LIVING ORGANISMS AND THE ENVIRONMENT SPECIFIC

OBJECTIVES EXPLANATORY NOTES Students should be able to:

1. describe the characteristics of living organisms; Nutrition, respiration, excretion, growth,
irritability, movement, reproduction.
2. compare the structures of an unspecialized plant and animal cell and selected microbes;
Basic structure of unspecialized plant cell, animal cell and microbes. (a) Labelled diagrams
of plant and animal cell. (b) Microbes to include: (i) virus; (ii) bacteria; (iii) fungi. (Link to
Specific Objective D7)
3. state the functions of cell structures; Cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, ribosomes,
cytoplasm, mitochondria, vacuoles, chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum.
4. identify selected cells which make up the human body; Diagrams and features required:
(a) epithelial cells; (b) sperm cells; (c) egg cells; (d) nerve cells; (e) muscle cells.
5. explain the importance of cell specialization in humans; (a) Cell differentiation. (b) Relation
of cells to the organism as a whole.
6. distinguish between osmosis and diffusion;

explain the importance of osmosis,

diffusion and active transport in living
systems;
Movement of substances across the cells.
(a) Osmosis as a special type of diffusion.
(b) Cell membrane as a partially permeable
membrane.
(c) Movement of water from cell to cell.
(d) Examples of osmosis occurring in plants
and animals.
(e) Diffusion of gases in and out of a living
cell.
(f) Experimental activity to demonstrate
osmosis and diffusion in living cells.
(g) Active transport - movement of ions against
a concentration gradient using energy.
(Link to Specific Objectives B 1.24, B1.26)
8. explain the process of photosynthesis; (a) Definition of photosynthesis.
(b) Simple treatment involving word equation
to summarize the process.
(c) Site of photosynthesis (chloroplast).
(d) Fate of products of photosynthesis.
9. investigate the effect of light and chlorophyll
on the production of starch;*
10. explain the ways in which other living
organisms depend on plants directly or
indirectly for food;
(a) Plants as producers.
(b) Human beings dependence on plants
directly or indirectly for food.
11. explain the principles of a food chain; Definition of a food chain and trophic level; names
of organisms feeding at each trophic level
(omnivore, carnivore, herbivore, producer,
primary and secondary consumers); reduction of
available energy at each trophic level; utilization
of energy at each trophic level.
12. construct a food chain from a selected
habitat;
Terrestrial and aquatic (marine and freshwater)
habitats.

describe the recycling of carbon in nature. Include the importance of recycling carbon in
nature; Carbon cycle:
(i) the importance of CO2 in photosynthesis; (ii) transformation of carbon from carbon
dioxide to carbohydrates in photosynthesis;
(iii) the release of carbon dioxide during respiration, decomposition and combustion and its
contribution to the greenhouse effect;
(iv) death and decay (due to bacterial and fungal activities) of organisms to release carbon
dioxide; (v) formation of fossil fuels from the remains of dead organisms; (vi) release of
carbon dioxide when fossil fuels are burnt; and, (vii) discuss the impact of global warming on
the well-being of humans.

: LIFE PROCESSESS GENERAL OBJECTIVES On completion of this section,

students should: 1. understand the role of nutrition in helping humans to obtain their energy
and satisfy their physical needs; 2. understand that respiration is the means by which energy
is made available for carrying out life processes; 3. understand the role of transport and
defence in humans; 4. understand the mechanisms of movement and appreciate its role(s)
in humans; 5. understand the process by which humans get rid of metabolic waste and
maintain homeostasis; 6. understand that humans detect and respond to changes in their
external and internal environment; and,
7. understand the processes by which life is perpetuated. 1.
NUTRITION SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES EXPLANATORY NOTES Students should be able
to: 1.1 distinguish between macro and micro nutrients; Include definitions and examples of
macronutrients and micronutrients. 1.2 discuss the functions of macro nutrients; Starch,
reducing and non-reducing sugars, lipids, proteins; mention chemical and physical properties
of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Include sources of macronutrients; elements that make
up the macronutrients.
Include hidden sources of sugars; effects of sugarsweetened beverages on health; benefits
of fresh fruits and vegetables with reference to fruits and vegetables grown in the Caribbean.
1 . 3 discuss the functions of micronutrients; Vitamin A, B1, C, D, E, and K and the minerals:
calcium, magnesium, fluoride, iodine, phosphorous, sodium and iron. Include sources of
micronutrients. Include hidden sources of salt

