O'LEVEL COMPETENCY-BASED CURRICULUM IN UGANDA

INTRODUCES ONE TO APPROACH BIOLOGY ITEMS IN THE COMPETENCY-BASED CURRICULUM

1. Final Touches 24 th September 2024 Nicholas Joseph Kisaadha , Bsc . Educ / Msc . In Microbiology [email protected] [phone]/[phone] Department of Biology Presenter: O’LEVEL BIOLOGY SEMINAR 10/3/2024 1

2. Educative Biology Quotes Big cocks were once small eggs If u want to shine greatly, first become the sun If u want to walk on water, first get out of the boat Life has never been one sweet song but what differentiates us as Homosapiens is our perseverance, hard work, and commitment A good Biologist never quits 10/3/2024 2

3. BIOLOGY SUBJECT CODE: 553 No. of papers to do by each student: 2 Theory paper 1( 553/1 ) : Practical paper 2 or 3( 553/2 /3) 10/3/2024 3

4. GRADING OF BIOLOGY 553/1 553/2/3 Attempt 5 items attempt 2 items Each item=8 scores item 1= 16 scores item 2= 08 scores Total score=40 total score=24 10/3/2024 4

5. Biology Paper 1(Theory) DUARATION: 2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES SECTIONS : 2 A AND B 10/3/2024 5

6. Marking of 553/1 We follow bloom’s taxonomy Understanding(U) Application(A) 10/3/2024 6

7. Understanding There are items that require understanding by Listing Explanation score; Listing( UL ) Explanation( Ue ) 10/3/2024 7

8. Application There are items that require application by Listing Explanation score; Listing( A L ) Explanation( A e ) 10/3/2024 8

9. What does this mean? Every item will require a student to; Understand by listing and explaining Apply by listing and explaining Score UL/ Ue = 04score AL/ Ae = 04score Total score every item= 08 10/3/2024 9

10. Common words used when setting items and demand from you Identify the……… Approach; list/outline/state e.g Leaves, stems, flowers, fruits Score UL 10/3/2024 10

11. Explain/why Approach; identify challenge in scenario and give reasons e.g Removing leaves reduced photosynthesis because they contain chlorophyll that light energy Score Ue if explain=04 UL if just list=01 10/3/2024 11

12. Advise/how Approach; explain solution/remedies Do physical exercises frequently to burn off the excess weight Going for antenatal care to receive professional advise on how to care for pregnancy and receive supplements Score Ae if explain=04 AL if just list=01 10/3/2024 12

13. Expectations from learners Read extensively prior to exams Practice scenario items frequently Read item three times prior to attempt Internalize what the item demands Don’t rush to attempt item Refer to the scenario as you attempt the task 10/3/2024 13

14. SECTION A Has three compulsory items; 1 , 2 , 3 You answer all the items These items stem from the following topics… 10/3/2024 14

15. ITEM 1- PLANT BIOLOGY(EOC 2) NUTRITION IN PLANTS TRANSPORT IN PLANTS RESPIRATION IN PLANTS GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN PLANTS 10/3/2024 15

16. Basis of Evaluation/what must you know Identify and list organs/structures/processes List role/function of each structure/organ/process Explain how the challenges in scenario affect processes/organs/structures Solutions/advise/remedies to the challenges in scenario 10/3/2024 16

17. Example 1 (GO TO ITEM 2) Herbalists in Buikwe District use Mabira Forest as a source of their herbal medicines. They debark trees, harvest leaves, flowers and dig out tree roots in order to extract various herbal medicines for several ailments. Consequently, the medicinal plant species in the forest are decreasing greatly. 10/3/2024 17

18. TASK: (a) Identify the processes being affected by the activities of the Herbalists to the medicinal plants (b) Explain how the actions of the Herbalists affect the normal functioning of medicinal plants in the forest? (c) Explain the control measures that can be put in place so that the actions of the herbalists do not make the plants become extinct. 10/3/2024 18

19. Photosynthesis ; UL Gaseous exchange/respiration ; UL Translocation ; UL Pollination/fertilisation/reproduction ; UL Absorption of water and mineral salts ; UL Transpiration ; UL 10/3/2024 19

20. (b) Explain how the actions of the Herbalists affect the normal functioning of medicinal plants in the forest? 10/3/2024 20

