The JAMB syllabus for Biology is a full guide that outlines all the topics candidates must study to prepare effectively for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Biology is one of the core science subjects required for admission into competitive courses such as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Microbiology, and other life science programmes in Nigerian universities.

Understanding the official syllabus helps candidates focus on examinable areas, avoid irrelevant topics, and maximise their chances of scoring high in the UTME. In this article, you’ll find the complete JAMB Biology syllabus, key areas of concentration, objectives, and practical preparation tips for the 2026/2027 academic session.

What Is JAMB Biology Syllabus?

The JAMB Biology syllabus is the official outline of topics and learning objectives that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board expects candidates to cover before sitting for the UTME Biology examination. It ensures uniform preparation standards and guides examiners in setting questions.

The syllabus focuses on fundamental biological concepts, living organisms, human biology, ecology, genetics, and evolution. Candidates are expected not only to memorise facts but also to understand biological processes and apply scientific reasoning.

Chemistry JAMB Syllabus

Objectives of the JAMB Biology Syllabus

The main objectives of the Biology syllabus are to ensure candidates can:

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic biological concepts

• Understand the structure and functions of living organisms

• Interpret biological data, diagrams, and experiments

• Apply biological principles to everyday life

• Analyse ecological relationships and environmental issues

• Understand heredity, variation, and evolution

These objectives reflect the applied and analytical nature of UTME Biology questions.

Complete JAMB Syllabus for Biology (Topics and Areas of Concentration)

Below are the major sections and topics included in the official JAMB Biology syllabus.

1. Living Organisms

This section introduces the diversity and classification of life forms.

Topics include:

• Characteristics of living organisms

• Classification of organisms

• Taxonomy and binomial nomenclature

• Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae

• Plant and animal kingdoms

• Levels of organisation of life

Candidates should understand how organisms are grouped and the features that distinguish major biological groups.

2. Organisation of Life

This area explains how living organisms are structured.

Topics include:

• Cell theory

• Structure and functions of the cell

• Plant and animal cells

• Cell division (mitosis and meiosis)

• Tissues, organs, and organ systems

• Differences between unicellular and multicellular organisms

Cell biology is one of the most frequently tested areas in JAMB Biology.

3. Nutrition

Nutrition covers how organisms obtain and use food.

Topics include:

• Modes of nutrition (autotrophic and heterotrophic)

• Photosynthesis

• Mineral nutrition in plants

• Digestive system in animals

• Enzymes and digestion

• Food substances and a balanced diet

Candidates should understand digestion processes, enzyme action, and plant nutrition.

4. Transport Systems

This section explains the movement of materials within organisms.

Topics include:

• Transport in plants (xylem and phloem)

• Transpiration

• Circulatory system in animals

• Blood composition and functions

• Heart structure and circulation

• Mechanisms of transport

Transport mechanisms in plants and humans are common UTME questions.

5. Respiration

Respiration focuses on energy production in living cells.

Topics include:

• Aerobic respiration

• Anaerobic respiration

• Respiratory organs in animals

• Gaseous exchange in plants

• Cellular respiration

• Energy release from food

Candidates should differentiate aerobic and anaerobic respiration and understand gas exchange surfaces.

6. Excretion

Excretion deals with the removal of metabolic waste.

Topics include:

• Excretory structures in plants

• Human excretory system

• Kidney structure and function

• Excretory products

• Osmoregulation

The human kidney and urine formation are key examinable topics.

7. Support and Movement

This section explains how organisms maintain shape and move.

Topics include:

• Skeletal system

• Types of skeleton (hydrostatic, exoskeleton, endoskeleton)

• Bones and joints

• Muscles and movement

• Support in plants

Candidates should understand locomotion and plant support mechanisms.

8. Reproduction

Reproduction covers how organisms produce offspring.

Topics include:

• Asexual reproduction

• Sexual reproduction in plants

• Human reproductive system

• Fertilisation and development

• Growth and development

• Reproductive cycles

Human reproduction and flowering plant reproduction are heavily tested.

9. Irritability (Coordination and Control)

This section explains how organisms respond to stimuli.

Topics include:

• Nervous system

• Brain and spinal cord

• Sense organs

• Hormones and endocrine system

• Plant responses (tropisms and nastic movements)

• Reflex actions

Coordination in humans and plant responses are major exam areas.