state the cause, symptoms and treatment of deficiency diseases; Night blindness, iron-
deficiency anaemia, rickets, and goitre. 1.5 classify vitamins asfat or water soluble; (a) (a)Fat
soluble - A, D, E and K (b) Water soluble - B, C. 1.6 * perform tests to distinguish among
food nutrients; Starch, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, protein and fat. (Link to
Specific Objective A8). 1.7 state the functions of water in the body; Include water as a
solvent for hydrolysis and as a transport medium. 1.8 explain the role of dietary fibre in the
body; Including the link between fibre and obesity. 1.9 describe the causes and effects of
constipation and diarrhoea; Including proper hygiene in the preparation of food. [Link to
Specific Objectives A2 and D5 (cholera, gastroenteritis)]. 1.10

discuss the importance of a balanced diet; Must include definition, food groups, the effects of
age, sex and occupation on dietary needs. 1.11 discuss the effects of malnutrition on the
human body; Include the definition of malnutrition (over and under nutrition), obesity (adult
and childhood), anorexia and bulimia, protein and energy malnutrition (kwashiorkor,

(BMI); 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝑘𝑔) 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝑚) 2 Include determination of waist circumference; use of
marasmus). Include the sources and effects of hidden salt. 1.12 determine Body Mass Index

BMI and waist circumference to categorize obesity; factors and implications of obesity. (Link
to Specific Objectives B3.6, B3.11 and D9).

use tables, charts and graphs to represent data on nutrition; Include the prevalence and
trends of childhood obesity in Caribbean countries. Include construction and interpretation of
tables, graphs and charts. 1.14 relate the types of teeth present in an infant and an adult
human to their roles; Include labelling of diagrams of teeth. 1.15

explain the importance of teeth in the process of digestion; (Link to Specific Objective
B1.24). 1.16 relate the structures of the tooth to their functions; Internal and external
structures; include functions of enamel, dentine, pulp cavity, cement; labelling of diagrams
required. 1.17 state the causes of tooth decay; Include the effects of sugar-sweetened
beverages (through sugar and carbonation) on tooth decay. 1.18

describe the process of tooth decay; Include conversion of food into acids by bacteria. 1.19
outline guidelines for the care of the teeth; Include flossing, brushing at least twice daily,
fluoridation, dental check-ups bi-annually and diet. 1.20 explain the properties, role and
importance of enzymes involved in digestion; Include site of production. 1.21 *

investigate the effects of temperature and pH on the activity of the enzymes, amylase and
catalase in the digestive process; Include construction and interpretation of tables, graphs
and charts. 1.22 identify the various structures of the digestive system; Include labelling of
diagrams of digestive system. 1.23 relate the structures of the digestive system to their
functions

describe the processes of digestion and absorption of food in the alimentary canal; Include
mechanical (mastication) and chemical digestion. Include osmosis, diffusion and active
transport. (Link to Specific Objective A6). 1.25

discuss the fate of the products of digestion after their absorption; Include glucose, amino
acids, fatty acids and glycerol; role of hepatic portal vein; role of liver; assimilation. 1.26
relate the structure of a villus to the function of absorption; Include labelling of diagram. (Link
to Specific Objective A6). 1.27 distinguish between egestion and excretion. (Link to Specific
Objective B5.1).
2. THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Students should be able to: 2.1 explain the importance of
breathing in humans; 2.2 relate the structures of the respiratory tract to their functions;
Include labelling of diagram of respiratory system. 2.3 *describe the breathing mechanism;
Include the effects of changes in the volume of the chest cavity on internal air pressure.
Demonstrate using a model. 2.4 *outline the factors affecting the rate of breathing; Exercise,
smoking, anxiety, drugs, environmental factors, altitude, weight/obesity. (Link to Specific
Objective D4). 2.5 explain the concept of vital capacity; Interpretation of graphical
representation required.