21. When the roots were cut, root hairs were removed hence plants unable to absorb water and mineral salts from the soil ; Ue Removing barks from the stem destroyed the phloem hence plants unable to carryout translocation ; Ue Harvesting the leaves reduced photosynthesis because they contain chlorophyll that traps light energy ; Ue Harvesting the leaves reduced gaseous exchange because they have stomata through which gases diffuse ; Ue Removing flowers prevent the plants from carrying out pollination hence unable to attract pollinators and form fruits ; Ue 10/3/2024 21

22. Score UL&Ue= explain any 3= 04 scores explains any 2= 03 scores explains any 1= 02 scores Lists without explanation= 01 scores 10/3/2024 22

23. (c) Explain the control measures that can be put in place so that the actions of the herbalists do not make the plants become extinct. 10/3/2024 23

24. Sensitizing the herbalist so that they can harvest in a way that cannot cause the plants to be destroyed ; Ae Replanting of the endangered trees to increase their numbers/prevent them from going extinct ; A e Developing alternative sources of the herbal product through scientific means e.g genetic engineering to avoid overexploitation ; A e Strict laws to prevent herbalists from destroying plants ; A e 10/3/2024 24

25. Score Ae = explain any 3= 04 scores explains any 2= 03 scores explains any 1= 02 scores Lists without explanation= 01 scores 10/3/2024 25

26. Item 2 (EOC 4)-Body activities/human physiology Locomotion in humans Coordination in humans Excretion in humans 10/3/2024 26

27. What to know/basic of evaluation Describe activities involved Significance of the process to the body Challenges associated with process Solutions/advice to the challenges 10/3/2024 27

28. Example 1(item 13) Moses is a tall boy, who is bright in class. He however as a result of his friends started taking alcohol and marijuana which prompted him to always escape from school. One day as the class teacher was organizing the class, Moses refused to sit at the back, stating that he cannot see clearly on the chalk board when at the back of the class, so he insisted on sitting on the first row of the class. 10/3/2024 28

29. (a)Explain Moses’ problem to the teacher that is making him insist on sitting on the first row of the class, clearly pointing out its cause. 10/3/2024 29

30. Short sightedness, where near objects can be clearly focused on the retina but not distant objects ;Ue Images of distant objects are focused infront of the retina ;Ue leading to blurred vision of far objects ;Ue This is caused by having an abnormally large/long eyeball or having abnormally strong lens/less elastic lens ;Ue 10/3/2024 30

31. Accept; 10/3/2024 31

32. State the likely effects of Moses’ lifestyle Social neglect ; UL Hypertension ; UL Damage of the body organs e.g., liver, kidney hence death ; UL Loss of body weight ; UL Brain damage leading to hallucinations ; UL lack of sleep. ; UL 10/3/2024 32

33. Score; U e = explain any 3= 04 scores explains any 2= 03 scores explains any 1= 02 scores Lists without explanation= 01 scores 10/3/2024 33

34. Advise Moses on how he can improve his lifestyle and be a good child. Going for rehabilitation ; so as to gradually withdraw ; Sensitization ; on the effects of alcohol drinking ; Guidance and counselling ; on the effects of drinking alcohol ; drinking enough water ; to rehydrate the body ; Ae =04 scores 10/3/2024 34

35. Item 3(EOC 5) GENETICS(INHERITANCE AND VARIATION) CELL DIVISION REPRODUCTION GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 10/3/2024 35

36. WHAT TO KNOW/BASIS OF EVALUATION Inheritance of traits through reproduction as the organism grows 10/3/2024 36

37. Example 1(item 15) John fell off a tree as he was climbing to get mangoes for little brother. He was rushed to the hospital for a basic treatment. However sinec then, john had a lot of complications, he passes out small volume of concentrated urine, feels thirsty all the time and a lot of pain in the lower abdomen. He was taken to a doctor for check-up and the doctor gave him a glucose-rich drink(glucose load) and monitored his blood glucose levels. The levels of glucose reduced immediately after urinating. 10/3/2024 37

38. Task (a)Identify the organs that could have been affected in john’s body after the accident 10/3/2024 38

39. Pancreas Liver Kidney ; Ul 10/3/2024 39

40. How did the effect of organs lead to john’s health condition Damage to the pancreas decreased amount of insulin produced hence decreased ability to regulate glucose level; Damage to the kidney decreased reabsorption of glucose from the glomerular filterate in the kidney; Damage to the liver decreased glucose metabolism; ; Ue 10/3/2024 40

