Biology SSC – I Aga Khan University Examination Board Syllabus 2025-26
SLO 1: Introduction to Biology
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Define ‘Biology’
Biology is the scientific study of life. The word “biology” has been derived from two Greek words; ‘bios’
meaning ‘life’ and ‘logos’ meaning ‘thought or reasoning’.
1.1.2 Differentiate Among the Major Divisions of Biology
Zoology Botany Microbiology
This division of biology deals This division of biology deals This division of biology deals with the
with the study of animals. with the study of plants. study of microorganisms.
1.2 Divisions and Branches of Biology
1.2.1 Explain The Significance Of Branches Of Biology
1. Morphology: This branch deals with study of external form and structure of organisms.
2. Anatomy: This branch deals with study of internal structure of body of living organisms.
3. Physiology: This branch deals with the study of the functions of different parts of living organisms.
4. Embryology: the study of process of development of organism from fertilized egg.
5. Taxonomy: The study of the rules, principles, grouping and naming the living organisms.
6. Cytology (cell biology): The study of cell and its organelle.
7. Histology: The study of structure of tissues of plant and animals.
8. Paleontology: The study of remote past organic life, with the help of fossils.
9. Pathology: the study of diseases, their causes and effects.
10. Ecology: The study of relationship between living organisms and non-living factors of environment.
11. Socio-biology: The study of social behavior of living organisms. i.e., interaction between themselves.
12. Molecular biology: The study of organic molecules which constitute cell and its organelles.
13. Immunology: The study of immune system of animals, which defends body against invading microbes.
14. Genetics: The study of heredity, that is transferring of characters from parents to offspring.
15. Pharmacology: The study about action of drugs.
16. Marine biology: the study of life in oceans.
17. Freshwater biology: the study of life in aquatic reservoirs on land.
1.3 Relationship of Biology with Other Sciences
1.3.1 Relate Biology To Other Branches Of Science
Biophysics:
It deals with the study of the principles of physics, which are applicable to biological phenomena.
Biochemistry:
It deals with the study of chemistry of different compounds and processes occurring in living organisms.
Biostatistics:
It deals with the study of the distribution of living organisms in different in different geographical regions of
the world. The influence of climate change on the distribution of organisms is also studied in biogeography.
Page 1 of 5 https://hasooleilm.com
, Biology SSC – I Aga Khan University Examination Board Syllabus 2025-26
Biomathematics/Biometry:
It deals with the study of biological processes using mathematical techniques and tools. For example, to
analyze the data gathered after experimental work, biologists have to apply the rules of mathematics.
Biogeography:
It deals with the distribution of different living organisms in different geographical regions of the world. Many
living organisms are restricted to particular geographical regions due to environmental conditions.
Bio-economics:
It deals with the study of organisms from economical point of view. For example, the cost value and profit
value of the yield of wheat can be calculated through bioeconomics and benefits or losses can be determined.
Computational biology:
In computational biology, scientists use mathematical models, algorithms, and computer simulations to
understand biological systems and relationships. It involves analyzing biological data, such as sequence of
amino acids in a protein.
Biotechnology:
It deals with the use of living organisms or their components to develop beneficial products or processes for
various fields, including healthcare, agriculture, environmental management. Bacteria to produce insulin.
1.6 The Levels of Organization
1.6.1 Describe Bio Elements As The Most
Basic Level Of Biological Organization
Out of the 92 kinds of elements that occur in nature, 16
are called bioelements. These take part in making the
body mass of a living organism. Out of these
bioelements; Only six (O, C, H, N, Ca, & P) make 99% of
the total mass. Other ten (K, S, Cl, Na, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn,
Zn, & I) collectively make 01% of the total mass.
1.6.2 Explain Biomolecules And Their Types
An organism is formed by enormous number of
biomolecules of hundreds of different types. These
molecules are the building material and are themselves constructed in great variety and complexity due to
specific bonding arrangements. Biomolecules are classified as micromolecules and macromolecules.
Micromolecules are with low molecular weight e.g. glucose, water etc. and macromolecules are with high
molecular weights e.g. starch, proteins, lipids etc.
1.6.3 Differentiate Among The Levels Of Organization Of Life
▪ The biomolecules when work together in the form of suspension, it is called Protoplasm (organelle).
Protoplasm is the combination of organic and specific inorganic substances.
▪ When protoplasm work in the form of a unit, this is called Cell. Cell is the basic unit of living organisms.
▪ When similar type of cells organizes together in a group, called tissues.
▪ The different types of tissues arranged in a particular manner to work together are called Organs.
▪ Organs of different types work in a coordinated manner to perform a function is called Organ-system.
▪ Different organ-system function in coordination in as a unit; form a body or Multicellular Organism.