distinguish between gaseous exchange and breathing; Inclusion of gaseous exchange in the
alveoli; include labelling of diagram of alveolus. 2.7 identify characteristics common to
gaseous exchange surfaces; Include large and moist surface area and thin membranes;
copious blood supply. 2.8 differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic respiration; Include
the definitions of aerobic and anaerobic respiration; site, the products of respiration;
description of industrial and domestic applications of anaerobic respiration; oxygen debt;
worded and chemical equations to represent the processes of aerobic and anaerobic
respiration. Include the comparison of the amount of energy released in both aerobic and
anaerobic respiration. 2.9
explain the role of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the
transfer of energy; Adenosine triphosphate as the energy currency of the cell. 2.10 describe
the technique of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); Include disposal device for applying
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 2.11

discuss the effects of smoking; and, Effects of smoking (cigarette, marijuana, vaping,
hookah); nicotine addiction, damage to the lungs, carcinogenic properties and reduction in
oxygen carrying capacity of the blood; hypertension and heart disease. Interpretation of
data. (Link to Specific Objectives D11 and D22) 2.12 use tables, graphs and charts to
represent data on the respiratory system. Construction and interpretation of tables, graphs
and charts

explain the need for a transport system in the human body; Include the limitations of simple
diffusion; the relationship between surface area and volume. (Link to Specific Objective A6).
3.2 identify the materials which need to be transported around the human body; Nutrients,
gases, hormones, antibodies, blood proteins and metabolic waste products. 3.3 relate the
components of the blood to its function; Plasma, serum, red blood cells, white blood cells,
platelets.
Differentiation between plasma and serum. 3.4 relate the structures of red blood cells,
phagocytes and lymphocytes to their functions; Include labelling of diagrams. 3.5 relate the
structures of the arteries, veins and capillaries to their functions; Include labelling of
diagrams; thickness of walls, size of lumen, presence or absence of valves. 3.6

relate the structures of the heart to their functions; Include chambers, valves and blood
vessels, cardiac muscles; the role of the pacemaker/artificial pacemaker; comparison of the
differences in thickness of the right and left ventricles; include the labelling of diagrams; 3.7
explain the concept of blood pressure; Systole and diastole. Include modifiable risk factors
(salt, fat, alcohol, smoking and stress) for elevated blood pressure; trends in hypertension
and obesity in children in Caribbean countries; trends in modifiable risk factors. (Link to
Specific Objectives B1.11, B1.12 and D9). 3.8 describe the structure and function of the
circulatory system in humans;

discuss blood groups; Include A, B, AB and O: antigen and antibody for

each group, precaution in transfusion and
handling; Rh factor risk in pregnancy and
precautions.
3.10 explain the process and the
importance of blood clotting;
Role of platelets, calcium ions, Vitamin K,
thromboplastin, prothrombin, thrombin,
fibrinogen and fibrin.
(Link to Specific Objective C6 [haemophilia]).
3.11 discussthe causes and effects of
heart diseases;
Include hypertension (high blood pressure),
atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis, and obesity.
(Link to Specific Objectives B3.7 and D9).
3.12 use tables, charts and graphs to
represent data on diseases of
the circulatory system;
Construction and interpretation of tables, graphs
and charts.
3.13 describe the structure and
function of the lymphatic
system; and,
Include the role of tissue fluid and lymph; location
and function of lymph nodes.
3.14 describe how tissue fluid and
lymph are formed.
Differentiation between tissue fluid and lymph.
Include labelling of diagrams.

