Science plays a major role in the evolution of knowledge.  It empowers us to use creative and independent approaches to problem solving.  It arouses our natural curiosity and enable us to meet diverse, and ever expanding, challenges.  It enhances our ability to inquire, seek answers, research and interpret data.  These skills lead to the construction of theories and laws that help us to explain natural phenomena and exercise control over our environment.  Science is, thus, an integral component of a balanced education.

The most important natural resource in the Caribbean is its people.  If the Caribbean is to play an important role in the new global village and survive economically, a sustained development of the scientific and technological resources of its people is essential.

The diverse forms of life, investigated and recorded by human society, have led to the development of a discipline known as Biology.  The study of this subject leads to an understanding and appreciation of the concept of life at all levels and, hence, to a greater respect and reverence for life.  The interconnected web of life, and the unique role of the human species is integral to the dynamic nature of the biosphere.  Students f Biology should recognise the enormous responsibility they must undertake to ensure the continuity of life in all its forms.  It is incumbent on them to use this knowledge to protect, sustain, conserve and improve the variety of life in the ecosphere.  Additionally, the study of Biology prepares students for careers in biological, agricultural, environmental, medical, paramedical and applied science.

This CAPE syllabus is, therefore, designed to provide a coherent course of study which addresses, in addition to a specific knowledge base, the development of related skills and attitudes.  The syllabus takes into account the requirements for tertiary education at regional and international institutions.  The syllabus is structured in such a way as to ensure that students become aware of their more, social and ethical responsibilities, as well as, the benefits intrinsic to the practical application of scientific knowledge to careers in the scientific field.

The syllabus aims to:

• Acquire a body of knowledge and develop an understanding of biological concepts and principles;
• Understand how new information results in reformulation or rejection of earlier models and concepts;
• Recognise the scope of biology from the molecular level to that of entire ecosystems;
• Develop an ability to communicate biological information in a variety of acceptable ways;
• Acquire an understanding of the scientific method and to be able to apply it to solving problems, both in academic and non-academic settings;
• Appreciate the impact of biological knowledge on society and its relevance to ethical, economic, environmental and technological issues;
• Acquire training in the practical skills and though processes associated with the study of science;
• Develop the ability to apply biological knowledge and skills to relevant Caribbean situations and issues.

The syllabus is arranged into two Units.  Each Unit consists of three Modules, each Module requiring 50 contact hours.

Unit 1: Biomolecules, Reproduction and Genetics

• Module 1: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Module 2: Reproductive Biology
• Module 3: Genetics, Evolution and Principles of Classification

Unit 2: Bioenergetics, Biosystems and Applications

• Module 1: Bioenergetics
• Module 2: Systems Maintenance
• Module 3: Applications of Biology