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JAMB Chemistry Syllabus 2026/2027
Complete official UTME Chemistry syllabus — all topics, sub-topics and JAMB learning objectives. Study what actually comes out, nothing extra.
18
Topics
40
Questions
JAMB Chemistry Syllabus PDF
Official JAMB document • Free download
A · Separation, Chemical Laws & Kinetic Theory
B · Atomic Structure, Bonding & Nuclear Chemistry
C · Solubility and Environmental Pollution
D · Acids, Bases, Salts, Redox & Electrolysis
E · Energy Changes, Reaction Rates & Chemical Equilibrium
F · Non-metals and Their Compounds
G · Metals and Their Compounds
H · Organic Compounds
I · Chemistry and Industry / Astronomical Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
A
Separation, Chemical Laws & Kinetic Theory
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1. Separation of Mixtures and Purification of Chemical Substances
- Elements, compounds and mixtures
- Chemical and physical changes
- Pure and impure substances
- Boiling, density, freezing and melting points as criteria for purity
- Separation processes: evaporation, simple and fractional distillation, sublimation, re-crystallization
- Paper and column chromatography, simple and fractional crystallization
- Magnetization, decantation, filtration and centrifugation
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Distinguish between elements, compounds and mixtures
- Differentiate between chemical and physical changes
- Distinguish between pure and impure substances
- Use boiling and melting points as criteria for purity
- Identify the properties of the components of a mixture
- Specify the principle involved in each separation method
- Apply the basic principle of separation processes in everyday life
2. Chemical Combination
- Laws of definite, multiple and reciprocal proportions
- Law of conservation of matter
- Chemical symbols, formulae, equations and their uses
- Relative atomic mass based on ¹²C = 12
- The mole concept and stoichiometry of reactions
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Deduce the chemical laws from given expressions, statements and data
- Perform simple calculations involving formulae, equations, chemical composition and the mole concept
- Deduce the stoichiometry of chemical reactions
3. Kinetic Theory of Matter and Gas Laws
- Phenomena supporting kinetic theory: melting, vaporization, boiling, freezing, condensation — in terms of molecular motion and Brownian movement
- Laws of Boyle, Charles, Avogadro, Gay-Lussac, Graham and Dalton (partial pressure)
- Molar volume and atomicity of gases
- The ideal gas equation (PV = nRT)
- Relationship between vapour density and relative molecular mass
- Ideal and real gases; factors for deviation of real gases
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Apply the theory to distinguish between solids, liquids and gases
- Deduce reasons for change of state
- Draw inferences based on molecular motion
- Deduce gas laws from given expressions and statements
- Interpret graphical representations related to gas laws
- Perform simple calculations based on gas laws, equations and relationships
- State factors responsible for the deviation of real gases from the ideal situation
Atomic Structure
B
Atomic Structure, Bonding & Nuclear Chemistry
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4. Atomic Structure and Bonding
- Concept of atoms, molecules and ions; contributions of Dalton, Millikan, Rutherford, Moseley, Thomson and Bohr
- Atomic structure: four quantum numbers, principles governing electron arrangement in orbitals
- Electron configuration, atomic number, mass number and isotopes (elements 1–20)
- Shapes of s and p orbitals
- The periodic table: families of elements — alkali metals, alkaline-earth metals, halogens, noble gases, transition metals
- Variation across periods and down groups: ionization energy, ionic radii, electron affinity, electronegativity, electrical and thermal conductivities
- Chemical bonding: electrovalency and covalency; hydrogen bonding; metallic bonding
- Coordinate (dative) bond — complexes: [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻, [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻, [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺, [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺
- Van der Waals' forces
- Shapes of simple molecules: linear (H₂, O₂, Cl₂, HCl, CO₂), non-linear (H₂O), tetrahedral (CH₄), pyramidal (NH₃)