4.SKELETAL SYSTEM
Students should be able to:
4.1 identify the major bones of the
skeleton;
Cranium, clavicle, scapula, vertebral column,
humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, rib
cage, sternum, pelvic girdle, femur, tibia, fibula,
patella, tarsals, metatarsals and phalanges.
4.2 relate the structure of the
skeleton to its functions;
Movement, locomotion, protection, support,
breathing, production of blood cells, storage of
minerals.
relate the structure of a long bone to its functions; Include the labelling of diagram (internal
and external view). 4.4 distinguish between bone and cartilage; Include characteristics and
functions. 4.5 distinguish between tendons and ligaments; Include characteristics and
functions. 4.6
discuss the types of joints; Include definition. Types, location and characteristics of joints -
hinge, fixed, synovial and ball and socket. Include labelling of diagrams. 4.7 describe
movement in the hinge and ball and socket joints; Include flexion and extension. 4.8 discuss
the three types of muscles; Include location and function of cardiac, skeletal and smooth
muscles.

4.9 explain how skeletal muscles function in the movement of a limb; Include labelling of
diagrams; the role of antagonistic muscles in the movement of limbs; include definition of
muscle tone and the effect of exercise on it. (Link to Specific Objective B4.7). 4.10 identify
the biceps and triceps of the upper arm; Include labelling of diagrams; points of origin
(location and definition); points of insertion (location and definition). 4.11

explain the importance of locomotion to man; and, Include labelling of diagrams; The role of
antagonistic muscles in the movement of limbs; include definition of muscle tone and the
effect of exercise on it. 4.12 evaluate the factors which adversely affect the skeletal system.
Include posture and inappropriate foot-wear to the activity, lifting heavy objects.

EXCRETION AND HOMEOSTASIS SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

EXPLANATORY NOTES Students should be able to: 5. 5.1 discuss the importance
of excretion in human beings; Include definition of excretion. (Link to Specific Objective
B1.27). 5.2 explain the roles of the organs involved in excretion; Lungs, skin and kidney;
Include examples of metabolic wastes. 5.3

relate the structures of the kidney to their function; Include labelling of internal structure of
the kidney, renal vessels and the nephron; structure and function of the nephron;
differentiation between the renal artery and vein; ultra-filtration, selective reabsorption of
substances; composition of urine; include a brief explanation of the process and importance
of renal dialysis. (Link to Specific Objective B3.7). 5.4

relate the structures of the skin to their functions; Include dermis, epidermis, adipose tissue,
sweat glands, erector muscles, hair, hair follicles, nerve endings and capillaries. Include
labelling of diagrams. 5.5
explain the concept of homeostasis; Include a definition and examples. 5.6 explain the
concept of feedback mechanisms; Include positive and negative feedback and give
examples. 5.7 discuss the regulation of blood sugar; Role of insulin and glucagon. (Link to
Specific Objective D9). 5.8 explain the regulation of water; Include the role of Anti-diuretic
hormone (ADH). 5.9 distinguish between heat and temperature; and, 5.10 discuss the
regulation of temperature. Include vasodilation and vasoconstriction.

COORDINATION AND CONTROL SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES EXPLANATORY NOTES

Students should be able to: 6.1 describe the main divisions of the nervous system; Central
nervous system – the brain, and spinal cord. Peripheral nervous system: spinal nerves and
cranial nerves, and autonomic nervous system. 6.2 distinguish between a neurone and a
nerve; Include definitions; Properties of neurones; irritability; conductivity; structures of
neurones: cell- bodies, axons and dendrites. Include labelling of diagrams. 6.3 explain the
functions of motor and sensory neurones and spinal synapses; Include labelling of types of
neurones (motor, relay, sensory), and their functions. Include labelling of synapses. Include
examples and functions of chemical transmitters. 6.4

