NOTES’ are intended to indicate the scope of the questions which will be set but they are not
to be considered as an exhaustive list of limitations and illustrations.
NOTE: Questions will be set in S.I. units. However, multiples or sub-multiples of the units may be
used.
PART 1
INTERACTION OF MATTER, SPACE & TIME
TOPICS NOTES
1. Concepts of matter Simple structure of matter should be discussed.
Three physics states of matter, namely solid,
liquid and gas should be treated. Evidence of
the particle nature of matter e.g. Brownian
motion experiment, Kinetic theory of matter.
Use of the theory to explain; states of matter
(solid, liquid and gas), pressure in a gas,
evaporation and boiling; cohesion, adhesion,
capillarity. Crystalline and amorphous
substances to be compared (Arrangement of
atoms in crystalline structure to be described e.g.
face centred, body centred.
2. Fundamental and derived quantities and Length, mass, time, electric current luminous
units intensity, thermodynamic temperature, amount
(a) Fundamental quantities and units of substance as examples of fundamental
quantities and m, kg, s, A, cd, K and mol as their
respective units.
(b) Derived quantities and units Volume, density and speed as derived quantities
and m3, kgm-3 and ms-1 as their respective units.
3. Position, distance and displacement.
(a) Concept of position as a location of Position of objects in space using the X,Y,Z
point-rectangular coordinates. axes should be mentioned.
(b) Measurement of distance
Use of string, metre rule, vernier calipers and
3
(c) Concept of direction as a way of locating micrometer screw gauge. Degree of accuracy
a point –bearing should be noted. Metre (m) as unit of distance.
(d) Distinction between distance and Use of compass and a protractor.

displacement.
Graphical location and directions by axes to be
stressed.
TOPICS NOTES
4. Mass and weight Use of lever balance and chemical/beam balance
to measure mass and spring balance to measure
weight. Mention should be made of
electronic/digital balance.
Distinction between mass and weight Kilogram (kg) as unit of mass and newton (N) as
unit of weight.
5. Time
(a) Concept of time as interval between The use of heart-beat, sand-clock, ticker-timer,
physical events pendulum and stopwatch/clock.
(b) Measurement of time Second(s) as unit of time.
6. Fluid at rest
(a) Volume, density and relative density Experimental determination for solids and
liquids.
(b) Pressure in fluids Concept and definition of pressure. Pascal’s

principle, application of principle to hydraulic
press and car brakes. Dependence of pressure
on the depth of a point below a liquid surface.
Atmospheric pressure. Simple barometer,
manometer, siphon, syringe and pump.
Determination of the relative density of liquids
with U-tube and Hare’s apparatus.
(c) Equilibrium of bodies Identification of the forces acting on a body

partially or completely immersed in a fluid.
(i) Archimedes’ principle Use of the principle to determine the relative

densities of solids and liquids.
(ii) Law of flotation Establishing the conditions for a body to float in
4
a fluid. Applications in hydrometer, balloons,

boats, ships, submarines etc.
TOPICS NOTES
7. Motion
(a) Types of motion: Only qualitative treatment is required.
Random, rectilinear, translational, Illustration should be given for the various types of
Rotational, circular, orbital, spin, motion.
Oscillatory.
(b) Relative motion Numerical problems on co-linear motion may be set.
(c) Cause of motion Force as cause of motion.
(d) Types of force:

(i) Contact force Push and pull
(ii) Non-contact force(field force) These are field forces namely; electric and magnetic
attractions and repulsions; gravitational pull.
Frictional force between two stationary bodies

(static) and between two bodies in relative motion
(e) Solid friction
(dynamic). Coefficients of limiting friction and their
determinations. Advantages of friction e.g. in
locomotion, friction belt, grindstone. Disadvantages
of friction e.g reduction of efficiency, wear and tear
of machines. Methods of reducing friction; e.g. use
of ball bearings, rollers, streamlining and lubrication.
Definition and effects. Simple explanation as

extension of friction in fluids. Fluid friction and its
application in lubrication should be treated
(f) Viscosity (friction in fluids)
qualitatively. Terminal velocity and its
determination.
Experiments with a string tied to a stone at one end

and whirled around should be carried out to
(g) Simple ideas of circular motion
(i) demonstrate motion in a
Vertical/horizontal circle.
TOPICS NOTES
5
(i) show the difference between angular speed and

velocity.
(ii) Draw a diagram to illustrate centripetal force.

Banking of roads in reducing sideways friction
should be qualitatively discussed.
8. Speed and velocity
(a) Concept of speed as change of

distance with time
(b) Concept of velocity as change of Metre per second (ms-1) as unit of speed/velocity.
displacement with time
(c) Uniform/non-uniform Ticker-timer or similar devices should be used to

speed/velocity determine speed/velocity. Definition of velocity as
∆ s ∆t.
Determination of instantaneous speed/velocity from

(d) Distance/displacement-time graph distance/displacement-time graph and by calculation.
9. Rectilinear acceleration
(a) Concept of
Acceleration/deceleration as Unit of acceleration as ms-2
increase/decrease in velocity with
time.
(b) Uniform/non-uniform acceleration

Ticker timer or similar devices should be used to
determine acceleration. Definition of acceleration as
∆ v ∆t .
(c) Velocity-time graph
Determination of acceleration and displacement
from velocity-time graph
(d) Equations of motion with constant
acceleration; Use of equations to solve numerical problems.
Motion under gravity as a special

case.
TOPICS NOTES
6
10. Scalars and vectors
(a) Concept of scalars as physical Mass, distance, speed and time as examples of
quantities with magnitude and no scalars.
direction
(b) Concept of vectors as physical Weight, displacement, velocity and acceleration as

quantities with both magnitude and examples of vectors.
direction.
(c) Vector representation
(d) Addition of vectors Use of force board to determine the resultant of two
forces.
(e) Resolution of vectors

Obtain the resultant of two velocities analytically
and graphically.
(f) Resultant velocity using vector
representation.
11. Equilibrium of forces Torque/Moment of force. Simple treatment of a

couple, e.g. turning of water tap, corkscrew and
(a) Principle of moments steering wheel.)
Use of force board to determine resultant and

equilibrant forces. Treatment should include
(b) Conditions for equilibrium of rigid resolution of forces into two perpendicular directions
bodies under the action of parallel and composition of forces
and non-parallel forces. Parallelogram of forces. Triangle of forces.
Should ne treated experimentally. Treatment should

include stable, unstable and neutral equilibra.
(c) Centre of gravity and stability

Use of a loaded test-tube oscillating vertically in a
liquid, simple pendulum, spiral spring and bifilar
12. Simple harmonic motion suspension to demonstrate simple harmonic motion.
(a) Illustration, explanation and

definition of simple harmonic
motion (S.H.M)
TOPICS NOTES
7
(b) Speed and acceleration of S.H.M. Relate linear and angular speeds, linear and angular
accelerations.
(c) Period, frequency and amplitude Experimental determination of ‘g’ with the simple
of a body executing S.H.M. pendulum and helical spring. The theory of the
principles should be treated but derivation of the
formula for ‘g’ is not required
(d) Energy of S.H.M
Simple problems may be set on simple harmonic
motion. Mathematical proof of simple harmonic
(e) Forced vibration and resonance motion in respect of spiral spring, bifilar suspension
and loaded test-tube is not required.
Distinction between inertia mass and weight

13. Newton’s laws of motion:
(a) First Law:

Inertia of rest and inertia of Use of timing devices e.g. ticker-timer to determine
motion the acceleration of a falling body and the
relationship when the accelerating force is constant.
(b) Second Law:
Force, acceleration, momentum Linear momentum and its conservation.
and impulse Collision of elastic bodies in a straight line.
Applications: recoil of a gun, jet and rocket

propulsions.
(c) Third Law:

Action and reaction
PART II
ENERGY: Mechanical and Heat
8
TOPICS NOTES
14. Energy:
(a) Forms of energy Examples of various forms of energy should be
mentioned e.g. mechanical (potential and kinetic),
heat chemical, electrical, light, sound, nuclear.
(b) World energy resources Renewable (e.g. solar, wind, tides, hydro, ocean
waves) and non-renewable (e.g. petroleum, coal,
nuclear, biomass) sources of energy should be
discussed briefly.
(c) Conservation of energy. Statement of the principle of conservation of energy

and its use in explaining energy transformations.
15. Work, Energy and Power
(a) Concept of work as a measure of Unit of energy as the joule (J)

energy transfer
(b) Concept of energy as capability to Unit of energy as the joule (J) while unit of electrical
do work consumption is KWh.
Work done in lifting a body and by falling bodies

(c) Work done in a gravitational field.
Derivation of P.E and K.E are expected to be known.
Identification of types of energy possessed by a body
(d) Types of mechanical energy under given conditions.
(i) Potential energy (P.E.)
(ii) Kinetic energy (K.E) Verification of the principle.
(e) Conservation of mechanical

energy.
TOPICS NOTES
9
(f) Concept of power as time rate of Unit of power as the watt (W)
doing work.
(g) Application of mechanical energy- The force ratio (F.R), mechanical advantage (M.A),
machines. velocity ratio (V.R) and efficiency of each machine
Levers, pulleys, inclined plane, should be treated.
wedge, screw, wheel and axle, Identification of simple machines that make up a
gears. given complicated machine e.g. bicycle.
Effects of friction on Machines. Reduction of
friction in machines.
16. Heat Energy
(a) Temperature and its measurement Concept of temperature as degree of hotness or

coldness of a body. Construction and graduation of
a simple thermometer.
Properties of thermometric liquids. The following
thermometer, should be treated:
Constant – volume gas thermometer, resistance
thermometer, thermocouple, liquid-in-glass
thermometer including maximum and minimum
thermometer and clinical thermometer, pyrometer
should be mentioned. Celsius and Absolute scales
of temperature. Kelvin and degree Celsius as units of
temperature.
(b) Effects of heat on matter e.g Use of the Kinetic theory to explain effects of heat.
(i) Rise in temperature Mention should be made of the following effects:

(ii) Change of phase state Change of colour
(iii) Expansion Thermionic emission
(iv) Change of resistance Change in chemical properties
(c) Thermal expansion – Linear, area Qualitative and quantitative treatment

and volume expansivities Consequences and application of expansions.
Expansion in buildings and bridges, bimetallic strips,
thermostat, over-head cables causing sagging nd in
railway lines causing buckling. Real and apparent
expansion of liquids. Anomalous expansion of
water.
TOPICS NOTES
10
(d) Heat transfer – Per Kelvin (K-1) as the unit of expansivity.

Condition, convention and
radiation. Use of the kinetic theory to explain the modes of
heat transfer. Simple experimental illustrations.
Treatment should include the explanation of land
and sea breezes, ventilation and application s in
cooling devices. The vacuum flask.
(e) The gas laws-Boyle’s law The laws should be verified using simple apparatus.
Charles’ law, pressure law and Use of the kinetic theory to explain the laws. Simple
general gas law problems may be set. Mention should be made of
the operation of safety air bags in vehicles.
(f) Measurement of heat energy: Use of the method of mixtures and the electrical
(i) Concept of heat capacity method to determine the specific heat capacities of
(ii) Specific heat capacity. solids and liquids. Land and sea breezes related to
the specific heat capacity of water and land, Jkg-1
K-1 as unit of specific heat capacity.
(g) Latent heat Explanation and types of latent heat.

(i) Concept of latent heat
(ii) Melting point and boiling Determination of the melting point of solid and the
Point boiling point of a liquid. Effects of impurities and
pressure on melting and boiling points. Application
in pressure cooker.
(iii) Specific latent heat of fusion Use of the method of mixtures and the electrical
and of vaporization method to determine the specific latent heats of
fusion of ice and of vaporization of steam.
Applications in refrigerators and air conditioners.
Jkg-1 as unit of specific latent heat
TOPICS NOTES
11
(h) Evaporation and boiling Effect of temperature, humidity, surface area and
draught on evaporation to be discussed.
(i) Vapour and vapour pressure Explanation of vapour and vapour pressure.
Demonstration of vapour pressure using simple
experiments. Saturated vapour pressure and its
relation to boiling.
Measurement of dew point and relative humidity.

(j) Humidity, relative humidity and Estimation of humidity of the atmosphere using wet
dew point and dry-bulb hygrometer.
Formation of dew, fog and rain.

(k) Humidity and the weather
PART III
WAVES
TOPICS NOTES
17. Production and propagation of waves
(a) Production and propagation of Use of ropes and springs (slinky) to generate
mechanical waves mechanical waves
(b) Pulsating system: Use of ripple tank to show water waves and to
Energy transmitted with definite demonstrate energy propagation by waves.
speed, frequency and wavelength. Hertz(Hz) as unit of frequency.
(c) Waveform Description and graphical representation.

Amplitude, wave length, frequency and period.
Sound and light as wave phenomena.
(d) Mathematical relationship V= f and T = simple problems may be set.

connecting frequency (f),
wavelength( ), period (T) and
velocity (v)
18. Types of waves

Examples to be given
(a) Transverse and longitudinal
Equation y = A sin (wt± ) to be explained
(b) Mathematical representation of Questions on phase difference will not be set.
12
wave motion.
Ripple tank should be extensively used to
demonstrate these properties with plane and circular
19. Properties of waves: waves. Explanation of the properties.
Reflection, refraction, diffraction,
Interference, superposition of
progressive waves producing standing
stationary waves
20. Light waves Natural and artificial. Luminous and non-luminous

bodies.
(a) Sources of light
TOPICS NOTES
(b) Rectilinear propagation of light Formation of shadows and eclipse. Pinhole camera.
Simple numerical problems may be set.
(c) Reflection of light at plane surface: Regular and irregular reflections. Verification of
plane mirror laws of reflection. Formation of images.
Inclined plane mirrors. Rotation of mirrors.
Applications in periscope, sextant and kaleidoscope.
(d) Reflection of light at curved Laws of reflection. Formation of images.

surfaces: concave and convex Characteristics of images. Use of mirror formulae:
mirrors + = and magnification m = to solve
numerical problems.
(Derivation of formulae is not required)
Experimental determination of the focal length of

concave mirror.
Applications in searchlight, parabolic and driving
mirrors, car headlamps etc.
(e) Refraction of light at plane surfaces: Laws of refraction. Formation of images, real and
rectangular glass prism (block) and Apparent depths. Critical angle and total internal
triangular prism. reflection. Lateral displacement and angle of
deviation. Use of minimum deviation equation:
(f) Refraction of light at curved Sin (A + Dm)

= 2
13
surfaces: Sin A/2

Converging and diverging lenses (Derivation of the formula is not required)
Applications: periscope, prism binoculars, optical
fibres. The mirage.
Formation of images. Use of lens formulae

+ = and magnification tp solve numerical
problems.
TOPICS NOTES
(derivation of the formulae not required).

Experimental determination of the focal length of
converging lens. Power of lens in dioptres (D)
(g) Application of lenses in optical Simple camera, the human eye, film projector,
instruments. simple and compound microscopes, terrestrial and
astronomical telescopes. Angular magnification.
Prism binoculars. The structure and function of the
camera and the human eye should be compared.
Defects of the human eye and their corrections.
(h) Dispersion of white light by a Production of pure spectrum of a white light.

triangular glass prism. Recombination of the components of the spectrum.
Colours of objects. Mixing coloured lights.
21. Electromagnetic waves: Elementary description and uses of various types of

Types of radiation in electromagnetic radiation: Radio, infrared, visible light, ultra-violet,
Spectrum X-rays, gamma rays.
22. Sound Waves
(a) Sources of sound

(b) Transmission of sound waves Experiment to show that a material medium is
required.
(c) Speed of sound in solid, liquid and To be compared. Dependence of velocity of sound
14
air on temperature and pressure to be considered.
(d) Echoes and reverberation Use of echoes in mineral exploration, and

determination of ocean depth. Thunder and multiple
reflections in a large room as examples of
reverberation.
(e) Noise and music Pitch, loudness and quality.

(f) Characteristics of sound
TOPICS NOTES
(g) Vibration in strings The use of sonometer to demonstrate the dependence

of frequency (f) on length (1), tension (T) and mass
per unit length (liner density) (m) of string should be
treated. Use of the formula:
o =
In solving simple numerical problems.
Applications in stringed instruments: e.g. guitar,
piano, harp and violin.
Use of resonance boxes and sonometer to illustrate

(h) Forced vibration
forced vibration.
Use of overtones to explain the quality of a musical

(i) Resonance
note. Applications in percussion instruments: e.g
(ii) Harmonies and overtones
drum, bell, cymbals, xylophone.
Measurement of velocity of sound in air or

(i) Vibration of air in pipe – open
frequency of tuning fork using the resonance tube.
and closed pipes
Use of the relationship v = in solving numerical
problems. End correction is expected to be
mentioned. Applications in wind instruments e.g.
organ, flute, trumpet, horn, clarinet and saxophone.
15
PART IV
FIELDS
TOPICS NOTES
23. Description property of fields.
(a) Concept of fields:

Gravitational, electric and
Magnetic
(b) Properties of a force field Use of compass needle and iron filings to show
magnetic field lines.
24. Gravitational field
(a) Acceleration due to gravity, (g) G as gravitational field intensity should be

mentioned, g = F/m.
(b) Gravitational force between two
masses: Masses include protons, electrons and planets
Newton’s law of gravitation Universal gravitational constant (G)

Relationship between ‘G’ and ‘g’
(c) Gravitational potential and escape Calculation of the escape velocity of a rocket from
velocity. the earth’s gravitational field.
25. Electric Field
(1) Electrostatics
(a) Production of electric charges Production by friction, induction and contact.
(b) Types of distribution of A simple electroscope should be used to detect and

charges compare charges on differently-shaped bodies.
(c) Storage of charges Application in light conductors.
(d) Electric lines of force Determination, properties and field patterns of

charges.
TOPICS NOTES
16
(e) Electric force between point Permittivity of a medium.

charges: Coulomb’s law
(f) Concepts of electric field, Calculation of electric field intensity and electric
electric field intensity (potential potential of simple systems.
gradient) and electric potential.
(g) Capacitance- Factors affecting the capacitance of a parallel-plate

Definition, arrangement and capacitor. The farad (F) as unit of capacitance.
application Capacitors in series and in parallel.
Energy stored in a charged capacitor. Uses of
capacitors: e.g. in radio and Television.
(Derivation of formulae for capacitance is not
required)
(2) Current electricity
(a) Production of electric current Simple cell and its defects. Daniel cell, Lechanché
from primary and secondary cell (wet and dry).
cells Lead-acid accumulator. Alkalne-cadium cell.
E.m.f. of a cell, the volt (V) as unit of e.m.f.
(b) Potential difference and electric Ohm’s law and resistance. Verification of Ohm’s
current law. The volt (V), ampere (A) and ohm (Ω) as units
of p.d., current and reisistance respectively.
(c) Electric circuit Series and parallel arrangement of cells and

resistors. Lost volt and internal resistance of
batteries.
(d) Electric conduction through Ohmic and non ohmic conductors. Examples of
materials ohmic conductors are metals, non-ohmic conductors
are semiconductors.
(e) Electric energy and power Quantitative definition of electrical energy and
power. Heating effect of an electric current and its
application. Conversion of electrical energy to
mechanical energy e.g. electric motors.
Conversion of solar energy to electrical and heat
energies: e.g. solar cells, solar heaters.
TOPICS NOTES
17
(f) Shunt and multiplier Use in conversion of a galvanometer into an

ammeter and a voltmeter.
(g) Resistivity and Conductivity Factors affecting the electrical resistance of a

material should be treated. Simple problems may be
set.
(h) Measurement of electric Principle of operation and use of ammeter,

current, potential difference, voltmeter, potentiometer. The wheatstone bridge
resistance, e.m.f. and internal and metre bridge.
resistance of a cell.
26. Magnetic field
(a) Properties of magnets and Practical examples such as soft iron, steel and alloys.
magnetic materials.
(b) Magnetization and Temporary and permanent magnets. Comparison of

demagnetization. iron and steel as magnetic materials.
(c) Concept of magnetic field Magnetic flux and magnetic flux density.
Magnetic field around a permanent magnet, a
current-carrying conductor and a solenoid.
Plotting of line of force to locate neutral points
Units of magnetic flux and magnetic flux density as
weber (Wb) and tesla (T) respectively.
(d) Magnetic force on: Qualitative treatment only. Applications: electric

(i) a current-carrying conductor motor and moving-coil galvanometer.
placed in a magnetic field;
(ii) between two parallel
current-carrying conductors Examples in electric bell, telephone earpiece etc.
(e) Use of electromagnets
Mariner’s compass. Angles of dip and declination.
(f) The earth’s magnetic field
Solving simple problems involving the motion of a
(g) Magnetic force on a moving charged particle in a magnetic field, using
charged particle F=qvB sin
27. Electromagnetic field

Identifying the directions of current, magnetic field
(a) Concept of electromagnetic field and force in an electromagnetic field (Fleming’s left-
hand rule).
TOPICS NOTES
18
(i) Shunt and multiplier Use in conversion of a galvanometer into an

ammeter and a voltmeter.
(j) Resistivity and Conductivity Factors affecting the electrical resistance of a

material should be treated. Simple problems may be
set.
(k) Measurement of electric Principle of operation and use of ammeter,

current, potential difference, voltmeter, potentiometer. The wheatstone bridge
resistance, e.m.f. and internal and metre bridge.
resistance of a cell.
26. Magnetic field
(h) Properties of magnets and Practical examples such as soft iron, steel and alloys.
magnetic materials.
(i) Magnetization and Temporary and permanent magnets. Comparison of

demagnetization. iron and steel as magnetic materials.
(j) Concept of magnetic field Magnetic flux and magnetic flux density.
Magnetic field around a permanent magnet, a
current-carrying conductor and a solenoid.
Plotting of line of force to locate neutral points
Units of magnetic flux and magnetic flux density as
weber (Wb) and tesla (T) respectively.
(k) Magnetic force on: Qualitative treatment only. Applications: electric

(i) a current-carrying conductor motor and moving-coil galvanometer.
placed in a magnetic field;
(ii) between two parallel
current-carrying conductors Examples in electric bell, telephone earpiece etc.
(l) Use of electromagnets
Mariner’s compass. Angles of dip and declination.
(m) The earth’s magnetic field
Solving simple problems involving the motion of a
(n) Magnetic force on a moving charged particle in a magnetic field, using F=qvB
charged particle sin
27. Electromagnetic field

Identifying the directions of current, magnetic field
(a) Concept of electromagnetic field and force in an electromagnetic field (Fleming’s left-
hand rule).
TOPIC NOTES
19
(b) Electromagnetic induction
Faraday’s law ,Lenz’s law and Applications: Generator (d.c.and a.c.) induction coil
motor-generator effect and transformer. The principles underlying the
production of direct and alternating currents should
be treated. Equation E = Eo sinwt should be
explained.
(c) Inductance Qualitative explanation of self and mutual

inductance. The unit of inductance is henry (H).
(E = LI2)
Application in radio,T.V., transformer.