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Distinguish between atoms, molecules and ions
- Identify the contributions of Dalton, Millikan, Rutherford, Moseley, Thomson and Bohr to atomic structure
- Deduce the number of protons, neutrons and electrons from atomic and mass numbers
- Apply rules guiding the arrangement of electrons in an atom
- Identify common elements exhibiting isotopy and perform simple isotopy calculations
- Differentiate between the shapes of s and p orbitals
- Relate atomic number to the position of an element on the periodic table
- Identify reasons for variation in properties across periods and down groups
- Differentiate between the different types of bonding
- Deduce bond types based on electron configurations
- Relate the nature of bonding to properties of compounds
- Differentiate between the various shapes of molecules
5. Nuclear Chemistry
- Radioactivity: types, properties and detection of alpha, beta and gamma radiations
- Natural and artificial radioactivity
- Nuclear stability and radioactive decay
- Nuclear reactions: nuclear fusion and fission
- Half-life calculations
- Applications of radioactivity
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Distinguish between ordinary chemical reaction and nuclear reaction
- Differentiate between natural and artificial radioactivity
- Compare the properties of the different types of nuclear radiations
- Compute simple calculations on the half-life of a radioactive material
- Balance simple nuclear equations
- Identify the various applications of radioactivity
Solutions & Environment
C
Solubility and Environmental Pollution
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6. Solubility
- Unsaturated, saturated and supersaturated solutions
- Solubility curves and deductions from them (solubility defined in mole per dm³)
- Simple solubility calculations
- Solvents for fats, oil, perspiration and paints; use for removal of stains
- True solutions vs false solutions: suspensions and colloids
- Examples — suspensions: harmattan haze, water paints; colloids: fog, milk, blood, aerosol spray, emulsion paints, rubber solution
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Distinguish between the different types of solutions
- Interpret solubility curves
- Calculate the amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a given temperature
- Deduce that solubility is temperature-dependent
- Relate nature of solvents to their uses
- Differentiate among true solutions, suspensions and colloids
- Compare the properties of a true solution and a false solution
- Provide typical examples of suspensions and colloids
7. Environmental Pollution
- Air: natural gaseous constituents and proportions — nitrogen, oxygen, water vapour, CO₂, noble gases (argon and neon)
- Factors responsible for variation of air components in the environment
- Air as a mixture; uses of noble gases
- Air pollutants: H₂S, CO, SO₂, oxides of nitrogen, chlorofluorocarbons and dust — sources and effects
- Water pollution: sewage and oil pollution
- Soil pollution: oil spillage, biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Give reasons for the existence of air as a mixture
- Identify the principle involved in the separation of air components
- State reasons for the variation in the composition of air in the environment
- Specify the uses of some of the constituents of air
- Identify the different types of pollution and pollutants
- Specify different sources of pollutants
- Classify pollutants as biodegradable and non-biodegradable
- Specify the effects of pollution on the environment
- Identify measures for control of environmental pollution
Acids, Redox & Electrolysis
D
Acids, Bases, Salts, Redox & Electrolysis
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8. Acids, Bases and Salts
- General characteristics, properties and uses of acids, bases and salts
- Acid/base indicators; basicity of acids
- Normal, acidic, basic and double salts; alums as examples of double salts
- Acid defined as a substance whose aqueous solution furnishes H₃O⁺ ions or as a proton donor
- Naturally occurring organic acids: ethanoic, citric and tartaric acids
- Preparation of salts: neutralization, precipitation, action of acids on metals, oxides and trioxocarbonate(IV) salts
- Qualitative comparison of conductance of molar solutions of strong and weak acids and bases
- pH and pOH scale; buffer solution; acid/base titrations
- Hydrolysis of salts: NH₄Cl, AlCl₃, Na₂CO₃ and CH₃COONa
