Aims

This syllabus is designed to enhance

candidates knowledge and understanding
of biology and biological issues, to
prepare and equip the candidates for their
tertiary education, to pursue careers in
related fields and to promote continuous
awareness of the importance of biology in
life.
OBJECTIVE
This syllabus enables candidates to:
(a) understand the biological phenomena,
principles and theories;
(b) evaluate biological information critically
and deduce logical conclusion;
(c) plan and carry out experiments
scientifically and make deductions;
964 Biology
(d) develop abilities and skills in handling
materials and apparatus correctly and
safely, and;
(e) cultivate proper attitudes and values
on social, technological, and
environmental issues in biology.
SUBJECT: 964 BIOLOGY
The syllabus of 964 Biology will be
covered in three terms with three main
topics.
o1
st
Term : Biological molecules and
Metabolism
o2
nd
Term : Physiology
o3
rd
Term : Ecology and Genetics
964 Biology
SUBJECT: 964 BIOLOGY
The syllabus is based on learning
outcomes curriculum
o1
st
Term : Biological molecules and
Metabolism
oSix topics
o2
nd
Term : Physiology
oSeven topics
o3
rd
Term : Ecology and Genetics
oSix topics
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SUBJECT: 964 BIOLOGY
CONTENTS
FIRST TERM
BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES AND
METABOLISM
1. Biological molecules
1.1 Water
1.2 Carbohydrates
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1.3 Lipids
1.4 Proteins
1.5 Nucleic acids
1.6 Analytical techniques
2. Structure of Cells and Organelles
2.1 Prokaryotic and eukaryotic
cells
2.2 Cellular components
2.3 Specialised cells
3. Membrane Structure and Transport
3.1 Fluid mosaic model
3.2 Movement of substance across
membrane
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4. Enzymes
4.1 Catalysis and activation energy
4.2 Mechanism of action and
kinetics
4.3 Cofactors
4.4 Inhibitors
4.5 Classification of enzymes
4.6 Enzyme technology
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5. Cellular Respiration
5.1 The need for energy in living
5.2 Aerobic respiration
5.3 Anaerobic respiration
6. Photosynthesis
6.1 Autotroph
6.2 Light-dependent reactions
6.3 Light-independent reactions
6.4 Limiting factors
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SECOND TERM
PHYSIOLOGY
7.Gas exchange
7.1Gaseous exchange in humans
7.2Breathing cycle
7.3Gaseous exchange in plants
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8. Transport in Animals and Plants
8.1 Transport system in mammals
8.2 Transport system in vascular
plants
9. Control and Regulation
9.1 Nervous system
9.2 Hormones
10. Reproduction, Development and
Growth
10.1 Sexual reproduction in humans
10.2 Sexual reproduction in flowering
plants
10.3 Seed germination
10.4 Growth curves and patterns of
growth
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11. Homeostasis
11.1 Importance of homeostasis
11.2 Liver
11.3 Osmoregulation in mammals
11.4 Osmoregulation in plants
12. Immunity
12.1 Immune system
12.2 Development of immunity
12.3 Concept of self and non-self
12.4 Immune disorder
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13. Infectious Diseases
13.1 Infectious disease
13.2 Dengue
13.3 Cholera
13.4 Tuberculosis (TB)
13.5 Malaria
THIRD TERM
ECOLOGY AND GENETICS
14. Taxonomy and biodiversity
14.1Taxonomy
14.2Diversity of organisms
14.3Biodiversity in Malaysia
14.4Threats to biodiversity
14.5Conservation of biodiversity
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15. Ecology
15.1 Levels of ecological
organisation