(Derivation of formula is not required).
(d) Eddy currents
A method of reducing eddy current losses should be
treated. Applications in induction furnace,
speedometer, etc.
Reduction of power losses in high-tension

(e) Power transmission and
transmission lines. Household wiring system should
distribution
be discussed.
28. Simple a.c. circuits
(a) Graphical representation of e.m.f

Graphs of equation I – Io sin wt and\E = Eo sinwt
and current in an a.c. circult.
should be treated.
(b) Peak and r..m.s. values
Phase relationship between voltage and current in
the circuit elements; resistor, inductor and capacitor.
TOPIC
NOTES
20
(c) Series circuit containing Simple calculations involving a.c. circuit.

resistor, inductor and capacitor (Derivation of formulae is not required.)
(d) Reactance and impedance XL and Xc should be treated. Simple numerical

problems may be set.
(e) Vector diagrams
(f) Resonance in an a.c, circuit Applications in tuning of radio and T.V. should be
discussed.
(g) Power in an a.c. circuit.
PART V
ATOMIC AND NUCELAR PHYSICS
TOPICS NOTES
.
29. Structure of the atom Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr and electron-
cloud (wave-mechanical) models should be
(a) Models of the atom discussed qualitatively. Limitations of each
model. Quantization of angular momentum
(Bohr)
Energy levels in the atom. Colour and light

frequency. Treatment should include the
(b) Energy quantization following: Frank-Hertz experiment, Line
spectra from hot bodies, absorption spectra
and spectra of discharge lamps.
Explanation of photoelectric effect. Dual

nature of light. Work function and threshold
(c) Photoelectric effect frequency. Einstein’s photoelectric equation
and its explanation. Application in T.V.,
camera, etc.
Simple problems may be set.
(d) Thermionic emission Explanation and applications.
21
(e) X-rays Production of X-rays and structure of X-ray

tube.
Types, characteristics, properties, uses and
30. Structure of the nucleus hazards of X-rays. Safety precautions
(a) Composition of the nucleus Protons and neutrons. Nucleon number (A),
proton number (Z), neutron number (N) and
the equation: A-Z + N to be treated.
Nuclides and their notation. Isotopes.
TOPICS NOTES
(a) Radioactivity – Radioactive elements, radioactive emissions

Natural and artificial ( ,β, )and their properties and uses.
Detection of radiations by G – M counter,
photographic plates, etc. should be
mentioned. Radioactive decay, half-life and
decay constant.
Transformation of elements. Applications of
radioactivity in agriculture, medicine,
industry, archaeology, etc.
(b) Nuclear reactions --- Distinction between fusion and fission.

Fusion and Fission Binding energy, mass defect and energy
equation:
E= ∆ mc2
Nuclear reactors. Atomic bomb. Radiation

hazards and safety precautions. Peaceful
uses of nuclear reactions.
31. Wave-particle paradox
(a) Electron diffraction Simple illustration of the dual nature of

(b) Duality of matter light.
22
HARMONISED TOPICS FOR SHORT STRUCTURED QUESTIONS FOR

ALL MEMBER COUNTRIES
TOPICS NOTES
1. Derived quantities and dimensional Fundamental quantities and units e.g. Length, mass,
Analysis time, electric current, luminous intensity e.t.c., m,
kg,s, A, cd, e.t.c. as their respective units
Derived quantities and units. e.g. volume, density,
speed e.t.c. m3, kgm-3, ms-1 e.t.c. as their respective
unit
Explanation of dimensions in terms of fundamental
and derived quantities. Uses of dimensions
- to verity dimensional correctness of a given
equation
- to derive the relationship between quantities
- to obtain derived units.
2. Projectile motion concept of Applications of projectiles in warfare, sports etc.

projectiles as an object thrown/release Simple problems involving range, maximum height
into space and time of flight may be set.
3. Satellites and rockets Meaning of a satellite comparison of natural and

artificial satellites parking orbits, Geostationary
satellites and period of revolution and speed of a
satellite.
Uses of satellites and rockets
4. Elastic Properties of solid: Behaviour of elastic materials under stress – features

Hooke’s law, Young’s modules and of load – extension graph
work done in springs and string Simple calculations on Hook’s law and Young’s
modulus.
Thermal conductivity: Solar energy; solar panel for heat energy supply.
Solar energy collector and Black body Explanation of a blackbody. Variation of intensity
Radiation. of black body radiation with wavelength at different
temperatures.
5. Fibre Optics Explanation of concept of fibre optics.

Principle of transmission of light through an optical
fibre
Applications of fibre optics e.g. local area Networks
(LAN) medicine, rensing devices, carrying laser
beams e.t.c.
TOPICS NOTES
23
6. Introduction to LASER Meaning of LASER

Types of LASERS
(Solid state, gas, liquid and semi-conductor
LASERS
Application of LASERS
(in Scientific research, communication, medicine
military technology, Holograms e.t.c.
Dangers involved in using LASERS.
7. Magnetic materials Uses of magnets and ferromagnetic materials.
8. Electrical Conduction through Distinction between conductors, semiconductors and

materials [Electronic] insulators in term of band theory.
Semi conductor materials (silicon and germanium)
Meaning of intrinsic semiconductors. (Example of
materials silicon and germanium). Charge carriers
Doping production of p-type and n-type extrinsic
semi conductors.
Junction diode – forward and reverse biasing,
voltage characteristics. Uses of diodes Half and full
wave rectification.
9. Structure of matter Use of kinetic theory to explain diffusion.
10. Wave – particle paradox Electron diffraction

Duality of matter
Simple illustrations of dual nature of light.
24
CHEMISTRY
1. INTRODUCTION
This syllabus is drawn purposely for examination, hence the topics are not necessarily
arranged in the order in which they should be taught.
The following assumptions were made in drawing of the syllabus:
(1) That candidates must have covered the Integrated Science/Basic Science or General
Science and Mathematics syllabuses at the Junior Secondary School (JSS)/Junior High
School (J.H.S) level;
(2) That candidates would carry out as many of the suggested activities and project work as
possible, and consequently develop the intended competencies and skills as spelt out in
the relevant Chemistry teaching syllabuses;
(3) That schools which offer the subject have well-equipped laboratories.
Note: Candidates are required to have the knowledge of the significant figures, S.I.
units and the conventional/IUPAC system of nomenclature.
2. AIMS
The aims and objectives of the syllabus are to assess candidates’
(1) understanding of basic chemistry concepts;

(2) level of acquisition of laboratory skills including awareness of hazards and safety
measures;
(3) level of awareness of the inter-relationship between chemistry and other discipline;
(4) level of awareness of the linkage between chemistry and industry/environment/everyday
life in terms of benefits and hazards;
(5) skills of critical and logical thinking.
3. EXAMINATION SCHEME
There shall be three papers - Papers 1, 2 and 3 all of which must be taken. Paper 1 and 2
shall be a composite paper to be taken at one sitting.
PAPER 1: Will consist of fifty multiple choice objective questions drawn from Section A of
the syllabus (ie the portion of the syllabus which is common to all candidates) .
Candidates will be required to answer all the questions within 1 hour for 50
marks.
1
PAPER 2: Will be a 2-hour essay paper covering the entire syllabus and carrying
100 marks. The paper will be in two sections; Sections A and B.
Section A: Will consist of ten short structured questions drawn from the
common portion of the syllabus. (i.e. Section A of the syllabus).
Candidates will be required to answer all the questions for 25
marks.
Section B: Will consist of two questions from the common portion of the
syllabus (i.e. Section A of the syllabus) and two other questions
from the section of the syllabus which is perculiar to the country of
the candidate (i.e. either Section B or C of the syllabus).
Candidates will be required to answer any three of the questions.
Each question shall carry 25 marks.
PAPER 3: This shall be a 2-hour practical test for school candidates or 1 hour
30 minutes alternative to practical work test for private candidates. Each
version of the paper shall contain three compulsory questions and carry 50
marks.
The questions shall be on the following aspects of the syllabus:
- One question on quantitative analysis;

- One question on qualitative analysis;
- The third question shall test candidates’ familiarity with the
practical activities suggested in their teaching syllabuses.
Details of the input into the continuous assessment shall be given by the Council.
2
SECTION A
(For all candidates)
CONTENT NOTES
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY

(a) (i) Measurement of physical quantities.
(ii) Scientific measurements and their (1) Measurement of mass, length, time,
importance in chemistry. temperature and volume.
(2) Appropriate SI units and significant
figures.
(3) Precision and accuracy in
measurement.
(b) Scientific Methods Outline the scientific method to include:

Observation, hypothesis,
experimentation, formulation of laws
and theories.
2.0 STRUCTURE OF THE ATOM

(a) Gross features of the atom. (1) Short account of Dalton’s atomic
theory and limitations, J.J.
Thompson’s experiment and Bohr’s
model of the atom.
(2) Outline description of the
Rutherford’s alpha scattering
experiment to establish the structure
of the atom.
(b) (i) Atomic number/proton number, Meaning and representation in symbols of

number of neutrons, isotopes, atomic atoms and sub-atomic particles.
mass, mass number.
3
CONTENT NOTES
(ii) Relative atomic mass (Ar) and (1) Atomic mass as the weighted average
relative molecular mass (Mr) based mass of isotopes. Calculation of
on Carbon-12 scale. relative mass of chlorine should be
used as an example.
(2) Carbon-12 scale as a unit of
measurement.
Definition of atomic mass unit.
(iii) Characteristics and Atoms, molecules and ions.

nature of matter. Definition of particles and treatment of
particles as building blocks of matter.
(c) Particulate nature of mater: physical and Explain physical and chemical changes
chemical changes. with examples.
Physical change- melting of solids,
magnetization of iron, dissolution of salt
etc.
Chemical change- burning of wood,
rusting of iron, decay of leaves etc.
(d) (i) Electron Configuration Detailed electron configurations (s,p,d)

for atoms of the first thirty elements.
(ii) Orbitals Origin of s,p and d orbitals as sub-energy

levels; shapes of s and p orbitals only.
(iii) Rules and principles (1) Aufbau Principle, Hund’s Rule of

for filling in electrons. Maximum Multiplicity and Pauli
Exclusion Principle.
(2) Abbreviated and detailed electron
configuration in terms of s, p, and d.
4
CONTENT NOTES
3.0 STANDARD SEPARATION

TECHNIQUES
FOR MIXTURES
(a) Classification of mixtures. Solid-solid, solid-liquid, liquid-liquid,
gas-gas with examples.
(b) Separation techniques Crystallization, distillation, precipitation,

magnetization, chromatography,
sublimation etc.
(c) Criteria for purity. Boiling point for liquids and melting
point for solids.
4.0 PERIODIC CHEMISTRY

(a) Periodicity of the elements. Electron configurations leading to group
and periodic classifications.
(b) Different categories of elements in the Metals, semi-metals, non-metals in the

periodic table. periodic table and halogens. Alkali
metals, alkaline earth metals and
transition metals as metals.
(c) Periodic law: Explanation of the periodic law.
(i) Trends on periodic table; Periodic properties; atomic size, ionic

size, ionization energy, electron affinity
and electronegativity.
Simple discrepancies should be
accounted for in respect to beryllium,
boron, oxygen and nitrogen.
(ii) Periodic gradation of the elements in (1) Progression from:

the third period (Na - Ar). (i) metallic to non-metallic character
of element;
(ii) ionic to covalent bonding in
compounds.
5
CONTENTS NOTES
(2) Differences and similarities in the

properties between the second and the
third period elements should be
stated.
(d) Reactions between acids and metals, (1) Period three metals (Na, Mg, Al).
their oxides and trioxocarbonates (IV). (2) Period four metals (K, Ca).
(3) Chemical equations.
(4) pH of solutions of the metallic oxides
and trioxocarbonates.
(e) Periodic gradation of elements in group Recognition of group variations noting

seven, the halogens: F, Cl, Br and I. any anomalies.
Treatment should include the following:
(a) physical states, melting and boiling
points;
(b) variable oxidation states;
(c) redox properties of the elements;
(d) displacement reaction of one halogen
by another;
(e) reaction of the elements with water
and alkali (balanced equations
required).
(f) Elements of the first transition series. (1) Their electron configurations,
21Sc – 30Zn physical properties and chemical
reactivity of the elements and their
compounds.
(2) Physical properties should include:
physical states, metallic properties
and magnetic properties.
(3) Reactivity of the metals with air,
water, acids and comparison with s-
block elements (Li, Na, Be, Mg).
6
CONTENT NOTES
(4) Other properties of transition metals

should include:
(a) variable oxidation states;
(b) formation of coloured
compounds;
(c) complex formation;
(d) catalytic abilities;
(e) paramagnetism;
(f) hardness.
5.0 CHEMICAL BONDS

(a) Interatomic bonding Meaning of chemical bonding.
Lewis dot structure for simple ionic and
covalent compounds.
(b) (i) Formation of ionic bonds and Formation of stable compounds from
compounds. ions. Factors influencing formation:
ionzation energy; electron affinity and
electronegativity difference.
(ii) Properties of ionic compounds. Solubility in polar and non-polar

solvents, electrical conductivity, hardness
and melting point.
(c) Naming of ionic compounds. IUPAC system for simple ionic

compounds.
(d) Formation of covalent bonds and Factors influencing covalent bond

compounds. formation. Electron affinity, ionization
energy, atomic size and electronegativity.
(e) (i) Properties of covalent compounds. Solubility in polar and non-polar

solvents, melting point, boiling point and
electrical conductivity.
(ii) Coordinate (dative) covalent bonding. Formation and difference between pure
covalent and coordinate (dative) covalent
bonds.
7
CONTENT NOTES
(f) Shapes of molecular compounds. Linear, planar, tetrahedral and shapes for
some compounds e.g. BeCl2, BF3, CH4,
NH3, CO2.
(g) (i) Metallic Bonding
(ii) Factors influencing its formation. Factors should include: atomic radius,
ionization energy and number of valence
electrons. Types of specific packing not
required.
(iii) Properties of metals. Typical properties including heat and

electrical conductivity, malleability,
lustre, ductility, sonority and hardness.
(h) (i) Inter molecular bonding Relative physical properties of polar and
non-polar compounds.
(ii) Intermolecular forces in covalent Description of formation and nature
compounds. should be treated.
Dipole-dipole, induced dipole-dipole,
induced dipole-induced dipole forces
should be treated under van der Waal’s
forces.
(iii) Hydrogen bonding Variation of the melting points and

boiling points of noble gases, halogens
and alkanes in the homologous series
explained in terms of van der Waal’s
(iii) van der Waals forces forces; and variation in the boiling points
of H2O, and H2S explained using
Hydrogen bonding.
(iv) Comparison of all bond types.
8
CONTENT NOTES
6.0 STOICHIOMETRY AND CHEMICAL

REACTIONS
(a) (i) Symbols, formulae and equations. Symbols of the first thirty elements and
other common elements that are not
among the first thirty elements.
(ii) chemical symbols
(iii) Empirical and molecular formulae. Calculations involving formulae and

equations will be required. Mass and
volume relationships in chemical
reactions and the stoichiometry of such
reactions such as: calculation of
percentage composition of element.
(iv) Chemical equations and IUPAC (1) Combustion reactions (including

names of chemical compounds. combustion of simple hydrocarbons)
(2) Synthesis
(3) Displacement or replacement
(4) Decomposition
(5) Ionic reactions
(v) Laws of chemical combination. (1) Laws of conservation of mass.

(2) Law of constant composition.
(3) Law of multiple proportions.
Explanation of the laws to balance
given equations.
(4) Experimental illustration of the law
of conservation of mass.
(b) Amount of substance. (1) Mass and volume measurements.

