The WAEC Biology Syllabus for 2026 outlines everything candidates must study to excel in the WASSCE Biology exam. It covers life processes, organisms, ecology, evolution, genetics, and practical biology. This guide breaks the syllabus into clear sections so you know exactly what to read, how to prepare, and what WAEC expects.

If you’re writing Biology in 2026, this is your complete roadmap.

⭐ Aims of the WAEC Biology Syllabus

The WAEC Biology syllabus is designed to help candidates:

• Understand life processes and the structure and functions of living organisms
• Develop laboratory and observation skills
• Apply biological knowledge to everyday life
• Appreciate the importance of health, environmental conservation, and technology
• Understand the impact of science on society
• Think critically and solve biological problems

The syllabus combines theory, practical skills, and real-life applications.

📚 Structure of the WAEC Biology Syllabus 2026

The syllabus is divided into five major sections:

1. Diversity of Organisms
2. Form and Functions of Plants and Animals
3. Ecology and the Environment
4. Heredity and Evolution
5. Practical Biology

Let’s break them down.

1. Diversity of Organisms

This section focuses on the classification, features, and differences among living things.

Topics include:

• Characteristics of Living Organisms
• Classification of Plants and Animals
• Major Kingdoms of Living Things (Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, Protista, Monera)
• Life cycles of organisms (e.g., mosquito, housefly, toad, flowering plants)
• Microorganisms and their roles
• Adaptations in plants and animals

Students must understand basic taxonomy, examples of each group, and their characteristics.

2. Form and Functions of Plants and Animals

This is the largest section in the syllabus. It covers how organisms are built and how they function.

Key areas include:

• Nutrition

• Photosynthesis
• Plant nutrients and soil composition
• Modes of nutrition in animals

• Transport Systems

• Transport in plants (xylem, phloem)
• Circulatory system in animals

• Respiration

• Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
• Gas exchange in plants and animals

• Excretion

• Kidney function
• Osmoregulation
• Waste products in plants

• Support and Movement

• Skeletal system
• Muscles and joints
• Plant support tissues

• Regulation

• Nervous system
• Endocrine system
• Homeostasis

• Reproduction

• Asexual and sexual reproduction
• Plant pollination and fertilization
• Human reproductive system

• Growth and Development

• Germination
• Stages of human development
• Factors affecting growth

Students must understand diagrams, processes, structures, and their functions.

3. Ecology and the Environment

This part explains how organisms interact with each other and with their environment.

Key topics:

• Ecological concepts (population, community, habitat)
• Food chains and food webs
• Energy flow
• Biogeochemical cycles (water, carbon, nitrogen)
• Pollution and its effects
• Conservation of natural resources
• Human impact on the environment

WAEC often tests calculations such as population density, frequency, and biodiversity.

4. Heredity and Evolution

This section introduces genetics and evolutionary biology.

Topics include:

• DNA, genes, and chromosomes
• Mendelian genetics (dominant/recessive traits)
• Variation and types
• Natural selection
• Evolution theories
• Genetic diseases and blood groups
• Mutation

Students should know Punnett squares, blood group inheritance, and genetic crosses.

5. Practical Biology (VERY IMPORTANT!)

WAEC places strong emphasis on practicals. This section carries high marks.

Students must know how to:

• Use a microscope
• Draw and label organisms accurately
• Identify specimens
• Prepare slides
• Perform food tests (starch, glucose, proteins, fats)
• Measure, record, and analyse data

WAEC often tests:

• Flowers and reproductive structures
• Animal specimens
• Bones and joints
• Soil samples
• Microscopic observations

Well-practiced drawing and labelling skills are essential.

📝 WAEC Biology Exam Format

WAEC Biology consists of three papers:

Paper 1 – Objective Test

• Multiple-choice questions
• Based on the entire syllabus

Paper 2 – Essay

• Long and short structured questions
• Tests deep understanding and explanations

Paper 3 – Practical

• Real laboratory tasks
• Specimen identification
• Microscopy
• Food tests
• Drawing and labeling

To score high, students must master both theory and practicals.

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