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Distinguish between the properties of acids and bases
- Identify the different types of acids and bases and determine basicity of acids
- Differentiate between acidity and alkalinity using acid/base indicators
- Identify the various methods of preparation of salts and classify different salt types
- Relate degree of dissociation to strength of acids, bases and conductance
- Perform simple calculations on pH and pOH
- Enumerate the significance of pH in everyday life and applications of buffer solution
- Identify the appropriate acid-base indicator and interpret titration curves
- Perform simple calculations based on the mole concept
- Balance equations for the hydrolysis of salts and deduce properties of resultant solutions
9. Oxidation and Reduction (Redox)
- Oxidation as addition of oxygen; reduction as removal of oxygen
- Oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer
- Use of oxidation numbers; balancing simple redox equations
- IUPAC nomenclature of inorganic compounds using oxidation number
- Tests for oxidizing and reducing agents
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify the various forms of expressing oxidation and reduction
- Classify chemical reactions in terms of oxidation or reduction
- Balance redox reaction equations
- Deduce the oxidation number of chemical species
- Compute the number of electron transfer in redox reactions
- Identify the name of redox species in a reaction
- Distinguish between oxidizing and reducing agents in redox reactions
- Apply oxidation number in naming inorganic compounds
- Relate reagents to their oxidizing and reducing abilities
10. Electrolysis
- Electrolytes and non-electrolytes; Faraday's laws of electrolysis
- Electrolysis of: dilute H₂SO₄, aqueous CuSO₄, CuCl₂ solution, dilute and concentrated NaCl solutions, fused NaCl
- Factors affecting discharge of ions at the electrodes
- Uses of electrolysis: purification of copper; production of Al, Na, O₂, Cl₂ and NaOH
- Electrochemical series: K, Ca, Na, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Sn, Pb, H, Cu, Hg, Ag, Au
- Half-cell reactions and electrode potentials (simple calculations only)
- Corrosion as an electrolytic process; cathodic protection, painting, electroplating, coating with grease or oil
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes
- Perform calculations based on Faraday as mole of electrons
- Identify suitable electrodes for different electrolytes
- Specify the chemical reactions at the electrodes and determine products
- Identify the factors that affect the products of electrolysis
- Specify the different areas of application of electrolysis
- State the significance of the electrochemical series
- Identify the various electrochemical cells
- Calculate electrode potentials using half-cell reaction equations
- Identify methods used in protecting metals from corrosion
Energy & Equilibrium
E
Energy Changes, Reaction Rates & Chemical Equilibrium
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11. Energy Changes
- Energy changes (ΔH) in physical and chemical changes
- Dissolution reactions: Na, NaOH, K, NH₄Cl in water
- Endothermic (+ΔH) and exothermic (−ΔH) reactions
- Entropy as an order-disorder phenomenon: mixing of gases, dissolution of salts
- Spontaneity of reactions: ΔG = 0 (equilibrium), ΔG > 0 (non-spontaneous), ΔG < 0 (spontaneous)
- Relationship: ΔG⁰ = ΔH⁰ − TΔS⁰
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Determine the types of heat changes (ΔH) in physical and chemical processes
- Interpret graphical representations of heat changes
- Relate the physical state of a substance to the degree of orderliness
- Determine the conditions for spontaneity of a reaction
- Relate ΔH⁰, ΔS⁰ and ΔG⁰ as the driving forces for chemical reactions
- Solve simple problems based on the relationship ΔG⁰ = ΔH⁰ − TΔS⁰
12. Rates of Chemical Reaction
- Factors affecting rate of reaction: temperature, concentration/pressure, surface area, catalyst
- Example reactions: HCl and Na₂S₂O₃, HCl and Mg, iodine clock reaction, marble and HCl, decomposition of H₂O₂
- Reaction rate curves
- Activation energy; qualitative treatment of Arrhenius' law and collision theory
- Effect of light on reactions: halogenation of alkanes
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify the factors that affect the rates of a chemical reaction
- Determine the effects of temperature, concentration/pressure and surface area on reaction rate
