The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) syllabus for Biology 2025 provides students with a structured outline of topics to guide their preparation for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This syllabus covers all essential aspects of Biology, from cellular biology to ecology, genetics, and evolution, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for questions that test their knowledge, understanding, and application of biological principles.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the sections and topics, along with the learning objectives for each.

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Section 1: Diversity of Organisms

This section introduces candidates to the classification and diversity of living organisms, covering both flora and fauna. Students will learn to distinguish among different groups of organisms and understand their biological significance.

Topics:

1. Classification of Living Things:

• The five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
• Binomial nomenclature and hierarchy of taxa: species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, and kingdom.

1. Characteristics of Organisms:

• Study of features that distinguish plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

1. Viruses, Bacteria, and Protists:

• Structure, reproduction, and importance of viruses and bacteria.
• Characteristics of protozoa and algae, with emphasis on their ecological and health implications.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Classify organisms into their respective kingdoms based on their features.
2. Understand the significance of binomial nomenclature in the identification of species.
3. Describe the structure, function, and roles of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and protists.

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Section 2: Cell Structure and Functions

This section focuses on the detailed study of cells, the basic structural and functional units of life. Students will understand the composition, types, and functions of cells and organelles.

Topics:

1. Cell Theory:

• The principles of the cell theory.
• Historical development and contributions of scientists like Robert Hooke and Anton van Leeuwenhoek.

1. Structure of Cells:

• Components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, ribosomes, chloroplasts, and cell membrane.
• Differences between plant and animal cells.

1. Cell Division:

• Processes of mitosis and meiosis.
• The significance of cell division in growth, reproduction, and genetic continuity.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Explain the cell theory and identify the key scientists involved in its development.
2. Identify and describe the structure and functions of different cell organelles.
3. Compare and contrast the processes of mitosis and meiosis.

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Section 3: Nutrition

This section deals with the various types of nutrition in living organisms, covering both autotrophic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition.

Topics:

1. Photosynthesis:

• The process of photosynthesis: light-dependent and light-independent (Calvin cycle) reactions.
• Importance of chlorophyll and sunlight in the synthesis of organic compounds.

1. Types of Nutrition:

• Autotrophic nutrition (e.g., photosynthesis and chemosynthesis).
• Heterotrophic nutrition (e.g., holozoic, saprophytic, and parasitic modes).

1. Human Nutrition:

• Study of nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
• The digestive system and the process of digestion in humans.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Describe the process of photosynthesis and its importance in energy transfer.
2. Differentiate between autotrophic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition.
3. Explain the structure and function of the human digestive system and the role of nutrients in the body.

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Section 4: Respiration

This section explores the process of respiration, including the biochemical pathways of energy release in living organisms.

Topics:

1. Types of Respiration:

• Aerobic respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain.
• Anaerobic respiration: Fermentation in plants and animals.

1. Respiratory System in Humans:

• Structure and function of the respiratory system: nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and alveoli.
• Mechanism of gaseous exchange and transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Explain the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
2. Identify the steps involved in the breakdown of glucose during respiration.
3. Describe the structure and functions of the human respiratory system.

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Section 5: Transport System

This section covers the transport of substances within organisms, focusing on both plants and animals.

Topics:

1. Transport in Plants:

• Structure and functions of xylem and phloem tissues.
• Transpiration, ascent of sap, and translocation of nutrients.

1. Circulatory System in Humans:

• Components of the circulatory system: heart, blood vessels, and blood.
• Mechanism of blood circulation and functions of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

1. Lymphatic System:

• Structure and functions of the lymphatic system and its role in immunity.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Describe the transport of water, minerals, and food in plants.
2. Explain the structure and functions of the human circulatory system.
3. Understand the role of the lymphatic system in maintaining body fluid balance and immunity.

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Section 6: Excretion and Homeostasis

This section looks at the removal of metabolic wastes from organisms and the regulation of internal conditions for survival.

Topics:

1. Excretory System in Humans:

• Structure and function of the kidney, liver, lungs, and skin in the removal of waste products.
• The process of urine formation: ultrafiltration, reabsorption, and secretion.

1. Homeostasis:

• The concept of homeostasis and mechanisms involved in regulating body temperature, pH, and water balance.

1. Osmoregulation:

• Role of the kidney in osmoregulation and the importance of hormones such as ADH (antidiuretic hormone).

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Identify the organs involved in excretion and describe their functions.
2. Understand the process of homeostasis and its importance in maintaining a stable internal environment.
3. Explain the role of the kidney in water balance and waste excretion.

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Section 7: Reproduction

This section delves into the reproductive processes of plants and animals, highlighting the different types of reproduction.

Topics:

1. Asexual and Sexual Reproduction:

• Characteristics of asexual reproduction: budding, binary fission, and vegetative propagation.
• Sexual reproduction in plants (flower structure, pollination, fertilization) and animals (human reproductive system).

1. Developmental Biology:

• Process of fertilization, embryonic development, and birth in animals.
• Germination and seed development in plants.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Distinguish between asexual and sexual reproduction.
2. Describe the reproductive systems of plants and animals.
3. Explain the stages of human embryonic development and the role of hormones in reproduction.

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Section 8: Ecology

Ecology involves the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.

Topics:

1. Ecosystem:

• Components of an ecosystem: producers, consumers, and decomposers.
• Energy flow, food chains, and food webs.

1. Population Ecology:

• Population growth, limiting factors, and ecological succession.
• Factors affecting population size and distribution.

1. Conservation:

• The importance of biodiversity and methods of conserving natural resources.

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Explain the structure and functions of ecosystems.
2. Understand the factors influencing population dynamics.
3. Identify the importance of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

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Conclusion

The JAMB syllabus for Biology in 2025 offers a well-organized structure that covers all significant aspects of the subject. By thoroughly understanding each section and mastering the key topics, students will be better prepared to excel in the UTME. The syllabus emphasizes a balanced understanding of biological principles, encouraging both theoretical knowledge and practical application of biological concepts.