The WAEC Biology syllabus covers the topics, practical skills and areas of knowledge candidates are expected to study for the Biology examination.
According to the syllabus, Biology candidates are expected to understand the structure and functions of living organisms, develop laboratory and field skills, interpret biological data and apply biological principles to everyday life.
The syllabus is divided into three sections. Section A is for all candidates, Section B is for candidates in Ghana, while Section C is for candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia. Therefore, candidates in Nigeria should study Section A and the Nigeria-specific Section C.
WAEC Biology Examination Structure
The WAEC Biology examination consists of three papers:
- Paper 1: 50 multiple-choice questions, 50 marks and 50 minutes.
- Paper 2: Six essay questions divided into Sections A, B and C. Candidates answer two questions from Section A and all the short-structured questions in either Section B or Section C. The paper carries 70 marks and lasts 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Paper 3: A practical test for school candidates or a test of practical work for private candidates. It lasts 2 hours and carries 80 marks.
WAEC Biology Syllabus: Section A
Section A is the part of the WAEC Syllabus For Biology that is common to all candidates.
A. Concept of Living
This section covers:
- Classification of living and non-living things
- Kingdoms: Monera, Protoctista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia
- Levels of organisation in living organisms
- Single-celled organisms, colonies, filaments and parts of living organisms
- Cell structure and functions
- Plant and animal cells
- Diffusion, osmosis and active transport
- Nutrition and cellular respiration
- Excretion
- Growth and development
- Movement
- Reproduction
- Skeleton and supporting systems
- Transport systems
- Respiratory systems
- Excretory systems and homeostasis
- Hormonal coordination
- Nervous coordination
- Sense organs
- Reproduction in mammals, insects and flowering plants
- Pollination, fertilisation, fruits and seed dispersal.
B. Plant and Animal Nutrition
The WAEC Biology syllabus 2026/27 includes plant nutrition, photosynthesis and mineral requirements of plants.
Animal nutrition covers food substances, balanced diet, food tests, digestive enzymes, modes of nutrition, the alimentary system, dental formula and feeding in protozoa and mammals.
C. Basic Ecological Concepts
Candidates should study ecosystems, ecological components and factors, food chains and food webs, trophic levels, energy flow, decomposition, biological associations, adaptation and pollution.
The syllabus also covers ecological succession, population factors, food preservation, selected insects, pest control and microorganisms in relation to humans and health.
D. Conservation of Natural Resources
This covers the conservation of soil, water, wildlife, forests and minerals, including the need for conservation, conservation problems, conservation education, laws, agencies and benefits.
E. Variation in Population
Topics include morphological variations such as size, height, weight, colour and fingerprints, as well as physiological variations including tongue rolling, tasting phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and ABO blood groups.
F. Biology of Heredity (Genetics)
The Biology syllabus for WAEC 2027 covers genetic terminology, hereditary variation, Mendel’s experiments and laws, chromosomes, transmission of characteristics, hybrid formation, linkage, sex determination and sex-linked characters.
Applications of heredity in agriculture and medicine are also included.
G. Adaptation for Survival and Evolution
This section covers behavioural adaptations in social animals such as termites and bees, evidence of evolution and theories of evolution. Candidates should also know evolutionary trends, mutation and evidence including fossil records, comparative biochemistry, geographical distribution, comparative anatomy and physiology, adaptive radiation, comparative embryology and systematics.
Section C: Additional Topics for Nigerian Candidates
For candidates in Nigeria, the WAEC Syllabus For Biology also includes Section C.
Topics include:
- Cell theory
- Irritability as a characteristic of protoplasm
- Taxis and nastism
- Kidney diseases, including nephritis, kidney stone and diuresis
- Liver diseases, including infective hepatitis, cancer of the liver and gall stones
- Sense organs: nose, tongue and skin
- Courtship behaviour in animals
- Metamorphosis and life history of the housefly
- Adaptive features in developing animals
- Germination of seeds
- Nitrogen cycle
- Chemosynthetic and carnivorous plants
- Feeding habits and feeding adaptations
- Population studies by sampling
- Energy transformation and energy loss
- Carbon and water cycles
- Ecological tolerance and habitats
- Relevance of Biology to agriculture
- Microorganisms and human health
- Public health
- Applications of variation in crime detection, blood transfusion and determination of paternity
- Adaptation for survival and structural adaptation.
WAEC Biology Syllabus PDF Download
Candidates preparing for the examination can download the complete WAEC Biology syllabus PDF attached to this post. The PDF contains the full syllabus, including the detailed notes, practical activities and examination requirements.
Click the “DOWNLOAD” button below to download the Biology Syllabus PDF and use it to organise your Biology revision.
Pass WAEC Exam
The WAEC Biology syllabus 2026/27 covers a wide range of topics, from cell biology, nutrition and ecology to genetics, evolution, human health and practical Biology.
For Nigerian candidates, remember that Section C is specifically included for Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia, while Section A is common to all candidates.
Study the topics systematically and pay attention to the practical activities specified in the syllabus, as Biology is assessed through objective, essay and practical work.
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