How to prepare for Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Each science subject rewards a slightly different way of studying. Use the official JAMB syllabus for the full topic list, and these tips for how to approach each one.

Mathematics

• Maths is learned by doing. Watching or reading solutions isn't enough — solve questions yourself every day.
• Make sure your basics are solid: fractions, indices, algebra, and solving equations. Many topics depend on them.
• Learn each method with one worked example, then do several similar questions until you can do them without help.
• Personal calculators are not allowed in the exam hall, so get comfortable working by hand. Learn quick ways to simplify and estimate.
• Check if an answer option can be confirmed quickly by substituting it back into the question.

Physics

• Understand what each formula means and what each letter stands for, including the units.
• Keep a formula sheet and test yourself on it regularly.
• For calculations: write what is given, what is asked, choose the formula, then substitute. This order prevents most mistakes.
• Draw diagrams for questions about forces, light, circuits and motion — a sketch often shows the answer.
• Watch your units and powers of ten; they cause many wrong answers.

Chemistry

• Learn the basics thoroughly: atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, and the mole concept. They come up again and again.
• Practise balancing equations and mole calculations until they're automatic.
• For organic chemistry, learn the families of compounds, their names and typical reactions in a table.
• Understand trends in the periodic table instead of memorising each element separately.

Biology

• Biology has a lot to remember, so use self-testing and spaced review — see how to remember what you read.
• Draw and label diagrams (cells, heart, flower, digestive system) from memory.
• Learn processes as step-by-step sequences: photosynthesis, respiration, digestion.
• Use tables to compare similar things: plant vs animal cells, arteries vs veins, mitosis vs meiosis.
• Learn the meaning of key terms precisely — questions often turn on one word.

For all four

Practise questions topic by topic as you learn, and keep a mistakes notebook. If a subject feels impossible, read how to study a subject you don't understand.