(2) The mole as a unit of measurement;
Avogadro’s constant, L= 6.02 x 1023
entities mol-1.
(3) Molar quantities and their uses.
(4) Moles of electrons, atoms, molecules,
formula units etc.
9
CONTENT NOTES
(c) Mole ratios Use of mole ratios in determining

stoichiometry of chemical reactions.
Simple calculations to determine the
number of entities, amount of substance,
mass, concentration, volume and
percentage yield of product.
(d) (i) Solutions (1) Concept of a solution as made up of

solvent and solute.
(2) Distinguishing between dilute
solution and concentrated solution.
(3) Basic, acidic and neutral solutions.
(ii) Concentration terms Mass (g) or moles (mol) per unit volume.
Emphasis on current IUPAC chemical
terminology, symbols and conventions.
Concentration be expressed as mass
concentration, g dm-3, molar
concentration, mol dm-3.
(iii) Standard solutions. (1) Preparation of some primary

standards e.g anhydrous Na2CO3,
(COOH)2, 2H2O/H2C2O4.2H2O.
(2) Meanning of the terms primary
standard, secondary standard and
standard solution.
(e) Preparation of solutions from liquid Dilution factor

solutes by the method of dilution.
.
10
CONTENT NOTES
7.0 STATES OF MATTER

(a) (i) Kinetic theory of matter. (1) Postulates of the kinetic theory of
matter.
(2) Use of the kinetic theory to explain
the following processes: melting of
solids, boiling of liquids, evaporation
of liquids, dissolution of solutes,
Brownian motion and diffusion.
(ii) Changes of state of matter. (1) Changes of state of matter should be

explained in terms of movement of
particles. It should be emphasized that
randomness decreases (and orderliness
increases) from gaseous state to liquid
state and to solid state and vice versa.
(2) Illustrations of changes of state using the
different forms of water, iodine, sulphur,
naphthalene etc.
(3) Brownian motion to be illustrated using
any of the following experiments:
(a) pollen grains/powdered sulphur in
water (viewed under a microscope);
(b) smoke in a glass container
illuminated by a strong light from the
side;
(c) a dusty room being swept and
viewed from outside under sunlight.
(iii) Diffusion
(1) Experimental demonstration of
diffusion of two gases.
(2) Relationship between speed at which
different gas particles move and the
masses of particles.
(3) Experimental demonstration of
diffusion of solute particles in
liquids.
11
CONTENT NOTES
(b) Gases:
(i) Characteristics and nature of gases; Arrangement of particles, density, shape
and compressibility.
(ii) The gas laws; The Gas laws: Charles’; Boyle’s;

Dalton’s law of partial pressure;
Graham’s law of diffusion, Avogadro’s
law. The ideal gas equation of state.
Qualitative explanation of each of the
gas laws using the kinetic model.
The use of Kinetic molecular theory to
explain changes in gas volumes,
pressure, temperature.
Mathematical relations of the gas law
PV= nRT
Ideal and Real gases
Factors responsible for the deviation of
real gases from ideal situation.
(iii) Laboratory preparation and properties of (1) Preparation of the following gases:
some gases. H2, NH3 and CO2. Principles of
purification and collection of gases.
(2) Physical and chemical properties of
the gases.
(c) (i) Liquids Characteristics and nature of liquids

based on the arrangement of particles,
shape, volume, compressibility, density
and viscosity.
(ii) Vapour and gases. (1) Concept of vapour, vapour pressure,

saturated vapour pressure, boiling
and evaporation.
(2) Distinction between vapour and gas.
(3) Effect of vapour pressure on boiling
points of liquids.
(4) Boiling at reduced pressure.
12
CONTENT NOTES
(d) Solids:
(i) Characteristics and nature; (1) Ionic, metallic, covalent network and
molecular solids. Examples in each
case.
(2) Arrangements of particles ions,
molecules and atoms in the solid
state.
(ii) Types and structures; Relate the properties of solids to the type
of interatomic and intermolecular
bonding in the solids. Identification of
the types of chemical bonds in graphite
and differences in the physical properties.
(iii) Properties of solids.
(e) Structures, properties and uses of The uses of diamond and graphite related
diamond and graphite. to the structure.
The use of iodine in everyday life.
(f) Determination of melting points of Melting points as indicator of purity of

covalent solids. solids e.g. Phenyl methanedioic acid
(benzoic acid), ethanedioic acid (oxalic)
and ethanamide.
8.0 ENERGY AND ENERGY CHANGES

(a) Energy and enthalpy Explanation of the terms energy and
enthalpy. Energy changes associated with
chemical processes.
(b) Description, definition and illustrations (1) Exothermic and endothermic

of energy changes and their effects. processes.
(2) Total energy of a system as the sum
of various forms of energy e.g.
kinetic, potential, electrical, heat,
sound etc.
(3) Enthalpy changes involved in the
following processes: combustion,
dissolution and neutralization.
13
CONTENT NOTES
9.0 ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

(a) Definitions of acids and bases. (1) Arrhenius concepts of acids and
bases in terms of H3O+ and OH- ions
in water.
(2) Effects of acids and bases on
indicators, metal Zn, Fe and
trioxocarbonate (IV) salts and
hydrogentrioxocarbonate (IV) salts.
(b) Physical and chemical properties of acids Characteristic properties of acids and
and bases. bases in aqueous solution to include:
(a) conductivities, taste,
litmus/indicators, feel etc.;
(b) balanced chemical equations of all
reactions.
(c) Acids, bases and salts as electrolytes. Electrolytes and non-electrolytes; strong
and weak electrolytes. Evidence from
conductivity and enthalpy of
neutralization.
(d) Classification of acids and bases. (1) Strength of acids and bases.
(2) Classify acids and bases into strong
and weak.
(3) Extent of dissociation reaction with
water and conductivity.
(4) Behaviour of weak acids and weak
bases in water as example of
equilibrium systems.
(e) Concept of pH (1) Definition of pH and knowledge of

pH scale.
(2) Measurement of pH of solutions
using pH meter, calometric methods
or universal indicator.
(3) Significance of pH values in
everyday life e.g. acid rain, pH of
soil, blood, urine.
14
CONTENT NOTES
(f) Salts: Meaning of salts.

Types of salts: normal, acidic, basic,
double and complex salts.
(i) Laboratory and industrial preparation (1) Description of laboratory and

of salts; industrial production of salts.
(ii) Uses; (2) Mining of impure sodium chloride
and conversion into granulated salt.
(3) Preparation of NaOH, Cl2 and H2.
(iii) Hydrolysis of salt. (1) Explanation of how salts forms

acidic, alkaline and neutral aqueous
solutions.
(2) Behaviour of some salts (e.g NH4Cl,
AlCl3, Na2CO3, CH3COONa) in
water as examples of equilibrium
systems.
(3) Effects of charge density of some
cations and anions on the hydrolysis
of their aqueous solution. Examples
to be taken from group 1, group 2,
group 3 and the d-block element.
(g) Deliquescent, efflorescent and
hygroscopic compound. Use of hygroscopic compounds as
drying agent should be emphasized.
(h) Acid-Base indicators
(1) Qualitative description of how acid-
base indicator works.
(2) Indicators as weak organic acids or
bases (organic dyes).
(3) Colour of indicator at any pH
dependent on relative amounts of
acid and forms.
(4) Working pH ranges of methyl orange
and phenolphthalein.
(i) Acid-Base titration
(1) Knowledge and correct use of
relevant apparatus.
(2) Knowledge of how acid-bases
indicators work in titrations.
15
CONTENT
NOTES
(3) Acid-base titration experiments

involving HCl, HNO3, H2SO4 and
NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)2, CO32-,
HCO3-.
(4) Titration involving weak acids
versus strong bases, strong acids
versus weak bases and strong acids
versus strong bases using the
appropriate indicators and their
applications in quantitative
determination; e.g. concentrations,
mole ratio, purity, water of
crystallization and composition.
10.0 SOLUBILITY OF SUBTANCES

(a) General principles (1) Meaning of Solubility.
(2) Saturated and unsaturated solutions.
(3) Saturated solution as an equilibrium
system.
(4) Solubility expressed in terms of: mol
dm-3 and g dm-3 of solution/solvent.
(5) Solubility curves and their uses.
(6) Effect of temperature on solubility of
a substance.
(7) Relationship between solubility and
crystallization.
(8) Crystallization/recrystallization as a
method of purification.
(9) Knowledge of soluble and insoluble
salts of stated cations and anions.
(10) Calculations on solubility.
(b) Practical application of solubility. Generalization about solubility of salts

and their applications to qualitative
analysis. e.g. Pb2+, Ca2+, Al3+, Cu2+,
Fe2+, Fe3+, Cl-, Br-, I-, SO42-, S2-, and
CO32-, Zn2+, NH4+, SO32-
Explanation of solubility rules.
16
CONTENT NOTES
11.0 CHEMICAL KINETICS AND

EQUILIBRIUM SYSTEM
(a) Rate of reactions: (1) Definition of reaction rate.
(2) Observable physical and changes:
colour, mass, temperature, pH,
formation of precipitate etc.
(i) Factors affecting rates; (1) Physical states, concentration/

pressure of reactants, temperature,
catalysts, light, particle size and
nature of reactants.
(2) Appropriate experimental
demonstration for each factor is
required.
(ii) Theories of reaction rates; (1) Collision and transition state

theories to be treated qualitatively
only.
(2) Factors influencing collisions:
temperature and concentration.
(3) Effective collision.
(4) Activation energy.
(5) Energy profile showing activation
energy and enthalpy change.
(iii) Analysis and interpretation of graphs. Drawing of graphs and charts.
(b) Equilibrium:
(i) General Principle; Explanation of reversible and
irreversible reactions. Reversible
reaction i.e. dynamic equilibrium.
Equilibrium constant K must be treated
qualitatively. It must be stressed that K
for a system is constant at constant
temperature.
Simple experiment to demonstrate
reversible reactions.
17
CONTENT NOTES
(ii) Le Chatelier’s principle. Prediction of the effects of external

influence of concentration, temperature
pressure and volume changes on
equilibrium systems.
12.0 REDOX REACTIONS
(a) Oxidation and reduction process. (1) Oxidation and reduction in terms of:
(a) addition and removal of oxygen
and hydrogen;
(b) loss and gain of electrons;
(c) change in oxidation
numbers/states.
(2) Determination of oxidation
numbers/states.
(b) Oxidizing and reducing agents. (1) Description of oxidizing and reducing
agents in terms of:
(a) addition and removal of oxygen
and hydrogen;
(b) loss and gain of electrons;
(c) change in oxidation numbers/state.
(c) Redox equations
Balancing redox equations by:
(a) ion, electron or change in oxidation
number/states;
(b) half reactions and overall reaction.
(d) Electrochemical cells:
Definition/Explanation
(i) Standard electrode potential; (1) Standard hydrogen electrode:
meaning of standard electrode
potential (Eo) and its measurement.
(2) Only metal/metal ion systems should
be used.
(ii) Drawing of cell diagram and writing

cell notation.
18
CONTENT NOTES
(1) Electrochemical cells as a

(iii) e.m.f of cells; combination of two half-cells.
(2) The meaning of magnitude and sign
of the e.m.f.
(1) Distinction between primary and

(iv) Application of Electrochemical cells.
secondary cells
(2) Daniell cell, lead acid battery cell, dry
cells, fuel cells and their use as
generators of electrical energy from
chemical reactions.
(e) Electrolysis: Definition.
(i) Electrolytic cells; Comparison of electrolytic and

electrochemical cells; weak and strong
electrolyte.
(ii) Principles of electrolysis;
Mechanism of electrolysis.
(iii) Factors influencing discharge of Limit electrolytes to molten PbBr2

species; and NaCl, dilute NaCl solution,
concentrated NaCl solution, CuSO4(aq),
dilute H2SO4, NaOH(aq) and CaCl2(aq)
(using platinum or graphite and copper
electrodes).
(iv) Faraday’s laws;
Simple calculations based on the relation
1F= 96,500 C and mole ratios to
determine mass, volume of gases,
number of entities, charges etc. using
half and overall reactions.
(v) Practical application;
Electroplating, extraction and purification
of metals.
19
CONTENT NOTES
(vi) Corrosion of metals. (1) Corrosion treated as a redox process.

(2) Rusting of iron and its economic
costs.
(3) Prevention based on relative
magnitude of electrode potentials
and preventive methods like
galvanizing, sacrificial/cathodic
protection and non-redox methods
(painting, greasing/oiling etc.).
13.0 CHEMISTRY OF CARBON
COMPOUNDS
(a) Classification Broad classification into straight chain,

branched chain, aromatic and alicyclic
compounds.
(b) Functional group
Systematic nomenclature of compounds
with the following functional groups:
alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, hydroxyl
compounds (aliphatic and aromatic),
alkanoic acids, alkyl alkanoates (esters
and salts) and amines.
Methods to be discussed should include:

(b) Separation and purification of organic
distillation; crystallization; drying and
compounds.
chromatography.
(1) Composition and classification.

(c) Petroleum/crude oil (2) Fractional distillation and major
products.
(3) Cracking and reforming.
(4) Petro-chemicals: sources; uses e.g.
as starting materials of organic
synthesis.
(5) Quality of petrol, meaning of octane
number and its importance to the
petroleum industry.
20
CONTENT NOTES
(d) Determination of empirical and

molecular formulae and molecular
structures of organic compounds.
(e) General properties of organic

compounds:
(i) Homologous series; (1) Gradation in physical properties.

(2) Effects on the physical properties by
introduction of active groups into the
inert alkane.
(ii) Isomerism.
(1) Examples should be limited to
compounds having maximum of five
carbon atoms.
(2) Differences between structural and
geometric/stereo isomerism.
(f) Alkanes:
(i) Sources, properties; (1) Laboratory and industrial

preparations and other sources.
(2) Nomenclature and structure.
(3) Reactivity:
(a) combustion;
(b) substitution reactions;
(c) cracking of large alkane
molecules.
As fuels, as starting materials for

(ii) Uses. synthesis. Uses of haloakanes and
pollution effects.
(g) Alkenes:
(i) Sources and properties;

(1) Laboratory preparation.
(2) Nomenclature and structure.
21
CONTENT NOTES
(3) Addition reactions with halogens

hydrogen, bromine water, hydrogen
halides and acidified water.
(4) Oxidation: hydroxylation with
aqueous KMnO4.
(5) Polymerization.
(ii) Uses;
(iii) Laboratory detection. Use of reaction with Br2/water, Br2/CCl4

and KMnO4(aq) as means of
characterizing alkenes.
(h) Alkynes:
(i) Sources, characteristic properties and (1) Nomenclature and structure.

uses; (2) Industrial production of ethyne.
(3) Uses of ethyne.
(4) Distinguishing test between terminal
and non-terminal alkynes.
(5) Test to distinguish between alkane,
alkene and alkyne.
(ii) Chemical reactions.

Chemical reactions: halogenation,
combustion, hydration and
hydrogenation.
(i) Benzene:
(i) Structure and physical properties; Resonance in benzene. Stability leading

to substitution reactions.
(ii) Chemical properties.

(1) Addition reactions: hydrogenation
and halogenation (mechanism not
required).
(2) Compare reactions with those of
alkenes.
22
CONTENT NOTES
(J) Alkanols:
(i) Sources, nomenclature and structure; (1) Laboratory preparation including

hydration of alkenes.
(2) Industrial and local production of
ethanol including alcoholic
beverages,
(3) Harmful impurities and methods of
purification should be mentioned.
(4) Recognition of the structure of mono-
, di- and triols.
(ii) Classification; Primary, secondary and tertiary alkanols.
(iii) Physical properties; Boiling point, solubility in water.

Including hydrogen bonding effect.
(iv) Chemical properties; (1) Reaction with:

(a) Na;
(b) alkanoic acids (esterification);
(c) conc. H2SO4.
(2) Oxidation by:
(a) KMnO4(aq);
(b) K2Cr2O7(aq);
(c) I2 in NaOH(aq).
(v) Laboratory test;
Laboratory test for ethanol.
(vi) Uses.
(k) Alkanoic acids:

Methanoic acid –insect bite.
Ethanoic acid – vinegar.
(i) Sources, nomenclature and structure; Recognition of mono and dioic acid.
(ii) Physical properties;
Boiling point, solubility in water.
Including hydrogen bonding effect.
23
CONTENT NOTES
(iii) Chemical properties; Acid properties only i.e. reactions with

H2O, NaOH, NH3, NaHCO3, Zn and Mg.
(iv) Laboratory test; Reaction with NaHCO3, Na2CO3.
(iv) Uses.
Uses of ethanoic and phenyl methanoic
(benzoic) acids as examples of aliphatic
and aromatic acids respectively.
(l) Alkanoates as drivatives of alkanoic acids:
(i) Sources, nomenclature, preparation

and structure; Preparation of alkyl alkanoates (esters)
from alkanoic acids.
(ii) Physical properties; Solubility, boiling and melting point.
(iii) Chemical properties; Hydrolysis of alkyl alkanoates

(mechanism not required).
(iv) Uses. Uses of alkanoates to include

production of soap, flavouring agent,
plasticizers, as solvents and in
perfumes.
14.0 CHEMISTRY, INDUSTRY AND THE

ENVIRONMENT
(a) Chemical industry (1) Natural resources in candidate’s won

country.
(2) Chemical industries in candidates own
country and their corresponding raw
materials.
(3) Distinction between fine and heavy
chemicals.
24
CONTENT NOTES
(4) Factors that determine location of

chemical industries.
(5) Effect of industries on the
community.
(b) Pollution: air, water and soil

(1) Sources, effects and control.
pollution;
(2) Greenhouse effect and depletion of
the ozone layer.
(3) Biodegradable and non-biodegradable
pollutants.
(c) Biotechnology.
Food processing, fermentation including
production of gari, bread and alcoholic
beverages e.g. Local gin.
15.0 BASIC BIOCHEMISTRY AND
SYNTHETIC POLYMERS
(a) Proteins:
Proteins as polymers of amino acids
molecules linked by peptide or amide
linkage.
(i) Sources and properties; Physical properties e.g. solubility

Chemical properties to include:
(a) hydrolysis of proteins;
(b) laboratory test using
Ninhydrin/Biuret reagent/Millons
reagent.
(ii) Uses of protein.
(b) Amino acids

(1) Nomenclature and general structure
of amino acids.
(2) Difunctional nature of amino acids.
25
CONTACT NOTES
(c) Fats/oils: As alkyl alkanoates (esters).

(i) Sources and properties;
From animals and plants.
Physical properties such as solubility.
Chemical properties:
(a) acidic and alkaline hydrolysis;
(b) hydrogenation;
(c) test for fats and oil.
As mono-, di-, and tri- esters of propane-

(ii) General structure of fats/oils;
1,2,3-triol (glycerol).
(iii) Preparation of soap; (1) Preparation of soap (saponification)

from fats and oils.
(2) Comparison of soap less detergents
and their action on soft and hard
water.
(iv) Uses of fats/oils.
(d) Carbohydrates:
(i) Sources and nomenclature;

(1) Classes of carbohydrates as:
(a) monosaccharides;
(b) disaccharides;
(c) polysaccharides.
(2) Name and components of various
classes of carbohydrates.
(1) Physical properties such as solubility

(ii) Properties;
of sugars.
(2) Chemical properties- Hydrolysis of
disaccharides into monosaccharides.
(3) Test for reducing sugars using sugar
strips, Fehling’s or Benedicts solution
or Tollen’s reagent.
26
CONTENT NOTES
(iii) Carbohydrate as examples of (1) Starch as a polymer made up of

polymer; glucose units.
(2) Condensation of monosaccharides to
form disaccharides and
polysaccharides.
(iv) Uses.
(e) Synthetic polymers: (1) Definition of terms: monomers,

polymers and polymerization.
(2) Addition and condensation
polymerization.
(3) Classification and preparation based
on the monomers and comonomers.
(i) Properties;
(1) Thermoplastics and thermosets.
(2) Modification of properties of
polymers.
(3) Plastics and resins.
(4) Chemical test on plastics using:
(a) heat;
(b) acids;
(c) alkalis.
(ii) Uses of polymers.
27
SECTION B
(For candidates in Ghana only)
CONTENTS NOTES
1.0 STRUCTURE OF THE ATOM

(a) Elementary treatment of mass (1) Qualitative knowledge of the mass
spectrometer. spectrometer: principles and operations of the
mass spectrometer; and its use to detect
isotopes, determination of Relative atomic and
molecular masses only.
(2) Wave nature of electrons.
(3) Quantum numbers and their importance.
Meaning of terms: Nucleons, nuclide.

(b) (i) Nuclear chemistry
Charges, relative mass and penetrating power of
(ii) Types and nature of radiations:
radiations. Meaning of radioactivity. Difference
alpha, beta particles and gamma
between spontaneous nuclear reactions
radiation.
(radioactivity) and induced nuclear reactions.
Natural and artificial radioactivity.

(iii) Radioactivity:
Detection of radiation by Geiger-Muller counter.
induced/stimulated.
Distinction between ordinary chemical reactions

(iv) Nuclear reactions: fission and
and nuclear reactions. Generations of electricity;
fusion in nuclear reactions.
atomic bombs. Balanced equations of nuclear
reactions
(1) Carbon dating (qualitative treatment only).

(v) Effects and application of
(2) Use of radioactivity in agriculture, medicine
radioactivity and industries.
(3) Hazards associated with nuclear radiations.
Factors affecting stability of nuclides:

Binding energy, neutron-proton ratio, and half life.
Calculations involving half-life
2.0 PERIODIC CHEMISTRY

(a) Reactions between acids (1) Period three metals (Na, Mg, Al)
and metals their oxides and (2) Period four metals (K, Ca)
trioxocarbonates (IV). (3) Chemical equations
(4) pH of solutions of the metallic oxides and
trioxocarbonates.
28
CONTENTS NOTES
(b) Acidic properties of oxides of non- (1) Oxides of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur,
metals. phosphorus and chlorine.
(2) pH of aqueous solutions of the oxides.
(3) Chemical equations.
(c) Physical and chemical properties of (1) Comparison of the physical and chemical
period 3 elements and their properties of period three elements.
compounds. (2) Comparison of the physical and chemical
properties of (hydrides, oxides, hydroxides
and chlorides) compounds.
(3) Thermal stability of CO32- and NO3- of Li,
Na, K, Mg and Ca.
(4) Experiment to compare thermal stability of
Na2CO3/LiCO3/CuSO4.
(d) Silicon (1) Structures for SiO2 and CO2 account for the
differences between physical and chemical
properties of the two oxides.
(2) Uses of silicon and its compounds e.g.
ceramics, glass, silica gel and microchips.
(e) Periodic gradation of elements in (1) Inter- atomic bond energies.

group seven i.e. the halogens. (2) Hydrides and their acid strength comparison
of the Ka values of the hydrogen halides.
(3) Variable oxidation states of the halogens.
(f) Bonding in complex compounds.
Definition of ligands and central ions
Examples of ligands
(1) Formation of coordination compounds.
(2) Nomenclature of complex ions and
compounds (Cl-, F-, I-, NO3-, NH3, H2O,
SO42-).
(g) Shapes of complex compounds. Tetrahedral, square planar, octahedral e.g.

