Grade 12 Life Sciences CAPS in South Africa covers DNA, meiosis, reproduction, genetics, human systems, and evolution. The Grade 12 Life Sciences syllabus below follows the CAPS annual teaching plan and supports NSC exam prep using term topics and past papers.
Weeks 1-11
Assessment: Task 1: Practical (minimum 30 marks). Task 2: Test (minimum 50 marks).
DNA location, chromosomes, genes, extra-nuclear DNA and discovery of DNA. Structure, role and replication of DNA; DNA profiling (extract DNA and observe threads). RNA types, location and structure; genetic code; protein synthesis (transcription and translation).
Structure of a chromosome and associated terminology; process and importance of meiosis; observe diagrams/micrographs of cells in stages of meiosis. Abnormal meiosis and consequences; similarities and differences between meiosis and mitosis.
Diversity of reproductive strategies; structure of male and female reproductive systems; puberty; game to genes is [unclear].
Menstrual cycle, fertilisation and development of zygote to blastocyst; implantation, gestation and the role of the placenta.
Revision, case studies and past paper questions, including application questions and scientific investigations.
DNA location, chromosomes, genes, extra-nuclear DNA and discovery of DNA. Structure, role and replication of DNA; DNA profiling (extract DNA and observe threads). RNA types, location and structure; genetic code; protein synthesis (transcription and translation).
Structure of a chromosome and associated terminology; process and importance of meiosis; observe diagrams/micrographs of cells in stages of meiosis. Abnormal meiosis and consequences; similarities and differences between meiosis and mitosis.
Diversity of reproductive strategies; structure of male and female reproductive systems; puberty; game to genes is [unclear].
Menstrual cycle, fertilisation and development of zygote to blastocyst; implantation, gestation and the role of the placenta.
Revision, case studies and past paper questions, including application questions and scientific investigations.
Weeks 1-11
Assessment: Task 3: Practical (minimum 30 marks). Task 4: June examination (150 marks) OR controlled test (minimum 50 marks).
Concepts of inheritance, monohybrid crosses, sex determination, sex-linked inheritance; dihybrid crosses; blood grouping; genetic lineages/pedigree diagrams and mutations; genetic engineering, paternity testing and genetic links.
Human nervous system - central, peripheral and autonomic; nerve, reflex arc, disorders; human eye; human ear.
Endocrine and exocrine glands; hormones and functions. Negative feedback mechanisms involving TSH and thyroxin (thyroid disorders), insulin and glucagon (diabetes mellitus). Negative feedback mechanisms for glucose, carbon dioxide, water, salts and thermoregulation.
Plant hormones, tropisms, and plant defence mechanisms.
Past examination paper questions, tests, and scientific investigations across topics.
Concepts of inheritance, monohybrid crosses, sex determination, sex-linked inheritance; dihybrid crosses; blood grouping; genetic lineages/pedigree diagrams and mutations; genetic engineering, paternity testing and genetic links.
Human nervous system - central, peripheral and autonomic; nerve, reflex arc, disorders; human eye; human ear.
Endocrine and exocrine glands; hormones and functions. Negative feedback mechanisms involving TSH and thyroxin (thyroid disorders), insulin and glucagon (diabetes mellitus). Negative feedback mechanisms for glucose, carbon dioxide, water, salts and thermoregulation.
Plant hormones, tropisms, and plant defence mechanisms.
Past examination paper questions, tests, and scientific investigations across topics.
Weeks 1-11
Assessment: Task 5: Formal assignment (minimum 50 marks), 1-1 1/2 hours. Task 6: Trial examination (150 marks).
Introduction to evolution (biological evolution, hypothesis, theory). Evidence for evolution and variation; Lamarckism, Darwinism and punctuated equilibrium; artificial selection and speciation; reproductive isolation mechanisms; evolution in present times; evidence of common ancestors for living hominids (including humans); Out of Africa hypothesis.