- Determine the types of catalysts suitable for different reactions and their effects
- Interpret reaction rate curves
- Solve simple problems on the rate of reactions
- Relate the rate of reaction to the kinetic theory of matter
- Examine the significance of activation energy to chemical reactions
- Deduce the value of activation energy (Ea) from reaction rate curves
13. Chemical Equilibrium
- Reversible reactions and factors governing the equilibrium position
- Dynamic equilibrium
- Le Chatelier's principle and its industrial applications
- Equilibrium constant
- Examples: action of steam on iron; N₂O₄ ⇌ 2NO₂
- Note: no calculations required for equilibrium constant
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Identify the factors that affect the position of equilibrium of a chemical reaction
- Predict the effects of each factor on the position of equilibrium
- Specify the industrial processes where Le Chatelier's principle is applied
- Determine the effects of these factors on equilibrium constant
Non-metals
F
Non-metals and Their Compounds
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14. Non-metals and Their Compounds
- Hydrogen: commercial production from water gas and cracking of petroleum; laboratory preparation, properties, uses and test
- Halogens — Chlorine: laboratory and industrial (electrolysis) preparation; properties; uses (water sterilization, bleaching, HCl manufacture, plastics, insecticides)
- Hydrogen chloride and hydrochloric acid: preparation, properties; chlorides and test for chlorides
- Oxygen: laboratory preparation, properties and uses; commercial production from liquid air; types of oxides (acidic, basic, amphoteric, neutral)
- Ozone as an allotrope and its importance in the atmosphere
- Water: composition by volume; as solvent; dissolved atmospheric gases and biological significance
- Hard and soft water: temporary and permanent hardness; methods of softening; treatment for town supply
- Water of crystallization; efflorescence, deliquescence and hygroscopy with examples
- Sulphur: allotropes and uses; SO₂ preparation, properties and uses; reaction of SO₂ with alkalis
- Trioxosulphate(IV) acid and salts; tetraoxosulphate(VI) acid — contact process, properties as dilute acid, oxidizing and dehydrating agent; tests for SO₄²⁻, SO₃²⁻, SO₂
- Hydrogen sulphide: preparation and properties as weak acid, reducing and precipitating agent; tests for S²⁻ and H₂S
- Nitrogen: laboratory preparation and production from liquid air
- Ammonia: laboratory and industrial (Haber process) preparation; properties and uses; ammonium salts; oxidation to NO₂ and HNO₃; tests for NH₄⁺, NO₂⁻, NH₃
- Trioxonitrate(V) acid: laboratory preparation from ammonia; properties and uses; action of heat on trioxonitrate(V) salts; test for NO₃⁻
- Oxides of nitrogen: properties; the nitrogen cycle
- Carbon: allotropes — uses and properties
- Carbon(IV) oxide: laboratory preparation, properties and uses; action of heat on trioxocarbonate(IV) salts; tests for CO₃²⁻, HCO₃⁻, CO₂
- Carbon(II) oxide: laboratory preparation, properties including effect on blood; sources (charcoal fire, exhaust fumes)
- Coal: types, products of destructive distillation of wood and coal
- Coke: gasification, uses; manufacture of synthesis gas and uses
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Predict reagents for the laboratory and industrial preparation of these gases and their compounds
- Identify and compare the properties and uses of each gas and its compounds
- Determine the specific test for each gas and its compounds
- Identify the allotropes of oxygen and sulphur and their uses
- Determine the significance of ozone to the environment
- Distinguish between hard and soft water; determine causes of hardness and methods of removal
- Describe the processes involved in the treatment of water for town supply
- Distinguish between efflorescence, deliquescence and hygroscopy
- Specify the preparations, properties and uses of H₂SO₄, H₂SO₃, NH₃, HNO₃
- Examine the relevance of the nitrogen cycle to the environment
- Identify allotropes of carbon and predict reagents for preparation of CO₂ and CO
- Identify the different forms of coal and determine their uses
- Specify the products of destructive distillation of wood and coal
- Specify the uses of coke and synthesis gas
Metals
G
Metals and Their Compounds
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15. Metals and Their Compounds
- General properties of metals; methods of extraction