10. Ecology

Ecology examines relationships between organisms and environment.

Topics include:

• Ecosystems

• Food chains and food webs

• Energy flow

• Population studies

• Habitats and niches

• Biogeochemical cycles

• Conservation and pollution

Environmental biology and conservation issues are frequently tested.

11. Genetics and Variation

This section explains heredity and differences among organisms.

Topics include:

• Chromosomes and genes

• Mendelian inheritance

• Dominant and recessive traits

• Genetic variation

• Sex determination

• Mutation

Punnett squares and inheritance patterns are common JAMB questions.

12. Evolution

Evolution explains changes in organisms over time.

Topics include:

• Theories of evolution

• Natural selection

• Adaptation

• Fossil records

• Evidence of evolution

Candidates should understand how organisms evolve and adapt to environments.

Important Areas of Concentration in JAMB Biology

Although all syllabus topics are examinable, some areas frequently appear in UTME Biology questions:

• Cell structure and function

• Photosynthesis and respiration

• Human digestive and circulatory systems

• Genetics and inheritance

• Ecology and environmental biology

• Reproduction in plants and humans

Focusing on these areas can significantly improve scores.

How JAMB Sets Biology Questions

JAMB Biology questions are objective (multiple-choice) and test:

• Knowledge recall

• Conceptual understanding

• Diagram interpretation

• Experimental analysis

• Application of biological principles

Candidates should practise past questions to understand exam patterns.

How to Use the JAMB Biology Syllabus Effectively

To prepare effectively:

1. Study topic by topic
Follow the syllabus sequence to avoid skipping areas.

2. Use recommended textbooks
Standard Biology textbooks aligned with WAEC/NECO curricula are suitable.

3. Practise past questions
Past UTME questions reveal frequently tested topics.

4. Master diagrams
Biology diagrams often appear in exams.

5. Understand concepts, not cramming
JAMB tests application, not memorisation.

Recommended Books for JAMB Biology

Commonly recommended textbooks include:

• Modern Biology

• Essential Biology

• Senior Secondary Biology texts

• Exam practice question books

• Ndu, F.O. C. Ndu, Abun A. and Aina J.O. (2001) Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1 -3, Lagos: Longman
• Odunfa, S.A. (2001) Essential of Biology, Ibadan: Heinemann
• Ogunniyi M.B. Adebisi A.A. and Okojie J.A. (2000) Biology for Senior Secondary Schools: Books 1 – 3, Macmillan
• Ramalingam, S.T. (2005) Modern Biology, SS Science Series. New Edition, AFP
• Stan. (2004) Biology for Senior Secondary Schools. Revised Edition, Ibadan: Heinemann
• Stone R.H. and Cozens, A.B.C. (1982) Biology for West African Schools. Longman
• Usua, E.J. (1997) Handbook of practical Biology 2nd Edition, University Press, Limited

Using multiple resources improves comprehension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What topics should I focus on most in JAMB Biology?

Focus on cell biology, human systems, genetics, ecology, and plant physiology. These areas produce many UTME questions.

Is the JAMB Biology syllabus the same as WAEC?

Yes. The UTME Biology syllabus largely aligns with WAEC and NECO Biology curricula, though JAMB emphasises application-based questions.

How many questions come from each topic?

There is no fixed distribution. However, human biology and ecology often contribute many questions.

Is practical Biology included in JAMB?

Yes. Practical concepts such as experiments, diagrams, and biological processes are tested theoretically.

Conclusion

The JAMB syllabus for Biology 2026/2027 is the official roadmap for candidates preparing for the UTME Biology examination. It covers essential biological concepts, including living organisms, cell biology, nutrition, transport, respiration, reproduction, ecology, genetics, and evolution.

Understanding and following the syllabus helps candidates focus on relevant topics, structure their study plan, and improve exam performance. Since Biology is required for many competitive science courses, mastering the syllabus significantly increases admission chances.

Candidates are strongly advised to combine syllabus study with past questions practice, textbook reading, and diagram mastery to achieve high scores in JAMB Biology.

If you have questions about JAMB Syllabus for Biology, you can drop them in the comment section and, Our team will respond to you immediately.