15.2 Biogeochemical cycles
15.3 Energy flow
15.4 Population ecology
15.5 Carrying capacity
15.6 Quantitative ecology
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16. Selection and Speciation
16.1 Natural and artificial selection
16.2 Speciation
17. Inheritance and Genetic Control
17.1 Types of genetic crosses and
breeding system
17.2 Non-Mendelian inheritance
17.3 Genetic mapping
17.4 Population genetics
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17.5 DNA replication
17.6 Gene expression
17.7 Regulation of gene expression
17.8 Mutation
18. Gene Technology
18.1 Recombinant DNA technology
19. Biotechnology
19.1 Roles of biotechnology
19.2 Applications of biotechnology
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE NEW
SYLLABUS WITH THE EXISTING SYLLABUS
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
1. Number
of titles
25 19
To meet the current
and global needs
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FIRST TERM
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
2. Changes
title/
content
Topic 1:
Basic
chemistry
of a cell
Topic 1:
Biological
molecules
Topic1 in the current
syllabus is changed to
Biological molecules
because this topic not
only discuss the basic
chemistry, but all the
features of molecular
biological aspects.
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 2:
Structure of
cells and
organelles
Topic 2:
Structure of
cells and
organelles
Topic 3:
Membrane
structure
and
transport
Topic 2 of the existing
syllabus is separated
into two topics which
are Topic 2 and Topic 3
so that the emphasis is
also on the membrane
structure and
transport in more detail
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Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 3:
Control in
cells
Subtopic
3.1.2: Gene
concept,
one-gene-
one-
polypeptide
hypothesis
Topic 4:
Enzymes
Topic 3 of the existing
syllabus become
Topic 4 of the new
syllabus dedicated
to the enzyme alone.
Subtopic 3.1.2 existing
syllabus transferred to
Topic 17.
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 5:
Respiration
Topic 5:
Cellular
respiration
Topic 5 of the existing
syllabus is separate
into two parts, energy
production and
respiration processes.
Topic 4:
Photosynth
esis
Topic 6:
Photosynth
esis
Topic 4 of the existing
syllabus has been
changed to Topic 6 of
the new syllabus to
enable the sequential
learning by topic.
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Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 6:
Nutrition
Topic 6 was dropped
because the topics are
covered while in SPM.
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
TERM 2
Topic 7:
Gaseous
exchange
Topic 7:
Gas
exchange
Topic 7 changed the
name of the topic only
Topic 8:
Transport
Topic 8:
Transport in
animals and
plants
Topic 8 changed the
name of the title to be
more detailed and clear
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Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 10:
Nervous
system
Topic 11:
Hormone/
chemical
coordination
Topic 9:
Control and
regulation
Topic 10 and Topic 11
existing syllabus
combined into Title 9
of the new syllabus.
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 13:
Reproduction
Topic 14:
Development
Topic 15:
Growth
Topic 10:
Reproduction,
development
and growth
Topic 13, Topic 14 and
Topic 15 of the existing
syllabus combined
into Topic10 of the new
syllabus.
Topic 9:
Homeostasis
Topic 11:
Homeostasis
Topic 9 of the existing
syllabus transferred
into Topic 11 of the new
syllabus.
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 12:
Immunity