(Fe(CN)6]3-, [Cu(NH3)4]2+, [Ag)NH3)2]+ [Cu)CN)4]2
(h) Elements of the first transition Reactivity of the metals with air, water, acids and
series. comparison with s-block elements (Li, Na, Be,
Mg).
3.0. CHEMICAL BONDS
(a) Formation of Ionic bonds:
(i) Factors that influence ionic bond
Factors should include lattice energy.
formation;
29
CONTENTS NOTES
(ii) Covalent character in ionic bond;

(iii) Polar covalent bonds. (1) Ionic character (polarity) in covalent bonds
based on electronegativity difference
between the species involved.
(2) Effects of covalent and ionic character in
ionic and covalent bonds on the solubility,
thermal stability and boiling points of ionic
and covalent compounds.
(b)(i) Hybridization of atomic orbitals.
Definition of Hybridization.
(ii) Formation of hybrid orbitals.

(1) Description of sp, sp2, sp3 hybrid orbitals.
(2) Shapes of sp, sp2, sp3 and sp3d2 hybrid
orbitals. Treatment should be limited to the
following molecules only. CH4, H2O, NH3,
BCl3, C2H2, BeCl2, C2H4 and SF6.
(iii) Formation of sigma (σ) and pi (π)
Description of sigma and pi bonds. Using C2H2 and
bonds.
C6H6.
4.0 SOLUTIONS
(a) Preparation of solutions from liquid
(1) Outline of steps involved in the preparation
solutes by the method of dilution. of solutions from liquid solutes.
(2) Determination of concentration of liquid
solutes (stock solution) given the density,
w/v, w/w), specific gravity, relative
molecular mass, molar mass, and % purity.
(3) Primary standard, secondary standard and
standardized solution.
5.0 ENERGY AND ENERGY CHANGES
(a) Energy changes in physical and
(1) Definition and understanding of the
isolated systems.
meaning of the energy terms: systems,
surroundings, open and closed.
(2) Enthalpy change involved in the following
processes: combustion, atomization,
sublimation, hydration/salvation and
dissolution.
(b) Hess’s Law of heat summation and
Born-Haber cycle. Explanation of Hess’s law and its application in
the development of the Born-Haber cycle.
(1) Use of difference cycles to illustrate Hess’s
law.
30
CONTENTS NOTES
(2) Simple calculations using chemical

equations, energy cycles or diagrams with
given energy changes.
(c) Bond Energy Explanation of bond energy and bond

dissociation energy.
(1) Bond energy as an average value.
Differences in bond energy and bond
dissociation energy.
(2) Bond energy in molecules and its use in
assessment of bond strength, energy content
and enthalpy of reaction.
(3) Calculations using summation of bond
energies in reactants and products as a
measure of enthalpy of reaction.
6.0 ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

(a) Definitions of acids and bases. (1) Bronsted – Lowry and Lewis concept of
acids and bases.
(2) Conjugate acid-base pair concept in terms
of equilibrium.
(b) pH, pOH and pKw
(1) Ionic product constant of water Kw =
[H+(aq)][OH(aq)] = 1.0 x 10-14 mol2dm-6.
(2) pH and pOH as a measure of acidity and
alkalinity respectively pH = -log[H3O+].
(3) Knowledge of pH scale.
(4) Calculation of [H+], [OH-] and the
corresponding pH and pOH of given
solutions.
(c) Partial ionization of weak acids and
weak bases. Explanation of pKa and pKb of weak acids and
bases.
(1) Behaviour of weak acids and weak bases in
water as example of equilibrium systems.
(2) Calculations involving Ka, pKa and Kb,
pKb.
(3) Ka, pKa and Kb, pKb as measurements of
acid and basic strengths respectively.
(d) Buffer Solutions (1) Qualitative definition of buffers.

(2) Examples of buffers from the laboratory.
(3) Preparation of buffer solutions.
31
CONTENTS NOTES
(e) Acid base titrations Double indicator titrations (continuous and

Discontinuous) and back titration.
Calculations involving concentration, composition
and % purity.
Graphs for acid-based titrations. Nature of graphs
of strong acid and strong base, strong acid and
weak base and strong base and weak acid.
7.0 SOLUBILITY OF SUBSTANCES
(a) Solubility and solubility product. (1) Explanation of solubility products (Ksp) of
sparingly soluble ionic compounds.
(2) Calculations involving solubility and
solubility products.
(3) Factors affecting solubility.
(c) Crystallization and recrystallization.
Explanation of the effect of lattice energy and
hydration energy on crystallization and
recrystallization.
8.0 CHEMICAL KINETICS AND
EQUILIBRIUM SYSTEMS
(a) Rate law and Order of reaction
(1) Deduction of order and rate law from
experimental data.
(2) Simple relationship between rates and
concentration of zero, first and second order
reactions. Graphical representation of zero,
first and second order reactions.
(3) Half-life for first order reactions and its
significance.
(4) General rate law equation.
(5) Derivation of the rate expression from
experimentally determined rate data:
R = k[A]x [B]y where k = rate constant.
(b) Rate determining step of a multi-step

reaction.
(c) Equilibrium
32
CONTENTS NOTES
(d) Equilibrium Law of Mass Action. (1) Mathematical expression for the
determination of equilibrium constant K
(2) K is constant for a system at constant
temperature.
(3) Relationship between Kp and Kc.
(4) Calculation of Kp and Kc from given set
of data.
(5) Difference between homogeneous and
heterogeneous equilibrium systems.
9.0 CHEMISTRY OF CARBON

COMPOUNDS
(a) Separation and Purification. Other methods should include solvent extraction
and melting point determinations.
(b) Determination of empirical and Outline of steps in:

molecular formulae. (a) Detection of N, S and the halogens.
(b) Estimation of C, H and O.
(c) Reactivity of Organic Compounds. (1) Inductive effect and Mesomeric effect.
(2) Resonance illustrated with benzene
molecule.
(3) Explanation of the terms:
nucleophiles, electrophiles, free radicals and
ions. homolytic fission, heterolytic fission.
(d) Alkanes
Halogenation – free radical mechanism.
(e) (i) Reactions of benzene. Mono substituted reactions of benzene: toluene,

phenol, aniline, benzoic acid and nitrobenzene.
(IUPAC and trivial names)
(ii) Comparison or reactions of Differences between the reactivity of benzene and

benzene and alkenes. alkenes towards certain reagents.
Uses of hexachlorocyclobezane and benzene
hexachloride (BHC).
33
CONTENT NOTES
10.0 CHEMICAL INDUSTRY AND

ENVIRONMENT
(a) (i) Sources of raw materials Location of mineral deposits and their nature.
(ii) Mining of mineral as ore.
(iii) Extraction of metals Mineral (1) Metals – gold, bauxite, manganese and iron.
deposits in Ghana. (2) Precious stone – diamond.
(3) Industrial mining of limestone CaCO3, clay
Kaolin, solar salt
(4) Processing of Au, Al, Fe as main products
(5) Uses of the metals
(b) Cement and its uses (1) Sources of raw materials for cement
sproduction.
(2) Processes involved in the production of
cement.
(3) Uses of cement.
(4) Environmental impact.
34
SECTION C
(For candidates in Nigeria, Sierra-Leone, Liberia and The Gambia)
CONTENT NOTES
1.0 NON METALS AND THEIR

COMPOUNDS
(a) Carbon:
(i) Allotropes of carbon; (1) Graphite, diamond and amorphous
Carbon;
(2) Structures, properties and uses.
(3) The uses of the allotropes should be
correlated with their properties and
structures.
(4) Combustion of allotropes.
(ii) Coal:
I. Types; Different types should include anthracite,
peat and lignite.
II. Destructive distillation
of coal and uses of the
products.
(iii) Coke:
I. Classification and uses; Water gas and producer gas.
II. Manufacture of synthetic
gas and uses.
(iv) Oxides of carbon

I. Carbon (IV) oxides; (1) Laboratory preparation.
(2) Properties and uses.
(3) Test for carbon (IV) oxides.
II. Carbon (II) oxides; Properties and uses only.
III. Trioxocarbonate (IV) salt. (1) Properties: solubility, action of heat,

reaction with dilute acid.
(2) Uses.
35
CONTENT NOTES
(b) Oxygen:
(i) Laboratory and industrial
preparation;
(ii) Properties and uses; Test for oxygen will be required.
(iii) Binary compounds of oxygen:

acidic, basic, amphoteric and
neutral oxides.
(c) Hydrogen:
(i) Laboratory preparations;
(ii) Properties and uses. Test for hydrogen will be required.
(d) Water and solution: Test for water will be required.

(i) Composition of water; Reference should be made to the
electrolysis of acidified water.
(ii) Water as a solvent;

(iii)Hardness of water, causes and (1) Advantages and disadvantages of hard
methods of removing it; water and soft water.
(2) Experiments to compare the degrees of
hardness in different samples of water.
(iv) Treatment of water for town
supply.
(e) Halogens: Redox properties of the elements;

displacement reaction of one halogen by
another.
(i) Chlorine:
I. Laboratory preparation;
II. Properties and reactions. Properties should include:
(a) variable oxidation states;
(b) reaction with water and alkali
(balanced equation required).
(f) Hydrogen chloride gas:
(i) Laboratory preparation;
(ii) Properties and uses; (1) Test for HCl gas.
(2) Fountain experiment.
36
CONTENT NOTES
(iii) Uses of halogen compounds. Uses should include silver halide in

photography and sodium oxochlorate (I) as
a bleaching agent.
(g) Nitrogen:
(i) Preparation and properties; Both laboratory and industrial preparations
from liquefied air are required.
(ii) Uses of nitrogen;
(iii) Compounds of nitrogen:
I. Ammonia; (1) Laboratory and industrial preparations.
(3) Test for ammonia.
(4) Fountain experiment.
II. Trioxonitrate (V) acid; (1) Laboratory preparation.

III. Trioxonitrate (V) salts. (1) Action of heat will be required.

(2) Test for trioxonitrate (V) ions.
(h) Sulphur:
(i) Allotropes and uses;
(ii) Compound of sulphur;
(iii) Trioxosulphate (IV) acids and
its salts;
(iv) Tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid: Contact process should be discussed.
industrial preparation, reactions
and uses.
(i) The noble gases: properties and uses.
2.0 METALS AND THEIR COMPOUNDS (1) Raw materials, processing, main
(a) Extraction of metals: products and by-products.
(i) Aluminium; (2) Uses of metals.

(ii) Iron;
(iii) Tin.
(b) Alloys. Common alloys of Cu, Al, Pb, Fe, Sn

and their uses.
37
CONTENT NOTES
(c) Properties and uses of sodium and its

compounds. Compounds must be limited to NaCl,
NaOH, Na2CO3, NaNO3, Na2SO4 and
NaClO.
(d) Properties and uses of calcium and its The compounds must be limited to
compounds. CaCO3, CaO, CaSO4, CaCl2, and
Ca(OH)2
(e) Reactivity of iron and aluminium with
air, water and acids.
(f) Properties and uses of copper and its
The compounds must be limited to
compounds.
CuSO4, CuO and CuCl2.
38
.16.0 PRACTICALS
(a) GENERAL SKILLS AND PRINCIPLES
Candidates will be expected to be familiar with the following skills and principles:
(i) Measurement of mass and volume;
(ii) Preparation and dilution of standard solutions;
(iii) Filtration, recrystallisation and melting point determination;
(iv) Measurement of heats of neutralization and solutions;
(v) Determination of pH value of various solutions by colorimetry;
(vi) Determination of rates of reaction from concentration versus time curves;
(vii) Determination of equilibrium constants for simple system.
(b) QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

Acid-base titrations
The use of standard solutions of acids and alkalis and the indicators; methyl orange,
methyl red and phenolphthalein to determine the following:
(i) The concentrations of acid and alkaline solutions;

(ii) The molar masses of acids and bases and water of crystallization.
(iii)The solubility of acids and bases;
(iv) The percentage purity of acids and bases;
(v) Analysis of Na2CO3/NaHCO3 mixture by double
indicator methods (Ghanaians only).
(vi) Stoichiometry of reactions.
Redox titrations
Titrations of the following systems to solve analytical problems:
(i) Acidic MnO4- with Fe2+;
(ii) Acidic MnO4- with C2O42-;
(iii) I2 in KI versus S2O32-.
(d) QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

No formal scheme of analysis is required.
(i) Characteristic tests of the following cations with dilute NaOH(aq) and NH3(aq);
NH4; Ca2+; Pb2+; Cu2+; Fe2+; Fe3+; Al3+; and Zn2+.
(ii) Confirmatory tests for the above cations.
39
(iii) Characteristic reaction of dilute HCl on solids or aqueous solutions and conc.
H2SO4 on solid samples of the following:
Cl- ; SO32- ; CO32- ; NO3- and SO42-.
(iv) Confirmatory tests for the above anions
(v) Comparative study of the halogens; displacement reactions.
(vi) Characteristic tests for the following gases: H2; NH3; CO2; HCl and SO2.
(vii) Characteristic test tube reactions of the functional groups in the following simple
organic compounds: Alkenes; alkanols; alkanoic acids, sugars (using Fehiling’s
and Benedict’s solutions only); starch (iodine test only) and proteins (using the
Ninhydrin test, Xanthoporteic test, Biuret test and Millon’s test only).
40
BIOLOGY
PREAMBLE
This is an examination syllabus drawn up from the curricula of the member countries of
the West African Examinations Council. It should be used alongside the appropriate
teaching syllabus(es) of the country where the candidates are domiciled.
This examination syllabus is divided into three sections: Sections A, B and C. Section A
is for all candidates, Section B is for candidates in Ghana only and Section C is for
candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone The Gambia and Liberia.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This syllabus is designed to assess candidates’
1. understanding of the structure and functions of living organisms as well as

appreciation of nature;
2. acquisition of adequate laboratory and field skills in order to carry out and
evaluate experiments and projects in Biology;
3. acquisition of necessary scientific skills for example observing, classifying

and interpreting biological data;
4. acquisition of the basic relevant knowledge in Biology needed for future

advanced studies in biological sciences;
5. acquisition of scientific attitudes for problem solving;
6. ability to apply biological principles in everyday life in matters that affect

personal, social, environmental, community health and economic problems;
7. awareness of the existence of interrelationships between biology and other

scientific disciplines.
There will be three papers: Papers 1, 2 and 3, all of which must be taken. Papers 1 and 2
PAPER 1: Will consist of fifty multiple-choice objective questions drawn

from Section A of the syllabus (the section of the syllabus which is
common to all countries). It will carry 50 marks and last for 50
minutes.
1
PAPER 2: Will consist of six essay questions drawn from the entire syllabus.
The paper will be put into three sections, Sections A, B and C.
Section A: Will consist of four questions drawn from Section A of

the syllabus.
Section B: Will be for candidates in Ghana only and will be drawn

from Section B of the syllabus (ie the section of the syllabus
perculiar to Ghana). It will consist of short-structured questions.
Section C: Will be for candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The

Gambia and Liberia and will be drawn from Section C of the
syllabus (ie the section of the syllabus containing material for those
countries only). It will also consist of short-structured questions.
Candidates will be expected to answer two questions from Section

A and all the short-structured questions from either Section B or
Section C.
Each question in Section A will carry 20 marks while the

compulsory short-structured questions in Sections B and C will
carry 30 marks. The total score will be 70 marks. The paper shall
take 1 hour 40 minutes.
PAPER 3: Will be a practical test (for school candidates) or a test of practical

work (for private candidates) lasting 2 hours and consisting of three
sections: Sections A, B and C.
Section A: This will consist of two compulsory questions drawn
from Section A of the syllabus, each carrying 25 marks.
Section B: This will be for candidates in Ghana only. It will
consist of one question drawn from Section B of the syllabus and
will carry 30 marks.
Section C: This will be for candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone,
The Gambia and Liberia. It will consist of one question drawn
from Section C of the syllabus and will carry 30 marks.
Candidates will be expected to answer all the questions in Section

A and one question in either Section B or C. The paper will carry a
total score of 80 marks.
2
DETAILED SYLLABUS
SECTION A
(For all candidates)
CONTENTS NOTES
A. Concept of Living
1. Classification Classification of objects into living and non-
(a) Living and non-living things living, giving examples of each group.
Viruses should be mentioned as a link
between living and non living things.
(b) Classification of living Kingdom Monera (Prokaryotes), single-

things into Kingdoms: celled, motile or non-motile organisms
Monera, Protoctista (Protista), without definite nucleus e.g. bacteria and
Fungi, Plantae, Animalia. blue-green algae.
Major characteristics of the major phyla of

Kingdoms Protoctista and Fungi.
Kingdom Protista (Eukaryotes), single-celled,

motile or non-motile organisms. Cell
structure complex with definite nucleus e.g.
Chlamydomonas, Amoeba.
Major phyla of Kingdom Protoctista include:
Rhizopoda, Zoomastigina, Apicomplexa,
Ciliophora, Euglenophyta, Oomycota,
Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta and Phaeophyta.
Kingdom Fungi (Eukaryotes), mainly non-

motile organisms composed of hyphae
containing nuclei e.g. moulds, mushrooms
and Rhizopus.
Major phyla of Kingdom Fungi include:
Zygomycota, Ascomycota and
Basidiomycota.
Kingdom Plantae (Eukaryotes), mainly

multicellular non-motile organisms which
contain chlorophyll that enable them to
photosynthesize e.g. mosses, ferns, pines, oil
palms and yam plants.
Characteristics of the major divisions and
classes: Bryophyta (Hepaticae, Musci),
Lycopodophyta, Filicinophyta,
Coniferophyta, Cycadophyta and
Angiospermophyta (Monocotyledoneae and
3
Dicotyledoneae).
Kingdom Animalia (Eukaryotes),

multicellular motile organisms that feed on
other organisms e.g. corals, worms, insects,
snails, fishes, frogs, snakes, monkeys cows.
Characteristics of the major phyla and classes
of Kingdom Animalia.
The external features of the following
organisms should be mentioned: cockroach,
butterfly, Tilapia, toad/frog, lizard, domestic
fowl/pigeon.
(c) Differences between plants and

animals.
2. Organization of life
(a) Levels of organization
(i) cell (single-celled organisms): The examples should be used to illustrate
Amoeba, Euglena, Paramecium differentiation and specialization in
organisms.
(ii) Tissue: Hydra
(iii) Organ (storage

organ) bulb, rhizome and heart.
(iv) System/Organ System: In

mammals, flowering plants -
reproductive system, excretory system
etc.
(b) Complexity of organization The significance of different levels of

in higher organisms: organization including volume/surface area
advantages and ratio should be mentioned.
disadvantages.
3. Forms in which living cells exist: The structure of these organisms in relation to
the forms of existence should be studied to
(a) Single and free-living: illustrate dependence and interdependence.
Amoeba, Paramecium,
Euglena, and
Chlamydomonas
4
(b) Colony: Volvox
(c) Filament: Spirogyra
(d) Part of a living organism: Distinguish groups of cells that form tissues
Cheek cells, onion root tip from those that form colonies or filaments.
cells and epidermis of fleshy
leaves.
4. (a) Cell structure and functions of cell Cell structure should include: Cell wall, cell
components. membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, cytoplasmic
organelles: mitochondria, lysosomes,
chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum,
ribosomes, centrosomes, Golgi bodies,
chromosomes. The function performed by
organelles should be known.
(b) Similarities and differences between

plant and animal cells.
5. The Cell and its environment: Physical and The significance of these processes should be
Biophysical processes. mentioned as factors that affect cell activities
in its environment.
(a) diffusion
(b) osmosis
Haemolysis, plasmolysis, turgidity and
(c) active transport
crenation should be mentioned.
6. Properties and functions of the living cell

These should be mentioned as processes
occurring within living cells.
(a) Nutrition
(i) Autotrophic
Nutrition in Euglena, Chlamydomonas and
(photosynthesis)
Spirogyra should be mentioned.
(ii) Heterotrophic (holozoic)
Nutrition in Amoeba and Paramecium should
be mentioned.
(b) Cellular respiration
A simplified outline of the chemical
Definition and processes of:
processes involved in glycolysis and Kreb's
cycle; Reference should be made to the role
(i) aerobic respiration of ATP.
(ii) anaerobic respiration
The importance of anaerobic respiration in
(iii) energy release food processing should be mentioned.
5
(c) Excretion
(i) Excretion in single-celled aquatic
organisms. Diffusion by body surface
and by contractile vacuole.
(ii) Waste products of metabolism.

