Life Sciences Grade 12

The Life Sciences Grade 12 course in South Africa follows the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), which is designed to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of biological processes and concepts. This course builds on the knowledge acquired in previous grades, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of biology. It prepares students for further studies in fields like medicine, environmental science, biotechnology, and other life sciences-related areas.

Course Description:

Purpose: The Grade 12 Life Sciences curriculum aims to:

• Deepen learners’ understanding of key biological processes and systems.
• Develop their skills in scientific inquiry, analysis, and application.
• Prepare them for tertiary studies and careers in health sciences, environmental sciences, research, and related fields.

Core Topics:

1. Reproduction (Human and Plant Reproduction):

• Human Reproduction:
  • Structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems.
  • Hormonal control of reproduction (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and birth control methods).
  • Fertilization, implantation, and development of the embryo.
• Plant Reproduction:
  • Asexual and sexual reproduction in plants, including pollination, fertilization, and seed development.
  • Structure of flowers, fertilization processes, and the role of pollinators.

2. Growth, Development, and Differentiation:

• Human Growth and Development:
  • The stages of human development (from infancy to adulthood), including physical, emotional, and cognitive changes.
  • Genetic and environmental factors influencing development.
  • Puberty and its effects on human growth and development.
• Cell Division and Differentiation:
  • Mitosis and meiosis: their role in growth, development, and reproduction.
  • Differentiation and the development of specialized cells and tissues.

3. Genetics and Inheritance:

• Mendelian Genetics:
  • Principles of inheritance, including dominant and recessive traits, genotype, and phenotype.
  • Punnett squares to predict the inheritance of traits.
• Sex-linked Inheritance:
  • Understanding how sex chromosomes determine gender and how sex-linked traits are inherited.
• Genetic Disorders:
  • Inheritance patterns of genetic disorders like Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and hemophilia.
• DNA and Biotechnology:
  • Structure of DNA and its role in inheritance.
  • Modern biotechnology techniques like cloning, gene therapy, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

4. Evolution:

• Theory of Evolution:
  • Evidence supporting the theory of evolution (fossil records, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology).
  • Natural selection and genetic drift as mechanisms of evolution.
• Human Evolution:
  • The evolution of humans and the development of key human traits, such as bipedalism and large brain size.
• Speciation and Extinction:
  • Processes of speciation, the formation of new species, and factors leading to extinction.

5. Human Impact on the Environment:

• Ecosystem and Biodiversity:
  • The importance of biodiversity for ecosystem stability.
  • The structure and functioning of ecosystems, including energy flow, food chains, and food webs.
• Environmental Degradation:
  • Human activities that impact the environment, including deforestation, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction.
• Conservation and Sustainability:
  • Strategies for conserving biodiversity, such as protected areas, sustainable farming, and environmental education.

6. Human Health and Disease:

• Immune System:
  • The role of the immune system in protecting the body from pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi).
  • The difference between innate and adaptive immunity, and the role of vaccines.
• Diseases and Disorders:
  • Causes, prevention, and treatment of diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
  • Non-communicable diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) and their risk factors.
• Public Health:
  • Understanding the importance of public health initiatives and personal health practices to prevent the spread of disease.

7. Biotechnology (Applied Biological Science):

• Biotechnological Techniques:
  • Techniques such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), genetic modification, cloning, and stem cell research.
• Applications of Biotechnology:
  • Medical applications (e.g., insulin production, gene therapy), agricultural biotechnology (e.g., GM crops), and forensic applications (e.g., DNA fingerprinting).
• Ethical Issues in Biotechnology:
  • Ethical debates surrounding cloning, GMOs, and genetic testing.

Practical Work:

• The curriculum includes practical experiments and investigations to enhance learners’ understanding of biological concepts.
• Learners will conduct experiments related to topics like genetics, plant growth, and human reproduction.
• Scientific Inquiry: Learners are expected to design and carry out experiments, analyze data, and draw conclusions from their findings.

Assessment:

• Final Exam (75%): The final exam assesses learners’ knowledge and understanding of all the topics studied throughout the year. It includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and longer essay-type questions.
• School-Based Assessment (SBA) (25%): This includes practical assessments, assignments, and tests throughout the year. SBA also assesses learners’ ability to conduct investigations, analyze data, and present findings.

Skills Developed:

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Learners will develop the ability to analyze biological processes and solve problems in real-world contexts.
• Scientific Inquiry: Ability to conduct experiments, gather data, and interpret results.
• Data Analysis: Analyzing and interpreting scientific data from experiments and real-world scenarios.
• Ethical Awareness: Understanding the ethical implications of modern biological advancements and their societal impact.

Duration:

The Life Sciences Grade 12 course spans the entire academic year (approximately 12 months).

Conclusion:

The Life Sciences Grade 12 CAPS curriculum provides a comprehensive and deep understanding of biological concepts, preparing students for further study in life sciences-related fields. By studying topics such as genetics, evolution, human health, and the impact of humans on the environment, learners gain valuable knowledge and skills that are applicable to both further education and real-world situations.