Subtopic
12.5:
Acquired
Immune
Deficiency
Syndrome
(AIDS)
Topic 12:
Immunity
Subtopic
12.4:
Immune
disorder
Topic 12 of the existing
syllabus is updated and
issued 12.5
Subtopic and Subtopic
12.4 in the new
syllabus is replaced by
Immune disorders are
discussed Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus
(SLE).
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 13:
Infectious
diseases
Subtopic 13.1:
Infectious disease
Subtopic 13.2:
Dengue
Subtopic13.3:
Cholera
Subtopic 13.4:
Tuberculosis (TB)
Subtopic 13.5:
Malaria
Topic 13 of the new
syllabus was introduced
to new topics to meet the
needs of current issues
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
TERM 3
Topic 21:
Taxonomy
Topic 22:
Biodiversity
Topic 14:
Taxonomy
and
biodiversity
Topic 21 and Topic 22
of the existing syllabus
combined into Topic 14
of the new syllabus.
Topic 24:
Ecosystem
Topic 25:
Quantitative
ecology
Topic 15:
Ecology
Topic 24 and Topic 25
of the existing syllabus
combined into Topic 15
15 of the new syllabus.
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 23:
Variation and
theory of
Evolution
Subtopic 23.1:
Variation
23.1.1:
Continuous
and
Discontinuous
Variation
23.1.2:
Sources
Topic 16:
Selection and
speciation
Topic 23,
a Subtopic 23.1 and
23.4 in the existing
syllabus was dropped
because the theory is
quite contrary to religious
beliefs, but Subtopic 23.2
and 23.3 in the existing
syllabus combined into
Topic 16 of the new
syllabus.
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Subtopic 23.4:
Evolution
23.4.1:
Lamarcks
Theory
23.4.2:
Darwin-
Wallaces
Theory
23.4.3
Evidence
supporting
theory of
Evolution
Topic 16:
Selection and
speciation
Topic 23, a Subtopic 23.1
and 23.4 in the existing
syllabus was dropped
because the theory is
quite contrary to religious
beliefs, but Subtopic 23.2
and 23.3 in the existing
syllabus combined into
Topic 16 of the new
syllabus.
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 16:
Transmission
genetics
Topic 17:
Mutation
Topic 18:
Population
genetics
Topic 17:
Inheritance
and genetic
control
Topic 16, Topic 17 and
Topic 18 of the existing
syllabus combined
into Topic 17 of the new
syllabus.
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Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 19:
Gene
regulation
and
expression
Subtopic
19.1: Lactose
operon
Topic 20:
Modern
genetics
technology
Topic 18:
Gene
technology
Topic 19 and Topic 20
of the existing syllabus
combined into Topic 18
of the new syllabus.
Detail
Current
syllabus
New
syllabus
Rationale for change
Topic 19:
Biotechnology
and its
applications
Subtopic 19.1:
Roles of
biotechnology
Subtopic 19.2:
Applications of
biotechnology
Topic 19 of the new
syllabus was introduced
to new topics to meet
the needs of current
issues.
SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT (SBA)
SBA is carried out throughout the form six
school terms.
SBA can be carry out by candidates from
government schools and private schools which
have been approved by MEC.
SBA is assessed by the subject teachers in
schools in the respective terms when the
experiment is carrying out and also on the
students practical work report.
964 Biology
MEC will determine 15 compulsory
experiments to be carried out by the
candidates which is compiled on Teachers
and Students Manual for Biology Practical.
Teachers and Students Manual for Biology
Practical can be downloaded from MEC Portal
(http://www.mpm.edu.my) during the first term
of form six by the subject teachers.
SUBJECT: 964 BIOLOGY
Assessment
Examination
1
st
Term Topic 1 to 6