Reference should be made to carbon dioxide,
water and ammonia as examples of waste
products.
(d) Growth
(i) Basis of growth - cell division

(mitosis), enlargement and
differentiation.
(ii) Aspects of growth:

Increase in dry weight, irreversible
increase in size and length and increase
in number of cells.
(iii) Regions of fastest growth in

plants. Observation of root tip and shoot tip are
required.
(iv) Influence of growth hormones and
auxins. Regulation of growth by hormones should be
mentioned.
(v) Growth curvatures (Tropisms)
Types of tropisms should be demonstrated.
Microscopic examination of the different

regions of growth and development: region of
cell division, elongation, differentiation and
maturation.
(e) Development: Enlargement
and differentiation. Processes that result in primary and secondary
growth.
(f) Movement
(i) Organelles for movement: cilia and

flagella,
(ii) Cyclosis.
(g) Reproduction:
Types of reproduction.
6
(i) Asexual: fission, budding and Prepared slides of:

vegetative propagation. (a) fission in Paramecium
(b) budding in yeast and Chlamydomonas;
should be observed and drawn.
(ii) Sexual: Conjugation, formation of
male and female gametes Prepared slides of conjugation in
(gametogenesis), fusion of gametes Paramecium and Spirogyra should be
fertilization) studied. The process of meiosis should be
mentioned.
7. (a) Tissues and supporting systems: Skeleton
and supporting systems in animals:
The location and arrangement of skeletal and
(i) Biological significance. supporting tissues in animals should be
mentioned. Candidates should be familiar with
(ii) Skeletal materials, e.g. bone, the general plan of mammalian skeleton and the
cartilage and chitin. different types of joints. They should be able to
identify, draw, label and state the functions of
(iii) Types of skeleton: the individual bones listed in the content
exoskeleton, endoskeleton and column. Detailed structure of the skull will not
hydrostatic skeleton. be required. Histological structure of bones and
cartilages will also not be required.
(iv) Bones of the vertebral
column, girdles and long bones of
the appendicular skeleton.
(v) Mechanism of support in animals.
(vi) Functions of skeleton in animals:

Protection, support, locomotion and Candidates should be able to explain how these
respiratory movement. functions are performed. The relationship of
skeleton and muscles during movement should
be used to illustrate the different functions of
the skeleton.
(b) Different types of supporting tissues in plants.
The different types of supporting tissues: turgid
parenchyma, collenchyma, xylem (wood)
sclerenchyma should be studied.
(i) Main features of supporting tissues

in plants.
Candidates should be able to cut and draw the
low power of the T.S. of stem and root of a
(ii) Functions of supporting tissues in herbaceous plant and label the different tissues;
plants: strength, rigidity (resistance epidermis, cortex and stele.
against the forces of the wind and
water), flexibility and resilience.
7
8. Transport System:
(a) Need for transport:
(i) surface area/volume ratio.

(ii) substances have to move greater
distances. Source of materials and forms in which they are
transported and where they are transported to
should be studied.
Media of transport: cytoplasm in cells, cell sap
or latex in most plants and body fluid in
invertebrates.
(b) Transport in animals.
Candidates should be familiar with the general
(i) Structure of the heart, arteries, circulatory system. Open circulatory systems in
veins and capillaries. invertebrates. The names of the blood vessels
responsible for transporting excretory products,
gases, digested food and other nutrients should
be mentioned.
(ii) Composition and function of

blood and lymph.
(iii) Materials for transport:

excretory products, gases,
digested food, and other
nutrients.
(c) Transport in plants

(i) Uptake and movement of water
and mineral salts in plants. Description of uptake of water and mineral
salts from the soil into a plant. Movement
of water and mineral salts through the plant.
Experiments using eosin solution to show
water and mineral salts uptake.
(ii) Translocation
Movement of organic materials from leaves
to roots. Basic theories (Pressure flow
hypothesis and cytoplasmic streaming)
underlying translocation.
Ringing experiment to demonstrate that
transport of synthesized organic nutrients
occurs through the phloem.
(iii) Transpiration
8
Advantages and disadvantages of

transpiration. Types of transpiration.
Environmental factors affecting transpiration.
Determination of the rate of transpiration.
(iv) Movement of water to
the apex of trees and Physiological factors affecting the rise of
herbs. water in the xylem: Root pressure,
transpiration, cohesion- tension
mechanism, adhesion, water potential
gradient. Experiments to measure the rate of
transpiration.
9. Respiratory System:
(a) Body surface: cutaneous, gills and lungs. Characteristics of respiratory surfaces in these
systems should be studied. Respiratory organs
of insects should be mentioned.
Candidates should be able to observe, draw and

label the respiratory organs of a bony fish (e.g.
Tilapia) and a small mammal (e.g. rat)
(b) Mechanisms of gaseous exchange in Respiratory movements in these animals should
fish, toad, mammals and plants. be mentioned. The mechanisms of opening and
closing of stomata should be mentioned.
10. Excretory Systems and Mechanisms Characteristics of excretory organs in these
Types of excretory systems: Kidney, stomata systems should be studied. Candidates
and lenticels should observe, draw and label the excretory
organs of a small mammal (e.g. rat).
Explanation of the concept of excretion in

plants. Excretory products of plants (water,
carbon dioxide, oxygen, alkaloids, tannins,
gums, resins and acids) should be mentioned.
11. Regulation of Internal Environment Osmoregulation, excretion and maintenance of
(Homeostasis) acid-base balance should be mentioned. The
conditions that affect functions of the kidney
(a) Kidney: Structure and functions such as the water and salt content of the blood,
environmental temperature should also be
mentioned.
Excretory products such as urea, water, salts,

uric acid should be mentioned.
(b) Liver:
9
Functions of the liver. Candidates should be able to identify the liver;

and its position relative to the gall bladder, bile
(c) The skin: duct, pancreas, duodenum and stomach.
Structure and function. Candidates should observe, draw and label the
mammalian skin. The regulation of internal
12. Hormonal Coordination environment by the skin should be emphasized.
(a) Animal hormones:
Site of secretion, functions and Endocrine glands: pituitary, thyroid, adrenal,
effects of over and under- pancreas, gonads and their secretions should be
secretion. mentioned. The stages in the metamorphosis
of toad and the role of thyroxine should be
mentioned.
(b) Plant hormones
The effects of auxins on lateral bud

development, leaf fall and initiation of
adventitious roots should be mentioned.
Reference to crop harvesting, growth and weed
13. Nervous Coordination control should be made.
(a) The central nervous system

(i) Components of the
central nervous system
(ii) Parts of the brain and their

functions; cerebrum, cerebellum,
medulla oblongata, hypothalamus Candidates should be able to locate the position
and their functions of the brain and spinal cord in a dissected
vertebrate and identify the various regions of
(iii) Structure and function of the Spinal the brain.
Cord.
(b) Peripheral Nervous System.
(i) Somatic Nervous System
(ii) Autonomic nervous system.
Functions of the sympathetic and

parasympathetic systems only.
(iii) Structure and functions of the
neurone.
Candidates should observe, draw and label a
(iv) Classification of neurones. neurone from a slide.
10
Afferent (sensory), efferent (motor) and

(c) Types of nervous actions intermediate neurones should be mentioned
(i) The reflex arc

(ii) Reflex and voluntary actions
Candidates should perform experiments to
(iii) Differences between reflex and illustrate reflex actions such as blinking of the
voluntary actions. eyes, knee jerk and withdrawal of hand from
hot objects.
(iv) Conditioned reflex and its role on
behaviour.
Candidates should be able to enumerate

14. Sense Organs: Structure and function of conditioned reflexes such as salivation,
the driving a car, walking and swimming.
(a) Eye.
Candidates should examine the mammalian eye

noting the shape, colour and positions of the
optic muscle and optic nerve.
(b) Ear.
Mention should be made of eye defects and
their corrections.
15 (a) Reproductive system of mammals

(i) Structure and function of male and
female reproductive systems.
(ii) Differences between male and female

reproductive organs. Candidates should examine and draw dissected
male and female small mammals showing the
(iii) Structure of the gametes reproductive organs. They should also draw
(sperm and ovum) sperm and ovum from prepared slides.
(iv) Fertilization, development of the

embryo and birth.
(v) Birth control
(b) Metamorphosis in insects, life histories of Explanation of the different methods of birth
butterfly and cockroach. control.
11
These examples should be used to illustrate

complete and incomplete metamorphosis. The
period it takes to develop from egg to adult
should be studied. The different stages in the
life history of butterfly and cockroach should be
(c) Comparison of reproduction drawn and labelled.
in fish, amphibian, reptile, bird
and mammal.
Reference should be made to the method of
(d) Reproduction in flowering fertilization, number of eggs and parental care.
plants
(i) Arrangements of floral parts of a

named insect-pollinated flower and a
named wind-pollinated flower.
(ii) Structure and function of the male and

female parts of a flower.
(e) Pollination in Plants
(i) Types of pollination
(ii) Features of cross-pollinated and self-

pollinated flowers Named examples should be used to illustrate the
types of pollination.
(iii) Agents of Pollination
(iv) Kinds of placentation: axile, marginal

and parietal. The features of the flower should be related
to the agents of pollination.
(f) Process of development of
zygote in flowering plants:
Fertilization.
Pollen grains germinated in sucrose solution
should be observed, prepared slides or charts
showing various stages of embryo
(g) (i) Types of fruits (classification). development in flowering plants should be
observed and drawn.
(ii) Structure of fruits
Fruits should be classified into dry and fleshy
fruits.
The internal structure of a leguminous fruit,

orange, maize and tomato should be
examined and drawn.
12
(h) Dispersal of fruits and seeds: Agents of

dispersal
The following fruits should be studied as
examples to show the features that aid their
respective methods of dispersal. Sunflower
(achene) Combretum, cotton, Crotalaria/bean,
Desmodium, Bidens sp. Tridax sp. and Coconut.
B. Plant and Animal Nutrition Distinguishing differences between a fruit and a

seed should be mentioned.
1. Plant Nutrition
(a) Photosynthesis:
(i) Process of photosynthesis and its

chemical equation Biochemical nature of photosynthesis,
photoactivation of chlorophyll resulting in the
conversion of light energy to ATP and the
(ii) Light and dark reactions reduction of NADP (Biochemical detail is not
required)
(iii) Materials and conditions
necessary for photosynthesis
(iv) Evidence of photosynthesis

The translocating and storage of excess food as
a result of photosynthesis should be mentioned.
Test for starch in green leaves should be carried
(b) Mineral requirement of plants out.
Fate of the products of photosynthesis should
(i) Mineral nutrition: Macro and be mentioned.
micro-nutrients
Macro elements should include: carbon,

hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, potassium,
(ii) Soil and atmosphere as sources of phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur, calcium and
mineral elements. iron. The micro elements should include:
copper, manganese, zinc and boron.
Candidates should distinguish between food

produced and mineral elements.
2. Animal Nutrition
(a) Food substances; classes and sources
13
(b) Balanced diet and its importance Local examples as sources of food substance
should be given. Reference should be made to
food relationship between plants and animals.
Importance of each class of food in a balanced

diet should be stressed. Candidates should
(c ) Food tests relate the idea of balanced diet to their own diet.
Malnutrition and its effects on humans should be
mentioned.
(d) Digestive enzymes:
Classes, characteristics and functions Tests for starch, reducing sugar, protein, fats and
oil should be carried out.
Candidates should perform experiments to

show that ptyalin in saliva changes cooked
starch to reducing sugar.
Candidates should know source, site of action,
substrate and effect of each digestive enzyme.
Experiments to show the characteristics of
enzymes, including effects of pH, temperature
and concentration should be carried out.
(e) Modes of Nutrition
(i) Autotrophic: Photosynthesis,
(ii) Heterotrophic: holozoic, parasitic,

symbiotic and saprophytic.
(f) Alimentary System:

Named examples should be used to illustrate
Alimentary tract of different animals. different modes of nutrition.
Comparison should be made using dissected

named bird and mammal.
Description and functions of parts of the

(g) Dental Formula alimentary canal and modification of parts to
reflect their digestive functions should be
mentioned.
Meaning of dental formula. Determination of

the dental formulae of mammals.
Arrangements of teeth in the jaw bones of
14
(h) Feeding in protozoa and mammals herbivores, carnivores and of humans.

Importance of dental care in humans.
C. Basic Ecological Concepts

Reference should be made to feeding habits in
1. Ecosystem: protozoa and mammals.
Components of the ecosystem and sizes
(a) Ecological components: Examples and explanation are required.

environment, biosphere,
habitat, population, biotic
community and ecosystem.
Importance of ecological factors common to
all habitat should be mentioned. The
(b) Components of the importance of ecological factors to
ecosystem: population of animals and plants should be
Biotic and abiotic stressed.
2. Ecological factors:
Ecological factors in aquatic and

terrestrial ecosystems
3. Simple Measurement of Ecological Candidates should measure some of the

Factors. ecological factors including humidity,
temperature, wind speed, rainfall and light
(a) Physical factors: intensity.
Climatic, topographic and
gaseous.
(b) Edaphic factors: Chemical

and physical composition,
moisture content and soil
texture.
4. Food webs and trophic levels Candidates should be able to classify organisms
as producers, consumers and decomposers.
(a) Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
(i) Producers: autotrophs
(ii) Consumers: heterotrophs Aquatic and terrestrial producers, consumers

and decomposers should be known.
(iii) Decomposers
(b) Trophic levels energy
15
relationships
(i) Food chain
(ii) Food web Candidates should illustrate food relationships

in a food chain and food web using specific
examples.
(c) Energy flow
(i) Food/Energy relationship in aquatic and

terrestrial environment.
(ii) Pyramid of energy and Pyramid of Non-cyclic nature of energy transfer should be
numbers. mentioned.
(d) Decomposition in nature

Candidates should be able to construct and
(i) Decomposers: explain pyramid of energy, pyramid of
(micro and macro-decomposers) numbers and point out the major differences
between them.
(ii) Gaseous products
Candidates should observe demonstrations to
(iii) Role of decomposers show that carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide,
heat energy are released during decomposition.
6. Ecological Management:
(a) Biological Associations
Type of associations: Parasitism,

symbiosis, commensalism and Features of biological importance associated
saprophytism. with each type should be mentioned. Named
examples should be used to illustrate these
(b) Adaptation of organisms to associations.
habitats.
Adaptations of plants and animals to

(c) Pollution of the atmosphere environmental conditions with particular
16
reference to differences in habitats should be

(i) Nature, names, sources and effects mentioned.
of air pollutants.
Examples of air pollutants should include

carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, oxides of
(ii) Effect of noise nitrogen, smoke, smog, dust and particles
released into the air from factories.
Health hazards and damage to the environment
should be emphasized.
(d) Water and Soil Pollution
Type and effects of pollutants. Harmful effect of noise from generators,
aeroplane and electronic sound gadgets, e.t.c.
should be mentioned.
Water and soil pollutants to be studied include:

synthetic substances (detergent), insecticides,
artificial fertilizers, herbicides, sewage,
domestic and industrial wastes, crude oil and
decaying organic matter. The health hazards and
harmful effects of water and soil pollutants on
organisms should also be mentioned. Mention
should be made of oil spillage and its effects.
7. Ecology of population
(a) Ecological succession
(i) Structural changes in species composition,

variety or diversity and increase in
numbers.
(ii) General characteristics and outcomes of

succession
(b) Primary succession.

Succession in terrestrial and aquatic
habitats.
Candidates should study succession in an

(c) Secondary succession, climax abandoned farmland, lawn, and in a pond over a
of the succession: characteristic period of time to discover a definite sequence
of a stable ecosystem. of colonization by plants.
17
Reference should be made to population.

(d) Factors that affect population
size: natality, mortality,
emigration, immigration, food
shortage, predation,competition and
diseases.
(e) Preservation and storage of foods
Description of various methods of preserving

and storing food. The use of ionizing
radiations (x-ray, etc) should be
mentioned. Explanation of the biological
(f) The life of selected insects; basis of preserving and storing food. Local
(i) Weevils and cotton strainers. methods of preserving food such as drying,
salting and smoking should be mentioned.
External features of weevils and cotton

stainers, their mode of life, adaptation
(ii) Control of pests to their habitats and their economic
importance.
8. Microorganisms: Man and health Various methods of pest control: physical,

(a) Carriers of microorganisms chemical biological, etc; and their advantages
and disadvantages should be mentioned.
(b) Microorganisms in action Effects of micro-organisms on our bodies

(i) Beneficial effects in nature, medicine should be mentioned.
and industries. Examples of carriers: housefly; mosquitoes;
tsetsefly should be mentioned.
(ii) Harmful effects of microorganisms, Candidates should perform experiments on

diseases caused by microorganisms: fermentation, curdling of milk etc. to illustrate
cholera, measles, malaria and ring worm. the beneficial uses of microorganisms.
(c) Towards better Health

(i) Methods of .controlling harmful
microorganisms: high temperature, The diseases should be studied with respect to
antibiotics, antiseptics, high salinity and the causative organisms, mode of transmission
18
dehydration. and symptoms.
(ii) Ways of controlling the vectors. Effects of these methods on the micro-
organisms should be mentioned.
(d) Public Health:

The importance of the following towards the
maintenance of good health practices: Methods of controlling housefly and
mosquito should be studied.
(i) Refuse and sewage disposal.
Candidates should be familiar with the proper
methods of carrying out these public health
(ii) Immunization, vaccination practices in their community.
and inoculation (control of diseases).
Various forms of immunization should be

mentioned.
D. Conservation of Natural Resources: Explanation of the terms immunization,
vaccination and inoculation. Candidates
1. Resources to be conserved: soil, water, should be able to show how these terms are
wildlife, forest and minerals. related.
2. Ways of ensuring conservation
The meaning and need for conservation of

natural resources should be mentioned.
Problems of conservation should be

mentioned in relation to economic and social
development, overgrazing and poaching.
The following should be studied:

(a) agencies responsible for
conservation
E. Variation in Population (b) conservation education
(c) conservation laws
1. Morphological variations in the physical (d) benefits of conservation.
appearance of individuals
Variation can be classified into morphological

(a) size, height and weight and physiological or continuous and
discontinuous.
19
(b) colour (skin, eye, hair coat of

animals) Candidates are required to measure heights and
weights of pupils of the same age group and
plot graphs of frequency distribution of the
(c) finger prints height and weight.
Observe and record various skin colour, colour

2. Physiological Variations pattern of some animals (cow, goat, rabbits),
colour pattern of plants (maize cob and leaves).
(a) Ability to roll tongue
Make finger prints and classify them into
arches, loops, whorls and compounds.
(b) Ability to taste

phenylthiocarbamide (PTC)
(c) Blood groups (ABO)

classification)
F. Biology of Heredity (Genetics)
1. Genetic terminologies
2. Transmission and expression of characteristics in Definition of the following basic genetic

organisms. terms such as gene, genotype, phenotype,
dominant, recessive, allele, locus, test cross,
(a) Hereditary variation
and back cross.
Reference should be made to characters that

(b) Mendel's work in genetics
can be transmitted from generation to
generation such as colour of skin, eye, hair,
blood group, sickle cell, shape of face and
nose.
(i) Mendel’s experiments
Mendel's experiment with red and white
flowered peas should be mentioned.
(ii) Mendelian traits
Mendel’s experiment on monohybrid and
dihybrid inheritance should be mentioned.
(iii) Mendelian laws
20
3. Chromosomes: The basis of heredity Reference should be made to dominant and

recessive characters in plants and animals.
(a) Structure
Candidates should observe chromosomes in

permanently prepared slides of cells and root
tips of onion or lily. Candidates should study
the structure of DNA and gene replication using
(b) Process of transmission of models and charts.
hereditary characters from parents
to offspring.
4. Probability in genetics (Hybrid formation). Segregation of genes at meiosis and

recombination at fertilization should be used to
5. Linkage, sex determination and sex linked explain the process of transmission of
characters. hereditary characters from parents to offspring.
Computation of probability is not required.
6. Application of the principles of heredity in: Explanation of the terms linkage, sex
determination and sex linked characters such
as haemophilia, colour blindness, baldness
and hairy ear lobes.
(a) Agriculture
Data on cross-breeding experiments should be

(b) Medicine studied.
Examples of new varieties of crops and

livestock obtained through cross-breeding
should be mentioned. The advantages and
disadvantages of cross-fertilization, out and
inbreeding should be explained.
G. Adaptation for survival and Evolution.
The application of knowledge of heredity in
1. Behavioural Adaptations in Social Animals. marriage counseling with particular reference to
sickle cell anaemia and rhesus factor should be
(a) Termites mentioned.
(b) Bees
21
Candidates should be able to identify the

various castes of social insects.
The division of labour in social insects and the

roles of different castes should be stressed.
Examples of communication among animals
such as contact notes and warning cries should
be mentioned. Reference should be made to
basking by lizard, territorial behaviour in birds
2. Evolution.
and lizards and behaviour of other animals under
unfavourable conditions-hibernation and
aestivation. The behaviour of an organism as a
member of a group and the effect of grouping
on the behaviour of an organism should be
mentioned.
Candidates are expected to know the

evolutionary trends in plants and animals such
as from simple to complex structural
(a) Evidence of evolution. adaptations and from aquatic to terrestrial
organisms.
The role of mutation in evolution should be

mentioned.
(b) Theories of evolution

The following evidence of evolution should
be mentioned: Paleontology (fossil records),
comparative biochemistry, geographical
distribution, comparative anatomy and
physiology, adaptive radiation, comparative
embryology and systematics.
The contributions of Lamarck and Darwin to

the development of the theory of evolution
should be mentioned.
22
SECTION B
(For candidates in Ghana only)
A. Introducing Biology
1. Biology as a science of life
The meaning of biology. Candidates must be

able to differentiate between a living thing
2. Procedure for biological work
and an organism. The two major branches of
biology: Botany and zoology; specialized
areas: bacteriology, molecular biology,
histology, cell biology, ecology etc.
Description of skills required by biologists in

their work. The scientific method: Identifying
the problem, defining the problem,
hypothesizing, experimenting, recording,
analyzing and concluding. Description of
3. Importance of Biology
following steps for writing report on
biological experiment or investigation: Aim,
hypothesis/ scientific framework, materials/
4. Body symmetry, sectioning and
drawing of set-up, method, results/
orientation
observation, discussion and conclusion.
Application of biology to everyday life.