Page 2 of 5 https://hasooleilm.com
SLO 1: Introduction to Biology
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Define ‘Biology’
Biology is the scientific study of life. The word “biology” has been derived from two Greek words; ‘bios’
meaning ‘life’ and ‘logos’ meaning ‘thought or reasoning’.
1.1.2 Differentiate Among the Major Divisions of Biology
Zoology Botany Microbiology
This division of biology deals This division of biology deals This division of biology deals with the
with the study of animals. with the study of plants. study of microorganisms.
1.2 Divisions and Branches of Biology
1.2.1 Explain The Significance Of Branches Of Biology
1. Morphology: This branch deals with study of external form and structure of organisms.
2. Anatomy: This branch deals with study of internal structure of body of living organisms.
3. Physiology: This branch deals with the study of the functions of different parts of living organisms.
4. Embryology: the study of process of development of organism from fertilized egg.
5. Taxonomy: The study of the rules, principles, grouping and naming the living organisms.
6. Cytology (cell biology): The study of cell and its organelle.
7. Histology: The study of structure of tissues of plant and animals.
8. Paleontology: The study of remote past organic life, with the help of fossils.
9. Pathology: the study of diseases, their causes and effects.
10. Ecology: The study of relationship between living organisms and non-living factors of environment.
11. Socio-biology: The study of social behavior of living organisms. i.e., interaction between themselves.
12. Molecular biology: The study of organic molecules which constitute cell and its organelles.
13. Immunology: The study of immune system of animals, which defends body against invading microbes.
14. Genetics: The study of heredity, that is transferring of characters from parents to offspring.
15. Pharmacology: The study about action of drugs.
16. Marine biology: the study of life in oceans.
17. Freshwater biology: the study of life in aquatic reservoirs on land.
1.3 Relationship of Biology with Other Sciences
1.3.1 Relate Biology To Other Branches Of Science
Biophysics:
It deals with the study of the principles of physics, which are applicable to biological phenomena.
Biochemistry:
It deals with the study of chemistry of different compounds and processes occurring in living organisms.
Biostatistics:
It deals with the study of the distribution of living organisms in different in different geographical regions of
the world. The influence of climate change on the distribution of organisms is also studied in biogeography.
Page 1 of 5 https://hasooleilm.com
, Biology SSC – I Aga Khan University Examination Board Syllabus 2025-26
Biomathematics/Biometry:
It deals with the study of biological processes using mathematical techniques and tools. For example, to
analyze the data gathered after experimental work, biologists have to apply the rules of mathematics.
Biogeography:
It deals with the distribution of different living organisms in different geographical regions of the world. Many
living organisms are restricted to particular geographical regions due to environmental conditions.
Bio-economics:
It deals with the study of organisms from economical point of view. For example, the cost value and profit
value of the yield of wheat can be calculated through bioeconomics and benefits or losses can be determined.
Computational biology:
In computational biology, scientists use mathematical models, algorithms, and computer simulations to
understand biological systems and relationships. It involves analyzing biological data, such as sequence of
amino acids in a protein.
Biotechnology:
It deals with the use of living organisms or their components to develop beneficial products or processes for
various fields, including healthcare, agriculture, environmental management. Bacteria to produce insulin.
1.6 The Levels of Organization
1.6.1 Describe Bio Elements As The Most
Basic Level Of Biological Organization
Out of the 92 kinds of elements that occur in nature, 16
are called bioelements. These take part in making the
body mass of a living organism. Out of these
bioelements; Only six (O, C, H, N, Ca, & P) make 99% of
the total mass. Other ten (K, S, Cl, Na, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn,
Zn, & I) collectively make 01% of the total mass.
1.6.2 Explain Biomolecules And Their Types
An organism is formed by enormous number of
biomolecules of hundreds of different types. These
molecules are the building material and are themselves constructed in great variety and complexity due to
specific bonding arrangements. Biomolecules are classified as micromolecules and macromolecules.
Micromolecules are with low molecular weight e.g. glucose, water etc. and macromolecules are with high
molecular weights e.g. starch, proteins, lipids etc.
1.6.3 Differentiate Among The Levels Of Organization Of Life
▪ The biomolecules when work together in the form of suspension, it is called Protoplasm (organelle).
Protoplasm is the combination of organic and specific inorganic substances.
▪ When protoplasm work in the form of a unit, this is called Cell. Cell is the basic unit of living organisms.
▪ When similar type of cells organizes together in a group, called tissues.
▪ The different types of tissues arranged in a particular manner to work together are called Organs.
▪ Organs of different types work in a coordinated manner to perform a function is called Organ-system.
▪ Different organ-system function in coordination in as a unit; form a body or Multicellular Organism.
Page 2 of 5 https://hasooleilm.com