describe the functions of the parts of the brain Cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata,
hypothalamus, pituitary gland. 6.5 *describe the mechanisms of a reflex action; Include a
definition; structure of spinal cord (labelling of diagram); differentiation between the spinal
reflex action (for example, knee-jerk reflex) and cranial reflex action (for example, pupil
reflex); reaction to painful stimuli; include definition and examples of conditioned reflexes.
6.6
explain the process by which voluntary actions occur; Include a definition; transmission of
nerve impulses; involvement of neurones in the brain, spinal cord and effector muscles. 6.7
distinguish between a voluntary and involuntary action; Include examples of these actions.
6.8 explain the response of the sense organs to stimuli; Include the names of sense organs
and stimuli to which they respond.

relate the internal structures of the eye to their functions; Include labelling of the diagram of
the eye (internal view). 6.10 explain how images are formed in the eye; Include labelling of
diagrams. 6.11 explain accommodation in the eye; Include the role of ciliary muscle and the
suspensory ligaments. 6.12 discuss the causes of, and corrective measures for eye defects
and diseases; Include myopia (short sightedness) and hyperopia/hypermetropia (long
sightedness) and astigmatism, glaucoma, and cataracts. Include effect of diabetes on
eyesight. (Link to Specific Objective D9). Include labelling of diagrams. 6.13 compare and
contrast endocrine (hormonal) and nervous control systems; 6.14 identify the sites of
hormone production; and, Include labelling of location of endocrine glands. 6.15 explain the
roles of selected hormones in the human body. Pituitary - anti-diuretic hormone (ADH),
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinising hormone (LH), Growth hormones; Thyroid –
thyroxine. Pancreas - insulin, glucagon; Adrenal glands – adrenaline; Ovary - oestrogen,
progesterone; Testes – testosterone.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES EXPLANATORY NOTES Students

should be able to: 7.1 distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction; Sexual:
meiosis, gametes, variation in offspring, two individuals involved. Asexual: mitosis, identical
offspring, one individual involved. (Link to Specific Objectives C3 and C5). 7.2

describe the structure and function of the reproductive systems in human beings; Include the
structures and adaptation of the gametes, related disorders such as ovarian, cervical and
prostate cancers. Include labelled diagram of systems. (Link to Specific Objective D10). 7.3
describe the menstrual cycle; Include the use of diagram for illustration; role of hormones:
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestrogen, progesterone. (Link
to Specific Objective B6.15). 7.4
explain ovulation, fertilisation, implantation and development of the embryo; Include diagram
of foetus/fetus in uterus; role of placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic sac and amniotic fluid;
Minute details of stages of development are not required. 7.5 describe the stages of the birth
process; Stage 1: contraction, dilation. Stage 2: contraction, crowning, expulsion of
foetus/fetus. Stage 3: contraction, expulsion of the placenta. Include the role of oxytocin. 7.6
discuss pre-natal/ante-natal and post-natal care for mother and baby; Include the
advantages of breastfeeding, immunisation, medical visits, proper diet; Include conditions
associated with the use of drugs,

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (cont’d)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES EXPLANATORY NOTES
Students should be able to:
7.7 explain how birth control
methods prevent pregnancy;
Include natural, barrier, hormonal and surgical
methods.
7.8 discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of birth control
methods;
7.9 discuss the issues related to
abortion;
Include spontaneous abortion (miscarriage);
reasons for; advantages and disadvantages and
ethical concerns.
7.10 discuss the importance of family
planning; and,
Include social and economic implications.
7.11 use tables, charts and diagrams
to represent data on diseases of
the reproductive system.
Construction and interpretation of tables, graphs,
and charts.