Careers associated with the study of biology.
Description of the following terms :

(i) Body symmetry (bilateral and radial)
(ii) Sectioning: longitudinal and
transverse and vertical
(iii) Body orientation of specimen:
anterior, posterior, lateral, dorsal and
5. The microscope
ventral views).
Distinction between
(i) posterior and anterior views
23
(ii) dorsal and ventral views

(iii) transverse and longitudinal section
Examination of simple light, compound light

and stereoscopic light microscopes and
identification of the various parts.
Handling and caring for microscopes. Use

of the light microscope to observe
prepared slides. Techniques involved in the
preparation of temporary slides of animal and
plant cells. Mounting varieties of specialized
eukaryotic cells. Drawing of cells as seen
under the microscope.
6. Biological drawings Resolution and magnification of

microscope. Determination of magnification
of drawings. Measuring lengths using
compound light microscope. Electron
microscope should be mentioned
Appropriate headings for biological drawings.

B. Cell Biology Magnification/ size of biological drawings.
Quality of biological drawings e.g. clarity of
lines, neatness of labels, labels of biological
1. Movement of substances into and out of drawings.
cells: Endocytosis and Exocytosis
2. Nucleic acids
Explanation of the process of endocytosis
( phagocytosis and pinocytosis) and
exocytosis.
Explanation of the term nucleic acid. Types

3. DNA structure and replication, of nucleic acids: Deoxyribonucleic acid
RNA transcription. (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Basic
chemical differences between DNA and
RNA.
Description of double helix model of

DNA structure by Watson and Crick.
Processes of DNA replication and RNA
4. Protein synthesis transcription.
24
Description of the process of protein

synthesis. The roles of m-RNA, t-RNA,
5. Cell cycle and r-RNA and ribosomes in protein
synthesis must be emphasized. Importance
of protein synthesis. Examples of proteins
synthesized by humans.
Explanation of the of the term cell cycle.

Phases of the cell cycle [Interphase: G + S +
G2 phases, Mitosis: M phase
( karyokinesis and cytokinesis)]. The
processes of mitosis and meiosis and their
importance. Preparation of a squash of onion
C. Life Processes in Living Things root tip and observing stages of meiosis under
the microscope. Observing stages of meiosis
1. Amoeba, Paramecium, and in plant and animal cells (Permanent slides
Euglena may be used).
2. Spirogyra and Rhizopus

External structure and life processes of
Amoeba, Paramecium, and Euglena.
Mounting of Paramecium and Euglena under
the compound light microscope.
3. Mosses and ferns
Structure of Spirogyra and Rhizopus.
Nutrition and reproduction of Spirogyra and
Rhizopus. Identification of stages of
conjugation of Spirogyra.
Structure of mosses (Brachymenium and

Funaria) and ferns (Nephrolepis,
( Platycerium, Phymatodes). Description
of external features of mosses and ferns.
Nutrition and reproduction in mosses.
Reproduction in ferns.
D. Diversity of Living Things
1. Characteristics of some of the

orders of Class Insecta
25
2. Identification of organisms using Orders of Class Insecta (Odonata

biological keys Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera,
Hemiptera, Diptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera,
Dictyoptera, and Neuroptera).
E. Interactions in Nature
Soil Identification of organisms using numbered
and dichotomous keys. Construction of
identification keys.
F. Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology
1. Dissection of a small mammal Identification of mineral salts (Ca2+, Fe2+,

Fe3+, Mg2+, K+, SO4 -, NO3 -, PO4 -) in a soil
sample. Soil reclamation.
The arrangement of internal organs of

2. Transport: mammals. Functions of the internal organs.
Structure of the mammalian heart. Candidates should be able to cut open a
chloroformed mammal (guinea pig, rat,
3. Cellular respiration mouse and rabbit) and draw the internal
organs.
4. Movement: Mechanism of the heartbeat: excitation and

contractions (SAN, AVN, Purkinge tissue)
(a) Muscles
Determination of respiratory quotient (RQ) of
different substrates. Explanation of the
significance of RQ.
Types of muscle (Smooth, striated and

cardiac muscles). Description of how muscles
(b) Skeletal tissues bring about movement.
Explanation of sliding filament model of
5. Reproduction muscle contraction.
(a) Secondary sexual characteristics
Description of the structure of skeletal

tissues( Bones and cartilage).
(b) Prenatal/Antenatal care
Physical changes that occur in males and
females during puberty. The role of hormones
in the development of secondary sexual
26
characteristics in humans.
G. Plant Structure and Physiology
Meaning of antenatal care. Antenatal visits
1. Morphology of monocotyledonous requirements. Nutrition and diet. Exercise
and dicotyledonous plants. during pregnancy. Benefits of the use of
natural products by mother and child.
External features of monocotyledonous and

dicotyledonous plants. Functions of roots,
2. Transport: stems and leaves of monocotyledonous and
Guttation dicotyledonous plants. Differences between
monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous
3. Reproduction: plants. Modifications of roots, stems and
Floral formula leaves.
Biological principles underlying guttation.
H. Humans and their Environment

Determination and writing of the floral
1. Integrated water resources formulae of the following flowers:
management. Flamboyant (Delonix), Pride of Barbados
(Caesalpinia) and Rattle box (Crotalaria).
Floral diagrams are not required.
2. Health and hygiene

Description of the integrated water resources
management (IWRM). Explanation of how
IWRM can reduce undesirable change in the
environment.
(a) Drug abuse
Definition of terms: health, hygiene, and
sanitation. Means of achieving personal
(b) Community health cleanliness/ hygiene.
(c) First Aid Explanation of the term drug abuse.

Consequences of drug abuse.
I. Evolution Importance of town planning and its effects

on health of the community.
Recombinant DNA Technology
Explanation of the term First Aid. Different
J. Biology and Industry methods of administering First Aid.
1. Biology and water industry
27
(a) Contamination of water Explanation of the term Recombinant DNA

Technology and state its application.
(b) Identification of polluted

water
Candidates should carry out experiments to
test water samples for bacterial
(c) Waste water treatment contamination.
The use of Biological Oxygen Demand

2. Biology and fishing industry (BOD) in the measurement of the level of
organic pollution in water.
(a) Fish stock management
Description of biological processes of
purifying sewage. Cesspit activated sludge
process should be mentioned.
(b) Fish farming

Explanation of why fish is an efficient
converter of plankton into flesh.
Description of ways of conserving fish
stocks in water bodies.
Importance of fish farming. Advantages and

disadvantages of fish farming.
3. Biology and food industry:
Food additives
4. Biology and agriculture Explanation of the term food additives.

Identification of the categories of food
additives (Naturally occurring and artificial
food additives). Health implications in the use
of food additives.
5. Biotechnology Explanation of the biological principles by

which fertilizer, pesticides, selective
breeding, resistance to disease and irrigation
can respectively lead to successful
agriculture.
Explanation of the concept of biotechnology.

The use of micro-organisms in the
28
manufacture of food such as cheese, yoghurt,

6. Biological fuel generation kenkey, bread and butter. The role of micro-
organisms in the production of alcoholic
drinks and organic acids. The role of micro-
organisms in pharmaceutical, tanning and
mining industries.
Explanation of the need for new sources of

energy. The use of biogas, use of green crops
to produce ethanol, the generation of
hydrogen gas from chloroplasts should be
mentioned
SECTION C
(For candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone,
The Gambia and Liberia)
A. Concept of Living
1. Cell theory
2. Irritability as a basic characteristic of

protoplasm
(a) Types of responses: taxis and nastism

The cell theory including the work of Hooke,
(b) Environmental factors that evoke Dujardin, Schleiden and Schwann should be
responses; temperature, pH etc outlined.
3. Excretory Systems
(a) Diseases of the kidney:

Nephritis, kidney stone and diuresis, Their
29
effects and remedies.
(b) Diseases of the liver: infective

hepatitis, cancer of the liver and gall Excretory organs of earthworm and insects
stones. Their effects and remedies. should be mentioned.
4. Sense organs.
(a) Nose.
(b) Tongue.
The process of perception of smell including the
roles of sensory cells in nose and olfactory
lobes should be studied.
(c) The skin.
5. Reproduction Experiments should be carried out to determine

(a) Courtship behaviour in animals: the different areas of the tongue associated with
(i) Pairing different tastes. The association between the
(ii) Display e.g. peacocks organs of taste and smell should be mentioned.
(iii) Territoriality Mention should be made of taste buds.
(iv) Seasonal migration
associated with breeding in The function of the skin as a sensory organ
herrings, eels and birds. should be emphasized.
(b) Metamorphosis and life Courtship pattern in male and female

history of housefly. animals and territorialism in lizards should
be observed.
(c) Adaptive features in a
developing animal:
(i) Yolk in egg of fish, toad and birds

for nourishment
(ii) Placenta in animals
The content (yolk and albumen) of birds' egg

(d) Germination of seeds should be examined
(i) Essential factors Candidates should observe the connection of the

which affect developing embryo. foetus to the mother and the adaptive features of
30
(ii) Types of germination the placenta, umbilical cord and amnion in a

dissected pregnant rat. The meaning of
B. Plant and Animal Nutrition oviparity and viviparity should be mentioned.
1. Nitrogen cycle Experiments to show the importance of

oxygen, adequate moisture and suitable
temperature, should be carried out.
2. Modes of nutrition: The stages in hypogeal and epigeal germination

autotrophic, chemosynthetic, carnivorous should be observed and drawn
plants
3. Alimentary System
(a) Alimentary tracts of different animals The names and roles of bacteria involved in
nitrogen cycle should be mentioned.
Candidates to observe root nodules in
(b) Description and function of various leguminous plants.
parts.
Examples of carnivorous plants should be
4. Feeding habits studied.
(a) Categories: Carnivorous, herbivorous
and omnivorous Comparison should be made using dissected
earthworm, grasshopper/cockroach to show the
(b) Modifications and mechanisms important features of the alimentary canal.
associated with the following habits; filter
feeding, fluid feeding, feeding adaptation in Use a bird and cockroach/grasshopper to show
insects, saprophytic feeding, parasitic feeding modifications for functions
etc.
C. Basic Ecological Concepts
1. Ecological Components: Mosquito larva, housefly, butterfly, cockroach,

Lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, niche adult mosquito, maize weevil, rhizopods,
tapeworm should be used to illustrate the
2.Population Studies by Sampling different types of feeding mechanisms and
(a) Population size various modifications.
(b) Dominance
(c) Density
Candidates are expected to explain and give

3. Energy transformation in nature:
examples of the terms.
(a) Energy loss in the ecosystem
Candidates are required to carry out a project to
determine population density by counting the
(b) Solar radiation: its intake and loss at
individual types of plants and animals and record
31
the earth's surface. such count in a given plot.
(c ) Energy loss in the biosphere.

Laws of thermodynamics and its application to
ecological phenomena should be mentioned.
The laws of thermodynamics should be used to
4. Nutrient Cycling in Nature explain energy flow across tropic levels.
(a) Carbon Cycle: Candidates should discuss energy as a limiting

factor in primary production i.e production of
(i) Process of carbon cycle autotrophs.
(ii) Importance of carbon in nature. Reference should be made to harvest as a

means of measuring primary production.
Candidates should be able to draw the carbon

cycle, list the sources of carbon (burning,
respiration, decay) and discuss the relative
importance of the cycle.
(b) Water Cycle: Reference should be made to carbon dioxide-

(i) Importance of water cycle, oxygen balance in nature.
(ii) Importance of water to living Candidates should carry out experiments to
organisms. show absorption of carbon dioxide and release
of oxygen during photosynthesis.
5. Ecological Management: Tolerance, Minimum
and maximum range
Candidates should carry out experiments to

show the presence of water in expired air and
that water is given off during respiration.
6. Habitats
(a) Aquatic habitat: marine, estuarine fresh water Candidates should perform experiments to
under the following headings: show the limit of tolerance of Tilapia to various
(i) characteristics of habitat concentrations of salt solution or sensitivity of
(ii) distribution of plants and wood lice to temperature.
animals in the habitat,
(iii) adaptive features of plants and
animals in the habitat. Measurement of physical factors:
temperature, salinity, light intensity, turbidity,
(b) Terrestrial habitat: marsh, forest, grass land, current, pH, should be carried out.
arid land should be studied under the
following headings: The pattern of distribution including dominant
types and seasonal changes of population, size
of organisms in the habitat should be noted.
32
(i) characteristics of habitat
(ii) distribution of plants and animals in The measurement of the physical factors,
habitat. temperature, relative humidity, light, wind,
and pH should be carried out.
(c) Balance in Nature Reference should be made to edaphic factors.

Dynamic equilibrium population and
population density. The effect of physical factors on distribution
of plants and animals should be mentioned.
7. Relevance of Biology to Agriculture:

The process by which carnivores maintain a
constant population should be mentioned.
(a) Classification of plants based on life cycle
(b) Effects of agricultural practices on ecology
(i) Bush burning
(ii) Tillage Effects of human activities on ecological

systems should be mentioned.
(iii) Fertilizer
(iv) Herbicide/pesticide
(v) Different farming methods
8. Microorganisms: Man and His Health.
(a) Microorganisms around us
(i) Microorganisms in air and water

(ii) Groups of microorganisms: bacteria,
viruses, some algae, protozoa and some Microorganisms in air, water and expired air
fungi. should be observed and identified by their
colour, pattern of growth and appearance of
(b) Microorganisms in our bodies and food their colony.
33
Microorganisms under the finger nails, mouth

(c) Public Health cavity, expired air, and decomposing food
Food hygiene and health organization. substance should be observed and identified by
their colour, pattern of growth, and appearance
D. Application of Variations of colony.
1. Crime detection
Reference should be made to the roles of
national and international health organizations
in maintenance of good public health.
2. Blood transfusion
The uniqueness of each individual's finger print
should be mentioned in relation to crime
3. Determination of paternity detection.
Reference should be made to importance of

E. Evolution knowledge of blood groups in blood
1. Adaptation for survival transfusion and determination of paternity.
(a) Factors that bring about

competition
(b) Intra and Inter-species

competition Reference should be made to the factors such
as food, space, water, light and mates which
organisms share and form the basis of
competition.
The effects of intra-species competition

should be observed by growing many
(c) Relationship between seedlings of maize in a small area, while the
competition and succession effects of interspecies competition can be
observed by planting many seedlings of
maize and pepper in a small area.
Candidates should observe competition

and succession on a moistened exposed
2. Structural Adaptation for; slice of bread over a period of time.
(a) obtaining food
(b) protection and defense
(c) securing mates for
reproduction
(d) regulating body temperature
(e) conserving water Candidates should observe examples of
34
organisms that show structural adaptation for

3. Adaptive Colouration obtaining food, escaping from enemies,
(a) Plants and animals securing mates, regulating body temperature
(b) Colouration and their and conserving water.
functions
Candidates are required to observe examples of

adaptive colouration in plants and animals.
35
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
PREAMBLE
This syllabus has been designed to portray Agricultural Science as an applied science with
emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge and skills associated with the content. A general
review of the Junior Secondary School Agricultural Science syllabus is presumed.
Candidates will be expected to answer questions on all the topics set out in the column headed
syllabus. The notes therein are intended to indicate the scope of the questions which will be set,
but they are not to be considered as an exhaustive list of limitations and illustration.
Every school offering Agricultural Science must:

(i) establish a farm where crops are grown;
(ii) keep at least one species of ruminant and one non ruminant;
(iii) establish a fish pond where feasible.
Candidates should have practical notebooks which should contain records of individual
activities based on laboratory and individual observations carried out on the school farms, field
trips and also records of specimens collected. In order to enhance effective teaching/learning
process and better performance of candidates, continuous assessment of candidates is
recommended.
Since the main objectives of the Senior Secondary School Agricultural Science Curriculum are
to:
(i) stimulate and sustain students’ interest in agriculture;
(ii) enable students acquire functional knowledge and practical skills to prepare them for
further studies and occupation in agriculture;
it is recommended that the study of Agricultural Science in the Senior Secondary School be
supplemented by visits to well established government and private experimental and
commercial farms, agricultural research institutes and other institutions related to agriculture.
EXAMINATION SCHEME
There will be three papers: Papers 1, 2 and 3 all of which must be taken. Papers 1 and 2
PAPER 1: Will consist of fifty multiple choice questions to be answered within 50

minutes for 50 marks.
1
PAPER 2: Will consist of six essay questions with each drawn from at least two
themes in the syllabus. Candidates will be required to answer five of the
questions within 2 hours 10 minutes for 90 marks.
PAPER 3: Will be a practical paper for school candidates and alternative to practical
paper for private candidates. It will consist of four questions, all of which
should be answered within 1½ hours for 60 marks.
DETAILED SYLLABUS
CONTENTS NOTES
A. BASIC CONCEPTS
1. Meaning and importance of agriculture
(a) Definition and branches of agricultural
science.
(b) Importance of agriculture to the
individual, community and nation.
2. Problems of agricultural development and

possible solutions
(a) Problems related to:
(i) land tenure;
(ii) basic amenities;
(iii) finance; Assessment would include
(iv) transportation; incidence of pests and diseases,
(v) storage and processing facilities; vagaries of weather, labour and
(vi) agricultural education and government policy.
extension;
(vii) tools and machinery;
(viii) farm inputs;
(ix) marketing system;
(x) environmental degradation.
(b) Possible solutions to identified problems
3. Meaning and differences between subsistence

and commercial agriculture
(a) Meaning of subsistence and
commercial agriculture.
(b) Differences between subsistence and
commercial agriculture based on their
characteristics.
2
(c) Advantages and disadvantages of

subsistence and commercial agriculture.
(d) Problems of subsistence and commercial
agriculture.
4. Roles of government in agricultural

development
(a) Agricultural finance:

