Basic General Science - Licensurehub

This module introduces applicants to basic scientific concepts that are sometimes tested in the Ghana Police Service aptitude examination. Although not always included, general science questions are used to assess common-sense scientific understanding, health awareness, and environmental consciousness, all of which are essential for effective policing and public safety duties.

The focus is not advanced science, but practical everyday science related to:

The human body and health
The environment
Safety, hygiene, and public health

UNIT 5.1: Basic Biology – Human Body, Health, and Environment

5.1.1 Meaning of Biology

Biology is the branch of science that deals with living things, including humans, plants, animals, and microorganisms. In policing, biological knowledge helps officers understand health issues, injuries, disease prevention, and human behavior.

5.1.2 The Human Body Systems

The human body is made up of several systems that work together to keep a person alive and healthy.

Major Human Body Systems and Their Functions

Body System	Main Organs	Functions
Circulatory System	Heart, blood, blood vessels	Transports oxygen, nutrients, and removes waste
Respiratory System	Nose, lungs, trachea	Breathing and oxygen exchange
Digestive System	Mouth, stomach, intestines	Digestion and absorption of food
Nervous System	Brain, spinal cord, nerves	Controls body activities and responses
Skeletal System	Bones, joints	Support, protection, movement
Muscular System	Muscles	Movement and posture
Excretory System	Kidneys, bladder	Removal of waste products
Reproductive System	Sex organs	Human reproduction

Importance to Policing:
Understanding body systems helps police officers respond properly during accidents, medical emergencies, and injury situations.

5.1.3 Blood and Its Functions

Blood plays a vital role in the human body.

Component of Blood	Function
Red Blood Cells (RBCs)	Carry oxygen
White Blood Cells (WBCs)	Fight infections
Platelets	Help blood clot
Plasma	Transports nutrients and waste

Police relevance:
Blood loss, bleeding control, and injury response are common situations officers encounter.

5.1.4 Health and Disease

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.

Types of Diseases

Disease Type	Description	Examples
Communicable	Can be transmitted from person to person	Cholera, Tuberculosis, COVID-19
Non-communicable	Cannot be transmitted	Diabetes, Hypertension
Deficiency Diseases	Caused by lack of nutrients	Scurvy, Rickets

5.1.5 Disease Transmission

Diseases can spread through:

Air (coughing, sneezing)
Contaminated food and water
Direct contact
Insect bites

Police relevance:
Officers often work in crowded areas and must understand infection control.

5.1.6 Personal Hygiene and Health Practices

Personal hygiene helps prevent diseases.

Examples include:

Regular handwashing
Proper waste disposal
Bathing regularly
Wearing clean clothing
Safe food handling

UNIT 5.2: Elementary Environmental Science

5.2.1 Meaning of Environment

The environment includes all living and non-living things surrounding humans, such as:

Air
Water
Land
Plants and animals

5.2.2 Environmental Pollution

Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment.

Types of Pollution

Type	Causes	Effects
Air Pollution	Smoke, vehicle exhaust	Respiratory diseases
Water Pollution	Sewage, chemicals	Waterborne diseases
Land Pollution	Improper waste disposal	Environmental degradation
Noise Pollution	Loud machines, traffic	Hearing loss, stress

5.2.3 Environmental Sanitation

Environmental sanitation refers to keeping surroundings clean to prevent disease.

Examples:

Proper waste management
Clean water supply
Drainage systems
Public toilets

Police relevance:
Police assist in enforcing sanitation laws and maintaining public order during sanitation exercises.

5.2.4 Climate and Weather Basics

Term	Meaning
Weather	Daily atmospheric conditions
Climate	Long-term weather patterns

Weather elements include:

Temperature
Rainfall
Wind
Humidity

5.2.5 Flooding and Environmental Hazards

Flooding is caused by:

Heavy rainfall
Poor drainage
Blocked waterways

Police role:
Crowd control, rescue assistance, and protection of property during disasters.

UNIT 5.3: Everyday Science Related to Safety and Public Health

5.3.1 Safety Science Concepts

Safety science focuses on preventing accidents and injuries.

Common hazards:

Fire
Electricity
Chemicals
Road accidents

5.3.2 Fire Safety

The Fire Triangle

Fire requires three elements:

Heat
Fuel
Oxygen

Fire = Heat + Fuel + Oxygen

Removing any one element will stop a fire.

5.3.3 Basic First Aid Knowledge

First aid is the immediate care given to an injured or sick person before professional help arrives.

Common First Aid Situations

Situation	Basic Response
Bleeding	Apply pressure
Burns	Cool with clean water
Fracture	Immobilize affected area
Unconsciousness	Check breathing

5.3.4 Public Health

Public health focuses on protecting the health of the entire population.