- Alkali metals — Sodium: NaOH (production by electrolysis of brine, action on Al, Zn and Pb ions, uses)
- Sodium trioxocarbonate(IV) and sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate(IV): Solvay process, properties and uses (Na₂CO₃ in glass manufacture)
- Sodium chloride: occurrence in sea water; economic importance; recovery; test for Na⁺
- Alkaline-earth metals — Calcium: CaO, Ca(OH)₂ and CaCO₃; properties and uses; preparation of CaO from sea shells; chemical composition of cement and setting of mortar; test for Ca²⁺
- Aluminium: purification of bauxite; electrolytic extraction; properties and uses of aluminium and its compounds; test for Al³⁺
- Tin: extraction from ores; properties and uses
- First transition series: characteristic properties — electron configuration, oxidation states, complex ion formation, formation of coloured ions, catalysis
- Iron: extraction from sulphide and oxide ores; properties and uses; different forms of iron; advantages of steel over iron; tests for Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺
- Copper: extraction from sulphide and oxide ores; properties and uses; preparation and uses of CuSO₄; test for Cu²⁺
- Alloys: steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, type-metal, duralumin, soft solder, permalloy and alnico — constituents and uses
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Specify the general properties of metals
- Determine the method of extraction suitable for each metal
- Compare the chemical reactivities of the metals and their compounds
- Specify the uses of the metals and determine specific tests for metallic ions
- Determine the process for the production of the compounds of these metals
- Specify the chemical composition of cement
- Describe the method of purification of bauxite
- Identify the general properties of the first transition metals and deduce reasons for their specific properties
- Determine the IUPAC names of simple transition metal complexes
- Identify the different forms of iron, their compositions, properties and uses
- Specify the constituents and uses of the various alloys mentioned
- Compare the properties and uses of alloys to pure metals
Organic Chemistry
H
Organic Compounds
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16. Organic Compounds
- Introduction: tetravalency of carbon; general formula; IUPAC nomenclature; empirical formula determination
- Alkanes: homologous series, physical properties, substitution reactions; isomerism (structural only, up to 6 carbons)
- Petroleum: composition, fractional distillation, major products; cracking and reforming; petrochemicals; octane number
- Alkenes: structural and geometric isomerism; addition and polymerization reactions; polythene and synthetic rubber; vulcanization
- Alkynes: ethyne — production from action of water on carbides; simple reactions and properties
- Aromatic hydrocarbons: benzene — structure, properties and uses
- Alkanols: primary, secondary, tertiary; production of ethanol by fermentation and from petroleum; local examples (palm wine/gin); glycerol as polyhydric alkanol; reactions of OH group; Lucas test
- Alkanals and alkanones: chemical tests to distinguish between them
- Alkanoic acids: neutralization and esterification; ethanedioic (oxalic) acid as dicarboxylic acid; benzenecarboxylic acid as aromatic acid
- Alkanoates: formation from alkanoic acids and alkanols; fats and oils as alkanoates; saponification; production of soap, margarine; distinction between detergents and soaps
- Amines (alkanamines): primary, secondary and tertiary
- Carbohydrates: mono-, di- and polysaccharides; composition; chemical tests for simple sugars; reaction with concentrated H₂SO₄; hydrolysis (cellulose from cotton, starch from cassava); uses in alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals and textiles
- Proteins: primary structures, hydrolysis and tests (Ninhydrin, Biuret, Millon's and xanthoproteic); enzymes and their functions
- Polymers: natural and synthetic rubber; addition and condensation polymerization; examples and uses; thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Derive the name of organic compounds from their general formulae
- Relate the name of a compound to its structure
- Relate the tetravalency of carbon to catenation
- Classify compounds according to their functional groups
- Derive empirical formula and molecular formula from given data
- Derive various isomeric forms from a given formula