(i) credit;
(ii) subsidy.
(b) Agricultural education
(c) Agricultural extension services.
(d) Agricultural policies and programmes Assessment would cover past and
present programmes e.g. OFN,
ADP, Farm Settlement,
Agricultural Sector Rehabilitation
Project (ASRP) and National Aids
Coordination Secretariat.
5. Role of non-governmental organizations in

agricultural development
(a) Meaning of non-governmental Examples of NGOs West African

organizations (NGOs). Rice Development Association
(WARDA), International Institute
(b) Roles of NGOs in agricultural for Tropical Agriculture (IITA),
development. International Livestock Centre for
Africa (ILCA), International Crop
Research Institute for Semi-Arid
6. Tropics (ICRISAT) would be
7. Agricultural laws and reforms assessed.
(a) Land tenure systems in West Africa.
(b) Government laws on land use in West
3
Africa.
(c) Advantages and disadvantages of the land Assessment would include land
use Act (Decree) and reforms in West use Act (Decree), Land Reforms
Africa. in West Africa.
B. AGRICULTURAL ECOLOGY
1. Meaning and importance of
agricultural ecology
(a) Meaning of agricultural ecology and
ecosystem.
(b) Components of farm ecosystem e.g. biotic
and abiotic
(c) Interactions of the components in the

terrestrial and aquatic agro-ecosystem. Interaction of farm crops/animals
with other components of the
ecosystem in farm settings such
as mono or sole cropping system,
mixed cropping system, mixed
farming system, fish ponds and
forest (rain or savannah) would be
assessed.
2. Land and its uses
(a) Meaning of land.
(b) Characteristics of land – free gift of

nature, immobile, limited in supply etc.
(c) Uses of land:

(i) agricultural purposes:
- crop production; Assessment would include of uses
- wild life conservation/game of land for aquaculture, forestry
reserve; and apiculture.
- livestock production etc.
(ii) non-agricultural purposes: Non-agricultural uses of land such

- industry; as health centres, church/mosque,
- housing; mining, recreational centres,
- transport etc. schools and markets would be
assessed.
3. Factors affecting land availability for
agricultural purpose
(a) Physical factors:
(i) soil type;
(ii) topography;
4
(iii) land degradation;

(iv) soil pollution.
(b) Economic factors:

(i) population pressure;
(ii) expansion of industries;
(iii) mining/mineral exploitation;
(iv) recreation/tourism.
(c) Socio-cultural factors:

(i) land tenure system;
(ii) religious purpose (church, mosque
and shrine) etc.
4. Agro-allied industries and relationship

between agriculture and industry
(a) Agro-based industries and raw materials: Assessment would include other
(i) paper industry – pulp wood; agro-based industries and raw
(ii) beverage industry – cocoa, tea etc; materials e.g. leather industry –
(iii) textile industry – cotton; hides and skin, canning industry –
(iv) soap industry – oil, seeds meat and fish.
etc.
(b) Relationship between agriculture
and industries:
(i) Agriculture provides market for Assessment would include other
industrial products e.g. farm relationship between agriculture
machinery, chemicals; and industries.
(ii) Agriculture provides food for
industrial workers.
5. Environmental factors affecting crop and

animal distribution and production
(a) Climatic factors e.g. rainfall, temperature,

light, wind, relative humidity.
5
(b) Biotic factors e.g. predators, parasites, soil

micro-organisms, pests, pathogens and
weeds; interrelationship such as
competition, parasitism, mutualism
(symbiosis).
(c) Edaphic factors:
soil pH, soil texture, soil structure, soil
type etc.
6. Rock formation
(a) Types of rock:
(i) igneous; Assessment would cover
(ii) sedimentary; identification, description and
(iii) metamorphic. examples of rock types.
(b) Processes of rock formation. Assessment would cover how

igneous, sedimentary and
metamorphic rocks are formed.
7. Soil formation and profile development
(a) Factors of soil formation: the parent rock,
organisms, climate, topography and time. The role played by each factor in
(b) Processes of soil formation: soil formation would be assessed.
(i) physical weathering;
(ii) chemical weathering.
(c) Soil profile development. The meaning, importance,
identification and description of
each horizon of the soil profile
8. Types, composition and properties of soil would be assessed.
(a) Types of soil.
(b) Chemical and biological composition of
soil: Assessment would cover types of
(i) soil macro and micro nutrients; soil and their separation into sand,
(ii) soil water; silt and clay fractions, water
(iii) soil macro-organisms; holding capacity, porosity,
(iv) soil microbes; capillarity, consistency etc.
(v) soil air.
(c) Soil pH. Determination of soil pH, causes
(d) Physical properties of soil: and correction of soil
(i) soil texture; acidity/alkalinity would be
(ii) soil structure; assessed.
CONTENTS NOTES
6
9. Plant nutrients and nutrient cycle

(a) Macro and micro nutrients; their functions and Macro-nutrients such as
deficiency symptoms in crops. N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and
(b) Factors affecting availability of nutrients in soil Micro–nutrients such as
such as pH, excess of other nutrients, leaching, Zn, Fe, Mo, Co, Bo, Cu
crop removal, oxidation and burning. would be assessed.
(c) Methods of replenishing lost nutrients, e.g. crop
rotation, organic manuring, fertilizer application,
fallowing, liming, cover-cropping. Types of fertilizers and
(d) Nitrogen, carbon, water and phosphorus cycles. methods of fertilizer
application would be
(e) Organic agriculture – meaning and importance. assessed.
10. Irrigation Assessment would include

(a) Meaning of irrigation system. the description and
(b) Types of irrigation systems: importance of nitrogen,
(i) overhead e.g. sprinkler; carbon and water cycles.
(ii) surface e.g. flooding, furrow/channel, basin,
border;
(iii) underground e.g. perforated pipes, drips.
(c) Advantages and disadvantages of irrigation
systems.
(d) Importance of irrigation.
(e) Problems associated with irrigation.
11. Drainage
(a) Meaning of drainage.
(b) Importance of drainage.
(c) Types of drainage systems:
(i) surface drainage e.g. channel, furrow;
(ii) subsurface/underground drainage.
(d) Advantages and disadvantages of drainage

systems.
7
12. Agricultural pollution

(a) Meaning of agricultural pollution.
(b) Causes/sources of pollution of agricultural lands
and fish ponds:
(i) excessive application of agricultural
chemicals;
(ii) marine and oil spillage;
(iii) livestock waste and dung disposal etc.
(c) Effects of land/pond pollution on farmers and Ways of minimizing
agricultural productivity. land/pond pollution would
be assessed.
C. AGRICULTURAL
ENGINEERING/MECHANIZATION
1. Simple farm tools

(a) Meaning of simple farm tools.
(b) Types of simple farm tools
- cutlass, hoe, spade, shovel etc. Assessment would include
(c) General maintenance of simple farm tools. identification, description
and uses of each of the
2. Farm machinery and implements tools.
(a) Farm machinery:
(i) tractor;
(ii) bulldozer;
(iii) shellers; Assessment would include
(iv) dryers; the meaning,
(v) incubators; uses/functions and
(vi) milking machines; identification of different
(vii) combine harvester etc. parts of each of the farm
(b) Tractor-coupled implements: machinery and
(i) ploughs; implements. Engineering
(ii) harrows; details are however not
(iii) ridgers; required.
(iv) planters;
(v) harvesters;
(vi) sprayers etc.
3. Maintenance practices and precautionary measures

(a) Reasons for maintaining farm machines.
(b) Maintenance of farm machinery:
8
(i) check water and oil levels regularly;

(ii) carry out routine service; Assessment would include
(iii) keep machines clean etc. precautionary measures in
the use of farm machinery.
4. Agricultural mechanization
(a) Meaning of agricultural mechanization. Mechanized agricultural
(b) Mechanized agricultural operations. operations: ploughing,
(c) Advantages and disadvantages of agricultural harrowing, planting,
mechanization. harvesting, milking etc
(d) Limitations of agricultural mechanization. would be assessed.
5. Prospects of agricultural mechanization
Possible ways of
improving agricultural
mechanization such as
6. Farm power developing less expensive
(a) Sources of farm power. machines and establishing
(b) Advantages and disadvantages of different agricultural engineering
sources of farm power. schools for personnel
would be assessed.
7. Farm surveying
(a) Meaning of farm surveying.
(b) Common survey equipment.
(c) Uses of farm survey equipment.
(d) Maintenance of farm survey equipment.
(e) Importance of farm surveying.
Engineering details are
8. Farm planning not required.
(a) Meaning of farm planning.
(b) Factors to be considered in farm planning.
(c) Importance of farm planning.
9. Principles of farmstead planning Assessment would cover

(a) Meaning of farmstead. site selection, location of
(b) Importance of farmstead planning. structures and sketching
9
(c) Factors to be considered in the design of a of farm layout.

farmstead.
(d) Farmstead layout.
D. CROP PRODUCTION
1. Classification of crops
(a) Classification of crops based on their uses e.g.
cereals, pulses, roots and tubers, vegetables. A general knowledge of
(b) Classification based on their life cycle e.g. husbandry of all the crops
annual, biennial, perennial, ephemeral. listed is presumed.
(c) Classification based on their morphology e.g.
monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crops.
2. Husbandry of selected crops:-

botanical names and common names of the crop,
varieties/types, climatic and soil requirements, land
preparation, methods of propagation, planting date,
seed rate, spacing, sowing depth and nursery
requirements, cultural practices: supplying, thinning,
manuring and fertilizer requirement and application,
weeding, pests and disease control, harvesting,
processing and storage of at least one representative
crop from each of the following crop groupings:
(a) Cereals e.g. maize, rice, guinea corn, millet;
(b) Pulses (grain legumes) e.g.
cowpea, soya bean, pigeon pea.
(c) Roots and tubers e.g. cassava, yam, potatoes;

(d) Vegetables e.g. tomatoes, onion, amaranthus,
okro, cauliflower, spinach;
(e) Fruits e.g. citrus, banana, pineapple;
(f) Beverages e.g. cocoa, tea, coffee;
10
(g) Spices e.g. pepper, ginger;

(h) Oils e.g. groundnut, sheabutter, sunflower, oil
palm;
(i) Fibres e.g. cotton, jute, sissal hemp;
(j) Latex e.g. rubber;
(k) Others – sugar cane etc.
3. Pasture and forage crops
(a) Meaning of pasture and forage crops. Assessment would include
(b) Uses of forage crops. the botanical names and
(c) Types of pasture. characteristics of common
(d) Common grasses and legumes used for grazing grasses and legumes used
livestock. for grazing livestock.
(e) Factors affecting the distribution and productivity
of pasture.
(f) Establishment of pasture.
(g) Management practices of pasture.
4. Crop improvement Assessment would include
(a) Aims of crop improvement. the meaning of crop
(b) Methods/processes of crop improvement e.g. improvement.
introduction, selection, breeding. Definition of some genetic
(c) Mendel’s laws of inheritance. terms: characters or traits,
(d) Advantages and disadvantages of crop chromosomes, genes,
improvement. Mendel’s 1st and 2nd laws
E. FORESTRY would be assessed.
1. Forest management
(a) Meaning of forest and forestry.
(b) Importance of forestry.
(c) Forest regulations.
(d) Forest management practices.
(e) Implications of deforestation.
CONTENTS NOTES
2. Agro-forestry practices in West Africa
(a) Meaning of agro-forestry.
(b) Agro-forestry practices: Common tree species
(i) taungya system; suitable for agro-forestry
(ii) alley cropping; practices would be
11
(iii) ley farming etc. assessed.
F. ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
1. Meaning and importance of

ornamental plants
(a) Meaning of ornamental plants.
(b) Importance of ornamental plants.
2. Common types of ornamental plants

(a) Types of ornamental plants according to their
uses: Assessment would cover
(i) bedding plants (mostly flowering plants); identification of various
(ii) hedging plants; types of ornamental
(iii) lawn grasses etc. plants.
(b) Examples of ornamental plants.
3. Settings and location for planting ornamental plants.

The common and
4. Methods of cultivating ornamental plants: botanical names would be
(i) by seed; assessed.
(ii) vegetative propagation.
5. Maintenance of ornamental plants. Importance of each

method and examples of
ornamental plants
propagated through such
G. CROP PROTECTION method would be
1. Diseases of crops assessed.
(a) Meaning of disease
(b) General effects of diseases on crop production. Reasons for carrying out
(c) Disease: causal organism, economic maintenance operations:
importance, mode of watering, mulching,
transmission, symptoms, prevention and pruning etc would be
control assessed.
CONTENTS NOTES
measures of the diseases of the following crops:
(i) cereals – smut, rice blast, leaf rust etc;
(ii) legumes – cercospora leaf spot, rosette
etc;
(iii) beverages – cocoa blackpod, swollen
12
shoot, coffee leaf rust etc;

(iv) tubers – cassava mosaic, bacterial leaf Assessment would include
blight etc; at least two fungal, two
(v) fruits- citrus gummosis, dieback etc viral, two bacterial and
(vi) fibre – black arm/bacterial blight of cotton one nematode diseases of
etc; the crops chosen from the
(vii) vegetables – root knot of tomato or okro, list.
damping off, onion twister etc;
(viii) stored produce – mould etc.
2. Pests of crops
(a) Meaning of pests.
(b) Classification of pests:
(i) insect-pests;
(ii) non-insect pests.
(c) Classification of insect-pests based on mouth

parts with examples:
(i) biting and chewing;
(ii) piercing and sucking;
(iii) boring.
(d) Important insect-pests of major crops;
field and storage pests, life cycle, economic
importance, nature of damage, preventive and
control measures of the following major insect-
pests of crops:
(i) cereals – stem borer, army worm, ear worm
etc;
CONTENTS NOTES
(ii) legumes – pod borer, aphids, sucking bugs
and leaf beetle;
(iii) beverages – cocoa myrids (capsids);
(iv) tubers – yam beetle, cassava mealybugs,
green spidermites, variegated grasshopper;
13
(v) fibre – cotton stainer, bollworms;

(vi) fruits and vegetables – thrips, grasshopper,
leaf roller, leaf beetle, scale insect;
(vii) stored produce – grain weevils, bean beetle.
(e) Non-insect pests e.g. birds, rodents etc.
(f) Side effects of preventive and control methods:

(i) chemical – pollution, poisoning;
(ii) biological - disruption of the ecosystem etc;
(iii) cultural – harmful effects of burning etc.
(g) General effects/economic importance of pests.
3. Weeds Nature of damage,

(a) Meaning of weeds. economic importance,
(b) Types of weeds. preventive and control
measures of each of the
(c) Effects of weeds on crops and economy. non-insect pests would be
(d) Characteristic features of weeds. assessed
(e) Methods of controlling weeds: cultural,
biological, chemical, physical and mechanical
methods.
Common and botanical

names would be
assessed.
14
H. ANIMAL PRODUCTION
1. Types and classification of farm animals

(a) Types of farm animals: cattle, sheep, goat,
poultry, pig, rabbit, fish etc.
(b) Classification of farm animals according to:
(i) habitat – terrestrial and aquatic.
(ii) uses – food, protection, pet etc.
2. Anatomy and physiology of farm animals
(a) Parts of farm animals. Drawing and labeling of

parts of farm animals
(b) Organs of farm animals e.g. heart, liver, lungs. would be assessed.
Identification of important
(c) Systems of farm animals e.g. organs and their functions
digestive system, circulatory system, would be assessed.
respiratory system.
Assessment would include
3. Animal reproduction the digestive system of
(a) Meaning of reproduction. poultry, differences
(b) Roles of hormones in reproduction of farm between the monogastric
animals. and ruminant digestive
(c) Reproductive systems of farm animals. systems.
(d) Processes of reproduction in farm animals.
(e) Egg formation in poultry.
Assessment would include
4. Environmental physiology oestrus cycle, heat period,
(a) Meaning of environmental mating, gestation period,
physiology. parturition, lactation,
(b) Effects of changes in climatic factors such as: colostrum, mammary
(i) temperature; glands, signs of heat,
(ii) relative humidity; and ovulation etc.
(iii) light on:
growth, reproduction, milk production, egg
production etc.
15
CONTENTS NOTES
5. Livestock management
(a) Meaning of livestock management.
(b) Requirements for livestock management: Assessment would include
housing; feeding; hygiene and finishing of at least extensive, intensive and
one ruminant and one non-ruminant from birth to semi-intensive systems of
market weight. management and record
(c) Importance of management practices. keeping in livestock
management.
6. Animal nutrition The biochemical details of
(a) Meaning of animal nutrition. the nutrients are not
(b) Classification of feeds. required.
(c) Sources and functions of feed nutrients.
(d) Types of ration/diet and their uses; components of Assessment would include
a balanced diet, production and maintenance the types of diet for the
rations. various classes of animals,
their characteristics and
(e) Causes and symptoms of malnutrition and their supplementary feeding.
correction in farm animals. Assessment would include
malnutrition related
7. Rangeland and pasture management conditions such as ketosis,
(a) Meaning and importance of rangeland/pasture to rickets.
livestock and the characteristics of range land.
(b) Common grasses and legumes in rangeland.
(c) Factors affecting the level of production of
herbage; rainfall, grass/legume composition,
grazing etc.
(d) Methods of rangeland and pasture
improvement:
controlled stocking, rotational grazing, use of
fertilizers, introduction of legumes, reseeding,
weed control, burning, pest and disease control.
16
CONTENTS NOTES
8. Animal improvement
(a) Meaning of animal improvement.
(b) Aims of animal improvement. Assessment would include
(c) Methods of animal improvement: differences and
(i) introduction; similarities between
(ii) selection; breeds (local, exotic and
(iii) breeding. cross/hybrid) and
(d) Artificial insemination. performance of animals.
(i) meaning of artificial insemination.
(ii) methods of collecting semen.
(iii) advantages and disadvantages of artificial
insemination.
9. Animal health management

(a) Meaning of disease.
(b) Causal organisms: viruses, bacteria, fungi and
protozoa.
(c) Factors that could predispose animals to diseases:
health status of animals, nutrition, management
etc.
(d) Reaction of animals to diseases: susceptibility and
resistance to diseases.
(e) Causal organisms, symptoms, mode of
transmission, effects, prevention and control of
the following selected livestock diseases:
(i) viral-foot and mouth, rinderpest, newcastle;
(ii) bacterial – anthrax,

brucellosis, tuberculosis;
(iii) fungal – aspergillosis, ringworm, scabies;
(iv) protozoa – trypanosomiasis, coccidiosis. The economic importance
of the diseases would be
assessed.
17
CONTENTS NOTES
(f) Parasites.
(i) meaning of parasite.
(ii) types of parasites.
(iii) mode of transmission, life cycle, economic
importance and control of the following
selected livestock parasites:
endoparasites – tapeworm, liverfluke and
roundworm;
ectoparasites – ticks, lice.
(g) General methods of prevention and control of
diseases and parasites:
quarantine, inoculation/immunization, hygiene,
breeding for resistance etc.
10. Aquaculture
(a) Meaning of aquaculture.
(b) Different types of aquaculture:
(i) fish farming;
(ii) shrimp farming;
(iii) crab farming.
(c) Meaning and importance of fish farming.
(d) Conditions necessary for siting Assessment would include
a fish pond. aeration, stocking,
(e) Establishment and maintenance of fish pond. feeding, harvesting,
processing and
(f) Fishery regulations – meaning and regulations. preservation of fish.
(g) Fishing methods and tools.
18
CONTENTS NOTES
11. Apiculture or bee keeping
(a) Meaning of apiculture or bee
keeping.
(b) Types of bees:
(i) indigenous bees;
(ii) exotic bees.
(c) Importance of bee keeping.
(d) Methods of bee keeping:
(i) traditional method;
(ii) modern bee keeping.
(e) Bee keeping equipment:
bee hives, hive tools like suits,
smokers, jungle boots, brushes
etc.
(f) Precautionary measures in bee keeping:
(i) locate apiaries far from human dwellings;
(ii) put warning symbols near
apiary etc.
I. AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND EXTENSION
1. Basic economic principles:

(a) scarcity;
(b) choice;
(c) scale of preference;
(d) law of diminishing returns.
2. Factors of production:
(a) land;
(b) capital;
(c) labour – characteristics and classification;
(d) management or entrepreneur. Rural-urban migration and

how it affects labour
3. Principles of demand availability in agricultural
(a) Definition of demand. production would be
(b) Law of demand. assessed.
(c) Factors affecting demand for
agricultural produce.
19
CONTENTS NOTES
(d) Movements along the demand curve.
(e) Shifts in the demand curve.
4. Principles of supply
(a) Definition of supply.
(b) Law of supply.
(c) Movements along supply curve.
(d) Shifts in the supply curve.
(e) Factors affecting the supply of
agricultural produce.
5. Implications of demand and supply for
agricultural production
(a) Price support.
(b) Price control.
(c) Subsidy programme and its effects on
agricultural production.
6. Functions of a farm manager
(a) Meaning of a farm manager.
(b) Functions of a farm manager.