41. Score; Ue = explain any 4-5= 04 scores explains any 2-3= 03 scores explains any 1= 02 scores Lists without explanation= 01 scores 10/3/2024 41

42. Suggest possible solutions to the conditions Regular insulin injections ; ; Ue Kidney dialysis Reduced glucose intake 10/3/2024 42

43. Advise Jane on how she can improve her living conditions Early treatment of STIs to prevent further complication affecting pregnancy Going for antenatal care to receive professional advice on how to care for pregnancy Guidance and counselling to improve her esteem Leaving the bad company to stop drinking alcohol and protect the pregnancy. Going back to school after delivery to continue with her education 10/3/2024 43

44. Section B Has two parts; Part 1 and part II, each with two items and you choose one item 10/3/2024 44

45. PART 1(ITEM 4 and 5)-diversity of organisms and natural resources(EOC 1) Topics Classification Cell biology/cells Viruses Flowering plants Soil Ecology 10/3/2024 45

46. What to know/basis of evaluation State challenges/problems Explain problems/challenges Mention natural resources affected Suggest solutions/conservation measures Mention benefits of natural resources conserved 10/3/2024 46

47. Example 1(item 25) Farmers in Budiope cleared a large piece of wetland for growing rice. The animals previously common in the wetland moved away and started disturbing the nearby communities. The community flooded following the heavy rains, many sick people were seen in the nearby health units. The environmental officer attributed these challenges to the farmers 10/3/2024 47

48. Task: Explain to the farmers in budiope how their activity caused the challenges, suggest how the residents can overcome them, and why they should conserve the natural environment. 10/3/2024 48

49. The problems in Banda include; Habitats for animals were destroyed leading to their migration to other areas Animals conflicted with humans because they were searching for food, since their source was destroyed Poor drainage of the land caused flooding Floods were harboring vectors which spread diseases Clearing vegetation affected water filtration which led to dirty water hence diseases 10/3/2024 49

50. The residents can overcome the above problems by; Creating trenches to drain water away from the community hence reducing the effects of floods Sleeping under mosquito nets to avoid mosquito bites Strict laws be put in place to regulate farming in wetlands for sustainable use Treatment/boiling water meant for domestic use to avoid waterborne diseases Restoration through creating original swamp to restore habitat for wildlife 10/3/2024 50

51. The values of conserving the natural environment include; Wetlands are habitats for wild animals e.g frogs. This reduces disturbance of humans by the animals The wetlands are a source of food for many animals. This allows energy flow in the ecosystem Wetlands are a water catchment area. This controls flooding Wetlands filter water hence providing clean water for domestic use. Wetlands are source of raw materials like sand, papyrus for making other materials 10/3/2024 51

52. Example 2 ( item 4) Mr. Mukasa cleared a forest along the slopes of a hill that had fertile soils to extend his farm for growing maize. After several years of planting maize on his farm, the maize plants planted started to grow slowly with yellow leaves which greatly reduced the maize yields. Yields are poorer at the hill top than in the valley. Also, residents of this village use the valley of Mr. Mukasa’s farm for dumping plastic waste bottles and used polythene bags which has caused more challenges especially in the streams found in the valley. 10/3/2024 52

53. Task Explain the likely effects of the actions of Mr. Mukasa and the residents of his village and suggest possible ways these effects can be overcome. What is the importance of conservation of valleys? 10/3/2024 53

54. Soil erosion because Cutting down trees/forest left the soil bare exposing it to agents of soil erosion. Leaching due to washing away of nutrients from hill top into the valley, 10/3/2024 54

55. depletion of nutrients due to monoculture Poor drainage of soil due to dumping of plastic bottles and polythene bags which are are non-biodegradable, Loss of aquatic animals due to dumping of waste bottles Outbreak of diseases due to poor water quality in the stream. 10/3/2024 55

56. These effects can be overcome by; Recycling of plastic bottles and polythene bags to prevent their accumulation. Reusing used bottles and polythene bags to reduce their accumulation. Reducing use of polythene bags and plastic bottles. Agroforestry to reduce soil erosion. Mixed farming to prevent nutrient depletion in the soil. Crop rotation to prevent soil exhaustion. Contour ploughing to control soil erosion. Application of fertilizers and manure to replace lost nutrients . 10/3/2024 56