Data response questions, case studies, questions from past papers, and consolidation and revision.
Paper 1: 150 marks, 2 1/2 hours. Paper 2: 150 marks, 2 1/2 hours. Learners must answer all 3 questions.
Paper 1 topics/marks: Reproduction in vertebrates (8), Human reproduction (41), Responding to the environment (humans) (54), Human endocrine system and homeostasis (34), Responding to the environment (plants) (13). Paper 2 topics/marks: DNA: Code of life (27), Meiosis (21), Genetics and inheritance (48), Evolution (evolution through natural selection) (54).
Cognitive levels: Knowing science 40%, Understanding science 25%, Applying scientific knowledge 20%, Evaluating/analysing/synthesising 15%. Degrees of difficulty: Easy 30%, Moderate 40%, Difficult 25%, Very difficult 5%.
Introduction to evolution (biological evolution, hypothesis, theory). Evidence for evolution and variation; Lamarckism, Darwinism and punctuated equilibrium; artificial selection and speciation; reproductive isolation mechanisms; evolution in present times; evidence of common ancestors for living hominids (including humans); Out of Africa hypothesis.
Data response questions, case studies, questions from past papers, and consolidation and revision.
Paper 1: 150 marks, 2 1/2 hours. Paper 2: 150 marks, 2 1/2 hours. Learners must answer all 3 questions.
Paper 1 topics/marks: Reproduction in vertebrates (8), Human reproduction (41), Responding to the environment (humans) (54), Human endocrine system and homeostasis (34), Responding to the environment (plants) (13). Paper 2 topics/marks: DNA: Code of life (27), Meiosis (21), Genetics and inheritance (48), Evolution (evolution through natural selection) (54).
Cognitive levels: Knowing science 40%, Understanding science 25%, Applying scientific knowledge 20%, Evaluating/analysing/synthesising 15%. Degrees of difficulty: Easy 30%, Moderate 40%, Difficult 25%, Very difficult 5%.
Weeks 1-10
Assessment: Preparation for final NSC examination; final NSC examination.
Revision using Mind the Gap study guide, past examination papers, videos and PowerPoints; data response questions and case studies. Study leave for Grade 12/NSC candidates.
Paper 1: 150 marks, 2 1/2 hours. Paper 2: 150 marks, 2 1/2 hours. Learners must answer all 3 questions.
Paper 1 topics/marks: Reproduction in vertebrates (8), Human reproduction (41), Responding to the environment (humans) (54), Human endocrine system and homeostasis (34), Responding to the environment (plants) (13). Paper 2 topics/marks: DNA: Code of life (27), Meiosis (21), Genetics and inheritance (48), Evolution (evolution through natural selection) (54).
Cognitive levels: Knowing science 40%, Understanding science 25%, Applying scientific knowledge 20%, Evaluating/analysing/synthesising science knowledge 15%. Degrees of difficulty: Easy 30%, Moderate 40%, Difficult 25%, Very difficult 5%.
Revision using Mind the Gap study guide, past examination papers, videos and PowerPoints; data response questions and case studies. Study leave for Grade 12/NSC candidates.
Paper 1: 150 marks, 2 1/2 hours. Paper 2: 150 marks, 2 1/2 hours. Learners must answer all 3 questions.
Paper 1 topics/marks: Reproduction in vertebrates (8), Human reproduction (41), Responding to the environment (humans) (54), Human endocrine system and homeostasis (34), Responding to the environment (plants) (13). Paper 2 topics/marks: DNA: Code of life (27), Meiosis (21), Genetics and inheritance (48), Evolution (evolution through natural selection) (54).
Cognitive levels: Knowing science 40%, Understanding science 25%, Applying scientific knowledge 20%, Evaluating/analysing/synthesising science knowledge 15%. Degrees of difficulty: Easy 30%, Moderate 40%, Difficult 25%, Very difficult 5%.
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