- Distinguish between the different types of isomerism
- Classify and distinguish each class of hydrocarbons by their properties and uses
- Identify crude oil as a complex mixture of hydrocarbons; relate fractions to properties and uses
- Distinguish between various polymerization processes; specify the process involved in vulcanization
- Specify chemical tests for alkenes and terminal alkynes
- Distinguish between aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons
- Compare the various classes of alkanols; determine processes involved in ethanol production
- Differentiate between alkanals and alkanones
- Identify natural sources of alkanoates; specify methods for production of soap, detergent and margarine
- Compare the various classes of carbohydrates; infer products of hydrolysis and dehydration
- Specify the basic structure of proteins and the various protein tests
- Distinguish between natural and synthetic polymers; classify natural and commercial polymers and their uses
- Distinguish between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics
Industry & Astronomy
I
Chemistry and Industry / Astronomical Chemistry
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17. Chemistry and Industry
- Chemical industries: types, raw materials and relevance
- Biotechnology in chemical industries
- Fine chemicals vs heavy chemicals
What JAMB expects you to do:
- Classify chemical industries in terms of products
- Identify raw materials for each industry
- Distinguish between fine and heavy chemicals
- Enumerate the relevance of each of these industries
- Relate industrial processes to biotechnology
18. Astronomical Chemistry
- Solar system: planets and satellite
- Composition of the earth: atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere
- The smallest planet and the farthest from the sun
What JAMB expects you to do:
- State the composition of the solar system
- List the planets
- Identify the segments of the earth
- Name the natural satellite of the earth
- Identify the smallest planet that is also the farthest from the sun
🚀
Now Practice JAMB Chemistry Past Questions
Reading the syllabus is step one. The fastest way to score high is to practice real past questions from every year — with instant answers and explanations.
Practice Chemistry Past Questions →📚 JAMB Recommended Textbooks
These are the official books listed by JAMB for Chemistry preparation:
📖 Ababio, O. Y. (2009) — New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools (4th Ed.), Africana FIRST Publishers
📖 Bajah, S. T. et al. (1999/2000) — Senior Secondary Chemistry Books 1, 2 and 3, Longman
📖 Ojokuku, G. O. (2012) — Understanding Chemistry for Schools and Colleges (Revised Ed.), Press-On Chemresources
📖 Odesina, I. A. (2008) — Essential Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools (2nd Ed.), Tonad Publishers
📖 Uche, I. O. et al. (2003) — Countdown to WASSCE/SSCE, NECO, JME Chemistry, Evans
Common Questions 🤔
JAMB Chemistry covers 18 topics grouped across Physical Chemistry (separation, gas laws, kinetic theory), Atomic Structure and Bonding, Nuclear Chemistry, Solubility, Environmental Pollution, Acids/Bases/Salts, Redox, Electrolysis, Energy Changes, Reaction Rates, Equilibrium, Non-metals, Metals, Organic Chemistry, and Chemistry & Industry.
Organic Chemistry, Atomic Structure and Bonding, Acids/Bases/Salts, and Electrolysis are the most frequently tested topics in JAMB Chemistry. Mole concept calculations, redox reactions and the periodic table also appear every year. Organic Chemistry alone can account for 8–10 questions.
JAMB sets 40 questions in Chemistry. Each question is multiple choice with 4 options. You share 2 hours across all 4 JAMB subjects, so aim for roughly 1.5 minutes per Chemistry question.
Chemistry is required for Medicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Microbiology, Nursing, Food Science and Technology, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, and most Science and Health Science courses in Nigerian universities.
Yes — the mole concept is one of the most consistently tested calculation topics in JAMB Chemistry. It appears in stoichiometry, electrolysis (Faraday's laws), acid/base titrations and concentration calculations. Master it early as it connects several topics.
The JAMB Chemistry syllabus structure has been stable for several years. The 18 topics on this page reflect the current official JAMB document. Practice past questions from 2023 onwards alongside this syllabus for the best results.