HEREDITY AND VARIATION GENERAL OBJECTIVES On completion of

this section, students should: 1. understand the concept of a gene as it pertains to DNA,
chromosomes and alleles; 2. understand the role of genes and heredity in determining how
traits can be altered and inherited by asexual and sexual meansthrough the process of
mitosis and meiosis respectively; 3. develop an awareness of the importance of genetic
variation and its role in natural selection; and, 4. appreciate the social and ethical
implications of genetic engineering

explain the inheritance of a single pair of characteristics (monohybrid inheritance); Include

dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, genotype and phenotype. Monohybrid
inheritance to include: albinism and tongue rolling. Include the use of the Punnett Square to
determine genotypic and phenotypic ratios obtained from crossing homozygous and
heterozygous parental and genotypes. 7. describe the inheritance of sex in human beings;
Include the role of sex chromosomes in determining sex and the inheritance of genetic
diseases. Include genetic diagrams for sex-linkage (haemophilia and colour blindness). 8.
*explain why genetic variation is important to living organisms; Include examples of variation
- height, weight, sex, blood type, tongue rolling; antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 9. distinguish
between genetic variation and environmental variation; Include the difference between
continuous and discontinuous variation; Mutation, (Down Syndrome, Klinefelter’s, Turner’s
Syndrome, and albinism). 10. discuss natural selection; Include the development of
antibiotic-resistant bacteria; the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia in people of African
descent. 11.
explain the concept of genetic engineering; Include the definition and examples. 12. discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering; and, Include recombinant DNA in
the manufacture of insulin; its application in the production of food and medicine -
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Include ethical concerns. 13. use tables, charts
and graphs to represent data on heredity and variation. Construction and interpretation of
tables, graphs and chart

DISEASES AND THEIR IMPACT ON HUMANS GENERAL

OBJECTIVES On completion of this section, students should: 1.
understand the basic concepts of human well-being and disease; and, 2. appreciate the
social and economic importance of disease control. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
EXPLANATORY NOTES Students should be able to:
1. define the terms health and disease; Include the World Health Organisation (WHO)
definition.
2. classify the types of diseases; Include communicable/pathogenic/infectious diseases:
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), fungal infections, and vector-borne diseases. Include
non-communicable diseases (NCDs)/ chronic/degenerative/physiological diseases:
nutritional deficiency diseases, inherited disorders, lifestyle diseases and mental health
problems (anxiety, neurosis, stress and depression).
3. differentiate between signs and symptoms of diseases; Include the definitions and
examples of signs and symptoms of diseases.
4. discuss respiratory diseases; Include asthma, influenza and bronchitis; Include causes,
signs/symptoms, treatment, modality, prevention and the effect of these diseases on the
respiratory tract. (Link to Specific Objectives B2.4 and B2.11). 5. discuss gastrointestinal
diseases; Include cholera and gastroenteritis; Include causes, signs/symptoms, treatment,
modality and prevention of these gastrointestinal diseases.

discuss sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Include gonorrhoea, syphilis, Human

Papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, and chlamydia. Include causes, signs/symptoms, treatment,
modality and prevention of these sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 7. discuss Human
Immuno deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS); Include
causes, symptoms, method of transmission, mode of action, methods of limiting
spread/prevention and possible treatment (antiretroviral drugs - side effects) of HIV/AIDS.
Include ethical considerations. For example, discrimination. 8. describe the effects of
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on the pregnant mother and the foetus/fetus; Include
gonorrhoea, syphilis, and herpes. 9. discuss chronic/lifestylerelated diseases; Include
obesity (adult and childhood), diabetes mellitus (Type I and Type II), cardiovascular diseases
(hypertension and coronary heart disease), secondary hypertension as complications of
obesity; Include causes, signs/symptoms, treatment, modality and prevention of these
diseases. Include the importance of diet and exercise. (Link to Specific Objectives B1.12 and
B3.11). 10. discuss cancers; Include cancers associated with respiratory tract; cervical,
breast, ovarian, uterine, colon and prostate. Include causes, signs/symptoms, treatment,
modality and reduction of the risk of these cancers. 11. discuss the impact of diseases on
the human population; Include socio-economic implications. Include definitions of epidemic
and pandemic. Include how NCDs affect personal productivity; assess how these affect goal-
setting, occupation, and exercise.

