Course syllabus

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Synopsis

An introduction to the subject of Biology as a foundation for advanced courses.  Topics include the organization and diversity of life, functions of life, metabolism, steady states, production and adaptation of the living organism both plant and animal.

Objectives

At the end of the course students will be able to:

  1. Appreciate that God is the Creator of life.
  2. State and explain the basic characteristics of life.
  3. Distinguish between plants and animals in terns of cell structure, mode of reproduction, nutritional requirements etc.
  4. Identify the major biomolecules which are essential for the life of organisms and describe their roles.
  5. Describe the basic life processes which assist the organism to maintain steady states.
  6. Describe the transportation of substances across the membrane and compare their effectiveness.
  7. Describe the different metabolic processes and explain how they are controlled.

Contents of the course

Introduction

  1. Introduction
  2. Chemical Principles of Life
    • Chemical elements
    • Electronic configuration
    • Chemical bonds
    • Chemical reactions
  1. Plant and animal cells
    • Structure and function
  1. Cell reproduction
    • Mitosis
    • Meiosis
  1. The study of tissues
    • Plant tissues
    • Animal tissues
  1. Metabolism
    • Respiration: Glycolysis, Citric acid cycle, Electron transport chain
    • Photosynthesis: Photolysis and the carbon dioxide fixation
  1. Enzymes
    • Catalysts and activation energy
    • Enzyme cofactors
    • Factors affecting the rate of enzyme reactions
  1. Plant Nutrition
    • Leaf structure and
    • Factors affecting photosynthesis
  1. Animal nutrition
    • Nutrition in animals and
    • The digestive system
  1. Transport in animals
    • Circulation in animals: Cardiovascular system (Blood vessels, heart, and vascular system), Lymphatic system (Vessels and organs), Blood pressure, Velocity of blood flow
    • Blood: Transport (Blood proteins, Oxygen, RBC and CO2), Blood clotting, Infection fighting (WBC, Antibodies), Blood typing (ABO group, Rh system)
  1. Transport in plants
    • Transpiration
    • Translocation
  1. Integration and Co-ordination in animals
    • Nervous system structure and nerve impulse
    • Transmission across a synapse
    • Peripheral central nervous systems
    • Hormones: - Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid glands and sex organs
  1. Co-ordination and control in plants
    •  Plant movements
    • Plant growth
    • Synergism and antagonism
  1. Excretion and osmoregulation
    • Excretory substances: - Nitrogenous and other excretory substances
    • Organs of excretion
    • Urine formation: - Ultra-filtration, selective re-absorption, loop of Henle, tubular excretion collecting duct
    • Regulatory function of kidneys: - Blood volume and pH adjustments
  1. Musculoskeletal System
    • Skeleton: - Function, skull, vertebral column, appendicular skeletons, long bones, growth and development and joints.
    • Skeletal muscles: structure and function, effect of contraction on muscle size
  1. Homeostasis

Assessment

Continuous assessment: 40%                                                   

Assignments: 15%

Mid-semester: 20%

Quizzes: 5%

Final examination: 60%

 

Reference books

OpenStax, Biology. OpenStax CNX. Mar 1, 2016 http://cnx.org/contents/185cbf87-c72e-48f5-b51e-f14f21b5eabd@10.4. (CLICK HERE to download for free)

Campbell, N., Reece, J. & Mitchell, L. (1999). Biology. Menlo Park, Calif: Benjamin Cummings. (CLICK HERE for Solusi Library Catalog Reference)

Brooker, R. (2008). Biology. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. (CLICK HERE for Solusi Library Catalog Reference)

 

Requirements:

  • Every Student is required to attend all lectures and tutorials.
  • Whereas you may discuss the concepts and or assignments with other classmates or knowledgeable persons, you must make sure that the work handed in is a reflection of how you understand the topical issues covered.
  • Students must hand in typed work.
  • Assignment deadlines must be strictly observed.
  • At least 2 assignments will be given during the semester.
  • Academic honesty is a virtue to be encouraged all the times. Academic dishonesty in any form may result in you being suspended immediately.
  • One mid-semester test will be given and as many unannounced quizzes as possible.

 

The letter grades are calculated as follows:

A = 90-100%

A- = 80-89%

B+ = 75-79%

B- = 65-69%   

B=70-74%     

C+ = 60-64%                    

C= 50-60%                               

D = 45-49%           

F = 0-44%

Course summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due