A. Changes in the New Biology Curriculum The changes made in the Biology curriculum for 2003 and afterwards are summarized in the table below. They include additions, deletions or rewriting of topics in the previous curriculum. The reasons for making such changes are also included for reference. By going through the points listed in the table, you will be able to gain an insight into the trend of development of the biological curriculum, and this knowledge will provide an important focus to you when making preparations for the examination. Book 1 Chapter Additions (+) / Deletions (x) / Rewriting (r) Remarks Chapter 2 Diversity and Classification of Organisms (+) The classification of organisms into five kingdoms: Prokaryotes, Protoctists, Fungi, Plants and Animals To update the modern classification system (+) The existence of virus as a non-cellular entity To enhance understanding of virus Chapter 3 Chemicals of Life (r) Inorganic and organic chemical constituents in organisms Reorganizing existing topics to highlight the chemical constituents of organisms Chapter 4 The Basic Structure of (+) The contribution of technological developments of the microscope to the discovery of cells and cell theory To illustrate the impact of technology on the development of science Cells (+) Mitochondria An important organelle in cells for respiration Chapter 6 Photosynthesis (+) The effects of environmental factors (light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration) on the rate of photosynthesis To enhance understanding on the control of variables in designing experiments
Book 2 Chapter Additions (+)/Deletions (x)/rewriting (r) Remarks Chapter 10 Food and Diets (r) Humans as heterotrophs obtaining their nutrition by taking in organic food (x) Mode of nutrition Most topics are covered in S1-3 Science; to avoid rote learning Chapter 12 (x) Smoking and health hazards Most topics are covered in S1-3 Science; to avoid rote learning Gas Exchange in Humans Chapter 13 (x) ABO blood groups in blood transfusion; heart attacks Most topics are covered in S1-3 Science; to avoid rote learning Transport in Humans Chapter 14 Detecting (x) The structure of the ear and its auditory function; function of the semicircular canal; smell and taste; Eye is used to illustrate the functioning of a sense organ; the details of other sense organs are reduced Environmental Conditions (+) touch and heat The presence of three types of cones for colour vision Chapter 15 Nervous and Hormonal Coordination in (+) (+) Ovaries, testes and pancreas as examples of endocrine glands The general effects of glucagon To provide an overall picture of the importance of the endocrine system in coordination Glucagon is added because it works with insulin in regulating blood glucose Humans Chapter 16 Locomotion in Humans (r) The roles of skeleton, muscle, joints, tendons and ligaments in locomotion Reorganizing existing topics to highlight the roles of various structures in locomotion (x) The general plan and functions of the mammalian To reduce the emphasis on the topic on support skeleton Chapter 17 Growth Responses of Plants (r) The growth responses of root and shoot to light, gravity and water; the role of auxins in phototropic and geotropic responses
Book 3 Chapter Additions (+)/Deletions (x)/rewriting (r) Remarks Chapter 18 Homeostasis in Humans (r) The importance of maintaining a constant internal environment; the role of feedback mechanism in to highlight the general role and mechanism of homeostasis homeostasis (r) The principle of body temperature regulation to highlight the general principle (+) Glucagon Glucagon is also essential for regulating blood glucose level Chapter 19 (r) The roles of phagocytes and lymphocytes in Defence against Diseases defending against pathogens Chapter 20 (r) The significance of mitotic and meiotic cell division Cell Division in growth and reproduction Chapter 21 Reproduction in Flowering Plants (r) Occurrence of asexual reproduction in bacteria; the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction as compared with asexual reproduction (x) Binary fission in Amoeba; budding of yeast; spore To simplify the requirement on factual knowledge in this topic formation in Mucor/Rhizopus; the use of artificial propagation as illustrated by cutting; a simple treatment of seed and fruit dispersal by wind and animals Chapter 22 (+) The formation of identical twins and fraternal twins To promote interest of students Reproduction in Humans (+) The advantages of breast-feeding Relevant to everyday life
Chapter Additions (+)/Deletions (x)/rewriting (r) Remarks Chapter 23 (r) The concept of growth and development as Reorganizing existing topics to illustrate the relationship between growth Growth and Development illustrated by seed germination and development Chapter 24 Genetics Chapter 25 Evolution Chapter 26 The Ecosystem Chapter 27 Human Impacts on the Environment (+) Awareness of some inherited disorders in humans; awareness of the Human Genome Project To keep up with current development in biological science (+) Variations caused by human manipulation of genes; To keep up with modern development in biological science; relevant to the use of genetically modified plants and animals in everyday life; providing contexts for students to discuss controversial issues food production, and its implications; the use of and make informed decisions genetically modified bacteria in the production of insulin, and its implications (+) Fossil records as one of the clues revealing different An important concept that provides a framework that integrates various life forms once appeared on the Earth; the concept of biological concepts and principles evolution; organisms evolving from simple to complex life forms; the significance of variations within a species; the role of natural selection (r) The important role of decomposers in the cycling of Reorganizing existing topics to highlight the role of decomposers materials (x) Man and microorganisms; yeast used in wine and Microorganisms are treated briefly in other topics; some topics are covered bread making; harmful microorganisms; the in S1-3 Science importance of antibiotics; food preservations (r) The undesirable effects of over-exploitation of The strengthen concepts in environment education resources; deforestation, and over-consumption of fossil fuels (x) Monoculture Not relevant to local context
Chapter 28 Environmental Protection (+) The concept of sustainable development; preserving biodiversity To present a modern view of environmental protection