57. The importance of conserving valleys include; habitats of wild animals and aquatic organisms to maintain biodiversity. Purify water in valleys making it safe human use. 10/3/2024 57

58. Part II(6 and 7)-ANIMAL BIOLOGY(EOC 3) NUTRITION IN ANIAMALS TRANSPORT IN ANIMALS RESPIRATION IN ANIMALS GASEOUS EXCAHANGE IN ANIMALS EXCRETION IN ANIMALS GROWTH AND DEVELOPMANT IN ANIMALS 10/3/2024 58

59. WHAT TO KNOW/BASIS OF EVALUATION Mention organs/structures/processes/ Explain roles/functions/processes Identify products/activities from products/structures Identify diseases/disorders/challenges Explain how the products/processes/raw materials are utilized to overcome the challenges 10/3/2024 59

60. Example 1(item 10) Having been a smoker for four years , john, a teenager developed dry cough and serious chest pain and got hospitalized after coughing blood. The medical report suggested that Daniel was a smoker, which he utterly denied, and so the doctor put him on serious medication. In the course of the treatment, it was also discovered that Daniels’ blood could no longer load enough oxygen, a reason why he was always very weak. 10/3/2024 60

61. Task Mention Daniel’s Health problem and clearly explain how his body contracted it. Advise Daniel on how he can recover from the problem discovered later in the course of the treatment 10/3/2024 61

62. Daniel has lung cancer which causes short breath, chest pain, coughing blood and dry cough. This is because tobacco smoke inhaled contains tar which causes cancer of the lungs. Lung cancer causes narrowing/blockage of the airway tubes and accumulation of fluid in lungs reducing entry of air into alveoli/short breath. This reduces gaseous exchange across alveoli hence less oxygen is absorbed in to blood and less oxygen is supplied to tissues reducing energy formation by tissue which caused body weakness. 10/3/2024 62

63. Treatment Going for lung transplant to replace the affected lungs. Feeding on a balanced diet so that the body obtains enough vitamins to boost immunity and enough proteins to allow repair of damaged tissues Sticking to medical treatment given e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. Taking on regulated physical exercises to improve on gaseous exchange. 10/3/2024 63

64. Example 2(item 9) After a morning heavy carbohydrate meal, Nagenda , a male athlete started to warm up in preparation for the competition in long races. He competed favorably, but towards the end, he developed muscle cramps and was breathing heavily. Nonetheless he endured and finally won the race. After finishing, his heavy breathing continued, while the muscle crump progressively receded. He even managed to walk back home from where he took another meal. Task 10/3/2024 64

65. Explain how Nagenda’s body utilized the morning meal to enable him win the competition, analyze the challenges his body encountered during the race and how it overcame them to enable him walk back home 10/3/2024 65

66. In the mouth, the food was masticated (broken down) by the teeth into smaller particles. Starch in the food was broken down into maltose by salivary amylase in saliva secreted from the salivary gland. The food was rolled into bolus by the tongue and then swallowed. The food moves down the oesophagus by peristalsis to the stomach. In the stomach, no chemical digestion of starch occurs. 10/3/2024 66

67. In the duodenum, secretion of bile juice from the gall bladder and pancreatic juice from the pancreas occurs. Pancreatic juice secreted contains pancreatic amylase which breaks down starch to maltose. 10/3/2024 67

68. In the ileum, intestinal juice/ succus entericus from intestinal walls is secreted containing maltase enzyme which breaks down maltose to glucose. Glucose is then absorbed into the bloodstream by the villi and transported through the hepatic portal vein to the liver and muscle cells where excess glucose is converted to glycogen for storage. During the race, glycogen is converted to glucose that is oxidized to produce energy for contraction of leg muscles to enable Nagenda run fast enough to win the race. 10/3/2024 68

69. During the race, oxygen supply was less than the demand, so anaerobic respiration occurred producing lactic acid that accumulated to cause muscle clumps. After the race, lactic acid diffused from muscles and was carried by blood to the liver were much oxygen inspired was used to oxidise this lactic acid fully to water, carbon dioxide and energy lowering its amount in muscles which allowed recovery. 10/3/2024 69