discuss the effect of vectors

on human health;
Include the definition and examples of vectors (rats,
mosquitoes, houseflies).
Include transmission of pathogen.
Analysis and interpretation of data.
13. describe the life cycle of the
mosquito and housefly;
Include labelling of diagrams.
14. discuss mosquito-borne
diseases;
Include malaria, dengue (strains I - IV), Zika,
chikungunya.
Include signs, symptoms, causative agent, method of
transmission, prevention/control, and treatment of
mosquito-borne diseases.
15. explain the importance
and methods of controlling
vectors which affect human
health;
Include the spread of communicable fatal diseases,
such as leptospirosis, dengue fever, gastroenteritis.
Biological controls; chemical controls; mechanical
controls; sanitary controls.
16. explain how and why personal
hygiene is maintained;
Include elimination of body odours; social
acceptance; prevention of infections (ringworm);
prevention of dental caries.
Care of genitalia - include male circumcision.
(Link to Specific Objectives B1.19 and B7.2).
17. explain the methods used to
control the growth of
microorganisms;
Include definition of the term sterilization, methods
of sterilization (ultra- high temperature,
pasteurisation, autoclaving, boiling, canning).
Include effects of high temperatures in the control
of microorganisms.
Include disinfection - use of chemical agents
(chlorine, disinfectants, antiseptics) in the control
of microorganisms.
18. distinguish between
disinfectants and antiseptics;
Include definitions.
19. explain the use of common
antibiotics and antifungal
agents;
Include definitions and functions of antibiotics,
antigen, antibody, anti-toxin.

explain the types of immunity; Include artificial (active and passive); natural (active and
passive). (Link to Specific Objective B3.3). 21. distinguish between immunity and
immunisation; vaccine and vaccination; Include definition of terms. 22. discuss the use and
misuse of drugs on humans; Include classification (stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens,
narcotics);
dependence; Prescription drugs (opioids, sedatives, pain killers and medicinal marijuana);
antibiotics. Non-prescription (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy, alcohol,
marijuana; physiological and psychological effects. (Link to Specific Objective B2.11). 23.
explain the social and economic effects of drug misuse on the individual, family and
community;

: THE IMPACT OF HEALTH PRACTICES ON THE ENVIRONMENT GENERAL

OBJECTIVES On completion of this section, students should: 1. appreciate the nature of the
relationship between human beings and their environment; 2. understand that the
environment is fragile and there is need to preserve it; and, 3. appreciate the contribution of
modern technology to the maintenance of good health. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
EXPLANATORY NOTES Students should be able to: 1. identify pollutants in the
environment; Include definition of pollution and pollutant; including domestic, industrial
(thermal, heavy metals, dumping of oils) and agricultural pollutants. 2. discuss the causes of
water and air pollution; Include combustion, improper disposal of sewage. 3. describe the
effects of pollutants on human beings and the environment; Include eutrophication; social
and economic effects. Analysis and interpretation of data. (Link to Specific Objective B2.4,
B5.2).
4. explain the methods of controlling pollution; To include methods of controlling water, air,
noise and land pollution. For example, the use of renewable energy sources.
5. describe the water cycle; Include evaporation, condensation, run-off, transpiration,
respiration and filtration through the layers of limestone. Include labelling of diagrams.
6 describe simple ways of purifying water in the home; Include boiling, purification tablets
and addition of chlorine/bleach.
7. describe the process of testing water for bacteria; Include use of Agar plate. Include
labelling of diagrams.

evaluate the impact of solid waste on the environment; Analysis and interpretation of data.
19. analyse measures used to control solid waste volume; Include reduce, reuse and
recycle; examples of recyclable materials. Include operations at a recycling centre. 20.
distinguish between the terms biodegradable and non-biodegradable; and, Include
classification of biodegradable and nonbiodegradable items. 21. discuss the impact of
environmental issues on humans. Include food security, land security and health as it relates
to environmental issues (for example, global warming).