Assessment would include the
7. Problems faced by farm managers meaning of farm management
8. Agricultural finance
(a) Meaning of agricultural finance.
(b) Importance of agricultural finance.
(c) Sources of farm finance.
(d) Classes of farm credit:
(i) classification based on length of
time:
- short-term credit;
- medium term credit;
- long-term credit.
(ii) classification based on source of
credit:
- institutional credit;
- non-institutional credit.
(iii) classification based on liquidity:
- loan in-cash;
- loan in-kind.
20
CONTENTS NOTES
(e) Problems faced by farmers in procuring

agricultural credit.
- high interest rate;
- lack or inadequate collateral etc.
(f) Problems faced by institutions in
granting loans to farmers:
- lack of records and accounts etc.
(g) Capital market.
(i) meaning of capital market,
institutions that deal with medium
and long term loans for agricultural Assessment would include the
business. meaning of agri-business.
(ii) institutions involved in the capital
market
(iii) sources of funds for the capital
market:
- bonds;
- insurance companies;
- merchant banks;
- the stock exchange (sales and
purchases of shares).
(iv) roles of capital markets in
agricultural business:
- mobilization of long term funds
for on-lending;
- reduce over reliance on money
market etc.
9. Farm records and accounts

(a) Importance of farm records.
(b) Types of farm records:
(i) inventory records;
(ii) production records;
(iii) income and expenditure records;
(iv) supplementary or special
records.
(c) Designing farm records
21
CONTENTS NOTES
(d) Farm accounts:

(i) expenditure/ purchases account; Assessment would include terms
(ii) income/sales account; such as salvage value, appreciation,
(iii) profit and loss account; farm budget, depreciation, inventory,
(iv) balance sheet. their importance and their uses in
calculating profit and loss of farm
items like crops, livestock, farm
machinery and tools in the farm.
10. Marketing of agricultural produce
(a) Meaning and importance of marketing
of agricultural produce.
(b) Marketing agents and their functions. Advantages and disadvantages of the
(c) Marketing functions: marketing agents would be assessed.
(i) assembling;
(ii) transportation;
(iii) processing etc.
(d) Marketing of export crops.
(e) Export crops in West Africa.
(f) Guidelines for exporting crops in West
Africa.
(g) Corporate bodies, cooperative societies
and individuals engaged in exporting
agricultural produce e.g ANCE -
Association of Nigerian Cooperative
Exporters.
(h) Importance of exporting agricultural
produce.
(i) Problems of marketing
agricultural produce .
11. Agricultural insurance

(a) Meaning of agricultural insurance.
(b) Importance of agricultural insurance.
(c) Types of insurance policies for
agricultural production:
(i) specific enterprise insurance e.g.
crop insurance, livestock
insurance;
22
CONTENTS NOTES
(ii) farm vehicle insurance;
(iii) fire disaster insurance or machines
and buildings insurance;
(iv) life assurance (farmers, farm
workers and farmers’ household).
(d) Insurance premium
(e) Problems of agricultural insurance:
- uncertainties of weather;
- losses due to natural disaster etc.
12. Agricultural extension

(a) Meaning and importance of
agricultural extension
(b) Agricultural extension methods: Qualities of a good extension worker
(i) individual contact methods; would be assessed.
(ii) group contact methods etc.
(c) Agricultural extension
programmes in West Africa e.g ADP,
NDE, Agro-service centres, state
ministries of agriculture and natural
resources
(d) Problems of agricultural extension in
West Africa. e.g. illiteracy among
farmers, inadequate transport facilities
etc.
23
CONTENTS NOTES
PRACTICAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE Soil samples are to be examined for
A. AGRICULTURAL ECOLOGY texture by manual feeling of wet and
1. Soil dry soil.
Examination of fertile and infertile
soils and note distinguishing features
of soils – colour, texture and
structure, presence of organic matter
and living things.
2. Soil profile Simple description and identification

of soil profile would be assessed.
3. Rocks Identification of common rock types:

igneous, sedimentary and
metamorphic would be assessed.
4. Laboratory work on physical properties of

soil.
(a) Mechanical analysis by sedimentation
and also by use of hydrometer method
or sieves
(b) Determination of bulk density and total
pore space.
(c) Determination of moisture content of a
moist soil sample.
(d) Determination of maximum water
holding capacity.
(e) Determination of wilting point.
(f) Determination of capillary action.
5. Laboratory work on chemical properties of
soil.
(a) Determination of soil acidity using pH
meter and/or any other gadget or
simple equipment.
(b) Common types of chemical
fertilizers. Identification, methods and rates of
application of nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium and compound fertilizers
would be assessed.
24
(d) Organic manure: Identification, method of preparation

(i) green manure; and application of compost would be
(ii) farm yard; assessed.
(iii) compost.
6. Irrigation and drainage Identification and uses of irrigation

and drainage equipment e.g.
B. AGRICULTURAL watering can, sprinkler, pump, pipes
ENGINEERING/MECHANIZATION would be assessed.
1. Farm tools and equipment Assessment would include
identification, description, uses and
maintenance of various garden tools
and equipment e.g. hoe, cutlass,
garden trowel, hand fork, shovel,
spade, rake, sickle, secateurs, shears,
long handle hoe, pruner, budding
knife, emasculator.
2. Tractor and animal drawn implement Assessment would include
identification, description, uses and
maintenance of tractor and animal-
drawn implements e.g. ploughs,
harrows, ridgers, planters,
cultivators; identification of the
major parts of the implements and
their functions.
3. Harvesting, processing and storage Assessment would include
equipment. identification, description and uses
of harvesting, processing and storage
equipment e.g. dehuskers, shellers,
winnowers, dryers, processors,
graters, refrigerators, cutlasses,
scythe, groundnut lifters.
4. Farm tractor Identification of the major
components of the farm tractor,
servicing and maintenance would be
assessed.
5. Uses and maintenance of horticultural tools Identification, uses and maintenance

and implements. of the following horticultural tools:
shears, dibber, pruning knife,
secateurs, budding knife, measuring
tapes, hand fork, hand trowel, hoe,
fork would be assessed.
6. Livestock and fishing equipment Identification, description, uses and

care of livestock and fishing
25
equipment e.g. waterers, feeders,

milking machines, nets, hook and
line, branding machine, egg candler
would be assessed.
7. Farm surveying equipment Assessment would include
identification, uses, and care of
simple surveying equipment e.g.
measuring tape, pins or arrows,
ranging poles, plum bob, offset staff,
compass, gunter’s chains, pegs,
theodolite.
C. CROP PRODUCTION
Identification of seeds, seedlings,
1. Seeds, seedlings, fruits and fruits, storage organs and essential
storage organs of crops. parts of the common crop plants,
pasture grasses and legumes would
be assessed.
2. Main pests and diseases of crops Assessment would include

identification and control of the main
field and storage pests e.g. cotton
stainer, yam beetles, weevils etc and
the damage they cause to crops;
identification of main diseases of
crops, their causal agents and
characteristic symptoms, prevention
and control.
3. Planting dates, seed rates, plant population
and seed quality tests of the more common
local crop plants.
4. Preparation of seedbeds, fertilizer

application, mulching, use of pesticides ,
watering, vegetative propagation,
germination tests etc.
5. Forest products and by-products.
6. Methods of propagation of horticultural Assessment would include the

plants. following propagation methods –
direct sowing, transplanting,
layering, grafting and budding.
7. Common weeds External features, mode of dispersal
and methods of controlling weeds on
the farm would be assessed.
26
D. ANIMAL PRODUCTION
1. Common breeds of animals and types of Identification of breeds, methods of

animals available in the locality. restraints, handling and grooming of
farm animals would be assessed.
2. Major internal organs of farm animals, e.g. Assessment would cover

organs of the digestive system, identification and functions of the
reproductive and excretory systems. major internal organs.
Identification of animal by-products
3. Animal by-products e.g. hides and skin, fur, feather, horn
would be assessed.
4. Animal feeds and feed stuffs and their Assessment would cover the
local sources. identification and uses of feeds and
feed stuffs(e.g. fish meal, groundnut
cake, rice bran); types of diets/ration.
5. Main pests and parasites of farm animals. Assessment would cover
identification of common
ectoparasites(e.g. ticks, lice) and
endoparasites(e.g tapeworms, liver
flukes, roundworms); the damage
caused on their hosts and their
control; and their life cycles.
6. Diseases of farm animals. Methods of prevention and control

of diseases of farm animals, e.g.
drugging, drenching, dipping,
spraying and simple methods of farm
7. Routine management practices in farm sanitation would be assessed.
animals, e.g. selection of livestock and Assessment would cover the
poultry for breeding, culling, ear-notching, identification of equipment/tools
tattooing, horn or skin branding, used for routine management
debeaking, dehorning, castration. practices.
8. Fish harvesting and preservation. Methods of harvesting, processing

and
preservation of fish would be
assessed.
27
ECONOMICS
PREAMBLE
This syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge of basic economic principles

needed for rational decision making relating to individuals, businesses, government and
society. Such knowledge is necessary in enhancing their appreciation of government
economic policies, problems of implementation and how they impact on the economy. This
will help candidates to understand that economics is not only an academic field of study but
also a practical subject.
OBJECTIVES
The syllabus will test candidates’
1. knowledge of the basic economic principles, concepts, and the tools for economic
analysis;
2. understanding of the structure and functioning of economic institutions – commercial,

agricultural, industrial and financial institutions;
3. understanding of the basis for rational economic decisions;
4. ability to explain the basis and structure of the West African economy, including the
roles of agriculture, industry and mining and their contributions to the national
income;
5. ability to follow the role and status of the West African countries in international
economic relationships;
6. ability to appreciate the problems West African countries encounter in their economic
development.
EXAMINATION SCHEME
There will be two papers - Paper 1 and Paper 2; both of which will be in a composite paper to
be taken at one sitting.
Paper 1: will consist of fifty multiple choice questions to be taken in 1 hour for 50
marks.
Paper 2: will consist of eight essay- type questions in two sections: Sections A and B.
Section A will consist of two data response questions. Candidates will be
required to answer four questions in all, choosing one question from Section
A and any three questions from Section B. The paper shall last 2 hours for 80
marks.
DETAILED SYLLABUS
1. DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF ECONOMICS

Scarcity and Choice, Scale of Preference, Opportunity Cost, Production Possibility
Curve. Economic activities – Production, Distribution and Consumption.
Classification of economic activities - Primary, Secondary and Tertiary and their
relative contributions in terms of output/income, employment, savings, investment
and foreign exchange.
2. FACTORS OF PRODUCTION
Land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship- meaning, characteristics and importance.
3. TYPES AND BASIC FEATURES OF ECONOMIC SYSTEMS
(a) Types – capitalism, socialism and mixed economy.
(b) Basic features of each
(c) Advantages and disadvantages of each
(d) Economic problems of society and the approaches for solving them under each
of the systems.
4. BASIC TOOLS OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Tables, graphs and charts. Some basic statistical measures and representations –
arithmetic mean, median, mode and their simple applications.
5. DEMAND
Concept of demand and law of demand, the demand schedules and curve, reasons for
exceptional demand curves, types of demand (derived, composite, joint and
competitive); factors determining demand for goods and services – price of the
commodity, prices of other commodities, income, tastes, price expectation, etc.
Distinction between a shift of and movement along a demand curve; concept of
elasticity of demand. Types of elasticity of demand and their measurement – price,
income and cross elasticities of demand: importance of the concept of elasticity of
demand to consumers, producers and government.
6. SUPPLY
Concept of supply and law of supply, supply schedules and curve, types of Supply –
composite, complementary and competitive. Factors determining supply – input
prices, technology, prices of other commodities, climatic factors, etc. Distinction
between the shift of and movement along the supply curve. Concept and measurement
of elasticity of supply and its importance to producers and government
7. THEORY OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR
The utility concepts- total utility, average utility, marginal utility and the calculation
of utility schedules. The law of diminishing marginal utility, relationship between
total utility, average utility and marginal utility. The concept of equilibrium of a
consumer. Determination of consumer equilibrium. The effects of changes in price
on consumer equilibrium. The relationship between marginal utility and the demand
curve.
8. THEORY OF PRICE DETERMINATION
The Concept of the market; interaction between demand and supply. Price
determination under free and regulated markets. Equilibrium price and quantity in
product and factor markets. The effects of changes in supply and demand on
equilibrium prices and quantities. Introduction to algebraic determination of
equilibrium price and quantity. Price controls: maximum and minimum price
regulations- meaning and their effects; rationing, black market (parallel market)
9. THEORY OF PRODUCTION
Production: division of labour and specialization: Scale of production (Internal and

External economies), concept of total, average and marginal productivity and law of
variable proportions.
10. THEORY OF COST AND REVENUE
(i) Cost concepts: total cost, average cost, marginal cost, variable cost, fixed cost;
short run and long run costs.
(ii) Distinction between economist’s and accountant’s view of cost

(opportunity cost and money cost).
(iii) Revenue concepts: total, average and marginal revenue; Marginal revenue
Product
.
11. MARKET STRUCTURES
Concept of a market, characteristics of various market structures, determination of

price and output under different structures - perfect competition and imperfect
competition (monopoly and monopolistic competition). Review of cost and revenue
concepts. Price discrimination.
12. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
Types and basic features of business enterprises – Sole Proprietorship; Partnership,

Joint- Stock companies (Private and Public), Co-operatives; Statutory Corporation,
Joint ventures. Sources of funds. General and basic problems of business
enterprises. Privatization and Commercialization as solutions to problems of
public enterprises. Indigenization and nationalization policies.
13. DISTRIBUTIVE TRADE
Process of distribution, role of producers, role of wholesalers, retailers and

co-operatives: the role of government agencies in product distribution and the
problems of distribution and their solutions.
14. POPULATION AND LABOUR MARKET
(a) Population - determination and implication of size and growth of

population, Rural – urban migration, Malthusian theory of population
Geographical, age, sex and occupational distribution. Importance and
problems of census. Population and economic development (under -
population, optimum population and over- population).
(b) Labour Market
(i) Concept of labour force and human capital, efficiency and mobility of
labour, factors affecting the size of the labour force, particularly the
population characteristics (age, sex, occupation, education, etc.)
(ii) supply of and demand for labour: wage determination. Concept of

unemployment and underemployment, Trade Unions, Employers’
association and Government policies on labour and wages.
15. AGRICULTURE
Structure (e.g. food crops, export crops, livestock, fisheries): systems of

agriculture
(peasant, commercial, co-operative and state farming); importance of agriculture
to the national economy: marketing of agricultural products (commodity boards).
Agricultural policies (minimum agricultural prices) problems of agriculture and
remedies.
16. INDUSTRIALIZATION
Meaning and types of industry. Definition of industrial concepts: plant, firm,

industry and industrial estates. Location of industry, localization, role of
industrialization in economic development. Strategies of industrialization.
Problems of industrialization.The link between agricultural and industrial
development.
17. NATIONAL INCOME
Meaning of major national income concepts e.g. Gross Domestic Product, Gross
National Product. Net National Product, etc. Different ways of measuring
national income and their problems. Uses and limitations of national income
data; trends and structure of national income.
18. MONEY AND INFLATION
(a) Money – definition and historical development-barter and its problems, types,
characteristics functions. Supply of and demand for money, value of money
and the price level.
(b) Inflation: meaning types, causes, effects and control.
19. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Types (traditional, Central Bank, Commercial Bank, Development Bank,

Merchant Bank, and Insurance Companies, Building Societies) : development
and functions of financial institutions. Money and capital markets; meaning,
types and functions
20. PUBLIC FINANCE
Fiscal policy and objectives of public finance: Sources of government revenue.

Taxation -types(direct and indirect),objectives, merits, demerits and incidence;
Principles/canons of taxation; Rates of taxation(proportional, progressive and
regressive) direct and indirect taxation: incidence and effects of taxes, composition/
structure of public expenditure (recurrent and capital expenditure): effects of
public expenditure. Government budget and the national debt.
21. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
Meaning of economic development, distinction between economic growth and

development, characteristics and problems of developing countries, elements of
development planning (objectives of planning, and problems of planning). Types
of plans (short term, medium term, perspective or long term, rolling plan etc.).
22. INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
(a) International Trade: differences between domestic and international trade, the
basis of international trade, absolute and comparative cost advantage, terms of
trade (definition and measurement) commercial policy (objectives) and
instruments – tariffs (types) and direct control. Trend and structure of West
African countries’ external trade.
(b) Balance of Payments: role of money in international transactions, meaning

and components of balance of payments, balance of payments disequilibrium,
balance of payments adjustments (exchange rate policy exchange control,
monetary and fiscal policies) and financing (the use of reserves and
international borrowing).
23. ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
Economic Integration (objectives, levels of and features). Development and

problems of economic integration in West Africa- ECOWAS
24. INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ORGANIZATIONS
Development and role of:

- Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
- Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
- African Development Bank (AfDB)
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
etc. relevance of such organizations to West African Countries.
25. MAJOR NATURAL RESOURCES
Development of major natural resources (petroleum, gold, diamond, timber,

groundnut etc) effects on West African economies (positive and negative).

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WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by www.myschoolgist.com.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

(i) use correct English;

I. (a) Building and Building Construction;

IV. Figurative Usage

In the test of figurative language, candidates will be expected to recognize when an

Structure here includes:

PAPER 1: (For candidates in Ghana only)

IV. Figurative Usage

In the test of figurative language, candidates will be expected to recognize when an

Structure here includes:

(i) The patterns of changes in word-forms which indicate number, tense,

The objective questions on Literature will be as follows:

PAPER 2: (For all candidates)

SECTION A: ESSAY WRITING (50 marks)

Marks will be awarded for:

The minimum length will be 450 words.

SECTION B: COMPREHENSION (20 marks)

The questions will test candidates’ ability to

SECTION C: SUMMARY (30 marks)

(i) extract relevant information;

PAPER 3: ORAL ENGLISH (30 marks)

This will be made up of sixty multiple choice objective questions on:

Consonants, consonant clusters, vowels, diphthongs, stress and intonation patterns,

Section 2: Test of vowel quality in isolated words.

Section 3: Test of vowel quality and consonant contrasts in isolated words.

Section 4: One of three options below will be used in different years:

(i) test of vowel and/or consonant contrasts in sentence contexts;

Section 5: Test of rhymes

Section 6: Test of comprehension of emphatic stress

Section 7: Test of understanding of the content of longer dialogues and narratives

Initial Medial Final

(a) Pure Vowels

‘increase (noun) in’crease (verb)

He ‘went to the town and ‘bought some ‘oranges.

Did you ‘ask him?

I ‘read it but I did not understand it.

They ar’rived yesterday.

I ‘fetched his ‘book.

He borrowed ‘my newspaper. (i.e. not hers)

(a) Falling Pattern

They ar’rived to’day. - Statement

(b) Rising Pattern

Did he ‘see the ‘principal? - Yes/No question

Test Of Orals (For candidates in Nigeria and Liberia)

The test will cover the following areas:

1. Vowels – pure vowels and diphthongs;

GENERAL MATHEMATICS/MATHEMATICS (CORE)

1. AIMS OF THE SYLLABUS

The aims of the syllabus are to test candidates’:

(1) mathematical competency and computational skills;

Section A - Will consist of five compulsory questions, elementary in nature carrying a

TOPICS CONTENTS NOTES

( a ) Number bases ( i ) conversion of numbers from Conversion from one base

( ii ) Basic operations on number Addition, subtraction and

(b) Modular Arithmetic (i) Concept of Modulo Arithmetic. Interpretation of modulo

(iii) Application to daily life Relate to market days,

( c ) Fractions, Decimals and (i) Basic operations on fractions

( d ) Indices ( i ) Laws of indices e.g. ax x ay = ax + y , ax÷ay =

negative and fractional

( ii ) Numbers in standard form Expression of large and small

( e) Logarithms ( i ) Relationship between indices

( f ) Sequence and Series (i) Patterns of sequences. Determine any term of a