Are you writing Biology in your NECO (SSCE or GCE) exam this year? The NECO Biology syllabus helps you know where all your NECO Biology questions will be asked from.
You will see the NECO Biology exam structure, full list of syllabus topics, areas of concentration, and study tips on Biology in the NECO exam this year.
ALSO SEE: HOW TO PASS NECO BIOLOGY EXAM
Let’s begin..
NECO Biology Exam Structure
The exam is divided into three papers:
SECTION 1
Paper 1: Objective Questions
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- 50 minutes
- Total of 50 marks
Paper 2: Essay/Theory
- It will consist of six essay questions drawn from the entire syllabus.
- The paper will be put into three sections, Sections A, B, and C.
- 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.
Section A: This will consist of four questions drawn from Section A of the syllabus.
Section B: This will be for candidates in Ghana only and will be drawn from Section B
of the syllabus (i.e., the section of the syllabus peculiar to Ghana). It will consist of
short-structured questions.
Section C: Will be for candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Liberia, and
will be drawn from Section C of the syllabus (i.e., the section of the syllabus containing
material for those countries only). It will also consist of short-structured questions.
Paper 3: Practical Test or Test of Practical Work
This 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
See NECO Biology Syllabus
Here are the Biology topics and areas of concentration under each topic, which you must study according to the official NECO syllabus.
1. Concept of Living
- Classification
- Organization of life
- Forms in which living cells exist
- Cell structure and functions of cell components
- The Cell and its environment: Physical and Biophysical processes
- Properties and functions of the living cell
2. Plant and Animal Nutrition
- Plant Nutrition
- Animal Nutrition
3. Basic Ecological Concepts
- Ecosystem: Components of the ecosystem and sizes
- Ecological factors: Ecological factors in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
- Simple Measurement of Ecological Factors
- Food webs and trophic levels
- Ecological Management
- Ecology of population
- Microorganisms: Man and health – Ecological succession
- Microorganisms: Man and health – Carriers of microorganisms
4. Conservation of Natural Resources
- Resources to be conserved: soil, water, wildlife, forest and minerals
- Ways of ensuring conservation
5. Variation in Population
- Morphological variations in the physical appearance of individuals
- Physiological Variations
6. Biology of Heredity (Genetics)
- Genetic terminologies
- Transmission and expression of characteristics in organisms
- Chromosomes: The basis of heredity
- Probability in genetics (Hybrid formation)
- Linkage, sex determination and sex linked characters
- Application of the principles of heredity in agriculture and medicine
7. Adaptation for survival and Evolution
- Behavioural Adaptations in Social Animals
- Evolution
Smart Study Tips for NECO Biology
- Create a weekly study plan by topic
- Group similar topics for better understanding
- Master key definitions and diagrams
- Practice practical questions regularly
- Review NECO Biology past questions alongside the syllabus.
- Time yourself when practicing past questions.
FAQs
Q: Is the NECO Biology syllabus the same as WAEC?
A: They are similar but not the same. Always use the NECO version when preparing for NECO exams.
Q: Do I need to study practical topics even as a private candidate?
A: Yes, you’ll take an “Alternative to Practical” paper that tests the same skills.
Q: Where can I download the syllabus PDF?
A: You can get it from syllabus.ng or ask your school to print a copy.
Summary on NECO Biology Syllabus
Biology is a bonus subject if you follow the NECO syllabus and prepare smartly. Use this post as your study guide, cover every topic, and tackle past questions consistently.
Good luck with your preparation!
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