26.67%
2
nd
Term Topic 7 to 13

26.67%
3
rd
Term Topic 14 to 19

26.67%
School Based Assessment

20%
or for private students
Written practical test ( Paper 5)

20%
Total marks will be graded after 3
rd
term
964 Biology
FIRST TERM
No Theme
Topic in
syllabus
Experiment
1 Microscope
and slide
Taxanomy
and
biodiversity
Measurement of cell size
using microscope
2 Microscope
and slide
Taxanomy
and
biodiversity
Preparation and
observation of slides of
animal and plant cells
3 Biochemistry
and
physiology
Transport in
animal and
plant
Determination of the
osmotic potential of plant
cells
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964 Biology
No Theme
Topic in
syllabus
Experiment
4 Biochemistry
and
physiology
Enzymes Effect of temperature on
enzymatic activity
5 Biochemistry
and
physiology
Gas
exchange
Oxygen consumption
during respiration in
plant
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No Theme
Topic in
syllabus
Experiment
6 Biochemistry
and
physiology
Biological
molecules
Separation of
photosynthetic
pigments using paper
chromatography
7 Biochemistry
and
physiology
Photosynthesis Comparison
between C3 and C4
leaves
SECOND TERM
No Theme
Topic in
syllabus
Experiment
8 Dissection Gas
exchange
Dissection of the
mammalian respiratory
system.
9 Dissection Transport in
animal and
plant
Dissection of the
mammalian blood
circulatory system
10 Dissection Hemeostasis Dissection of the
mammalian urino-genital
system
964 Biology
No Theme
Topic in
syllabus
Experiment
11 Microscope
and slide
Reproduction,
development
and growth
Embryogenesis in human
12 Microscope
and slide
Hemeostasis Examination of slides:
kidney, liver and pancreas
THIRD TERM
No Theme
Topic in
syllabus
Experiment
13 Ecology Taxanomy
and
biodiversity
Classification of organisms
using a dichotomous key
14 Ecology
Taxanomy
and
biodiversity
Preservation techniques
15 Ecology Taxanomy
and
biodiversity
Collections of insects of 10
different orders and plants
of 10 different families
No Theme
Topic in
syllabus
Experiment
16 Ecology Ecology
Ecological study of a
terrestrial habitat
17 Genetic
Inheritance
and genetic
control
Mendelian inheritance
18 Genetic
Biological
molecules
Extraction of plant DNA
SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting)
Duration Administration
First
Term
964/1
Biology
Paper 1
Biological
Molecules
and
Metabolism
Written
test
Section A
15
compulsory
multiple-
choice
questions to
be
answered.
60
(26.67%)
15
1 hours Central
assessment
964 Biology
Term of
Study
Paper Code
and Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting
)
Duration Administration
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting)
Duration Administration
First
Term
964/1
Biology
Paper 1
Biological
Molecules
and
Metabolism
Section B
2
compulsory
short
structured
questions to
be
answered.
15
1 hours Central
assessment
964 Biology
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting)
Duration Administration
First
Term
964/1
Biology
Paper 1
Biological
Molecules
and
Metabolism
Section C
2 out of 3
essay
questions to
be
answered.
All
questions
are based
on topics 1
to 6.
30 1 hours Central
assessment
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighti
ng)
Duratio
n
Administrat
ion
964 Biology
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting)
Duration Administration
Second
Term
964/2
Biology
Paper 2
Physiology Written
test
Section A
15
compulsory
multiple-
choice
questions to
be
answered.
60
(26.67%)
15
1 hours Central
assessment
964 Biology
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting)
Duration Administration
Second
Term
964/2
Biology
Paper 2
Physiology Section B
2
compulsory
short
structured
questions to
be
answered.
15
1 hours Central
assessment
964 Biology
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting)
Duration Administration
Second
Term
964/2
Biology
Paper 2
Physiology Section C
2 out of 3
essay
questions to
be
answered.
All
questions
are based
on topics 7
to 13.
30 1 hours Central
assessment
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting)
Duration Administration
Third
Term
964/3
Biology
Paper 3
Ecology
and
Genetics
Written
test
Section A
15
compulsory
multiple-
choice
questions to
be
answered.
60
(26.67%)
15
1 hours Central
assessment
964 Biology
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting)
Duration Administration
Third
Term
964/3
Biology
Paper 3
Ecology
and
Genetics
Section B
2
compulsory
short
structured
questions to
be
answered.
15
1 hours Central
assessment
964 Biology
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting)
Duration Administration
Third
Term
964/3
Biology
Paper 3
Ecology
and
Genetics
Section C
2 out of 3
essay
questions to
be
answered.
All
questions
are based
on topics
14 to 19.
30
1 hours Central
assessment
964 Biology
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting
)
Duration Administration
Third
Term
964/5
Biology
Paper 5
Written
Practical
Test
3 structured
questions
with
diagram/grap
h/ table to be
answered.
45
(20%)
1 hours Central
assessment
Term of
Study
Paper
Code and
Name
Theme/Title Type of Test
Mark
(Weighting
)
Duration Administration
First,
Second
and
Third
Terms
964/4
Biology
Paper 4
Biology
Practical
School-
based
Assessment
of Practical
15
compulsory
experiments
to be carried
out.
225
(20%)
Through
-out the
three
terms
School-based
assessment
964 Biology