202-154 Introductory Biology for Land and Food

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Subject Description

The subject introduces students to biological concepts and skills which will form the foundation of other 'biology-based subjects'.

The subject covers areas including:

• cell biology and metabolism: molecules of life, water, organic compounds, ions, polymers (proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides), organelles, membranes and walls; unicellular and multicellular organisms, cell division, mitosis;

• cell differentiation and specialisation;

• diversity and unity of cell structure, prokaryotes and eukaryotes; tissues and organs;

• major metabolic pathways, metabolism;

• enzymes; photosynthesis and photorespiration, respiration, glycolysis, fermentation;

• inheritance: protein synthesis and gene expression; brief description of DNA, RNA, the double helix, recombination and mutation;

• Mendalian genetics;

• plant structure and function: roots, stems, leaves, meristems, flowers and seeds;

• plant cells and tissues, anatomical diversity; transpiration and translocation;

• animal structure and function: tissues, organs and organ systems;

• comparative anatomy;

• homoeostasis; nutrient uptake, circulation, gas and fluid exchange; differences between animal and plant anatomy;

• structure of selected invertebrate groups, especially insects;

• mammalian structures;

• nutrient uptake; primary and secondary growth;

• reproduction and nutrition: heterotrophy and autotrophy;

• nutrients and nutrient cycling;

• productivity;

• gametogenesis, process and structures in plants and animals;

• fertilization, seed development, germination, emergence;

• gestation, embryo development, parturition, hatching;

• life cycles;

• animal growth (briefly);

• introduction to biodiversity and evolution: populations, communities and ecosystems, adaptation, phylogeny and evolution (brief introduction only).

Practicals will emphasize the handling and identification of biological material and the use of microscopes and other instruments.

Assessment

3-hour examination (40%), two assignments equivalent to 2000 words (each worth 20%) and practical reports (20%)

Recommended Texts

• R B Knox, P Y Ladiges and B K Evans, Biology. McGraw Hill, 1994.