Course Title: Introduction to Biology-I                                                                      

Course Code:  BIO-204

Credit Hours: 3                                                                                 

Class: BS 3rd Regular

Introduction:

Biology is the study of living things. It encompasses the cellular basis of living things, the energy metabolism that underlies the activities of life, and the genetic basis for inheritance in organisms. Biology also includes the study of evolutionary relationships among organisms and the diversity of life on Earth. It considers the biology of microorganisms, plants, and animals, for example, and it brings together the structural and functional relationships that underlie their day-to-day activities. Biology draws on the sciences of chemistry and physics for its foundations and applies the laws of these disciplines to living things. The study of biology incorporates everything imaginable related to the life on Earth. It can be very broad and focus on details regarding the entire planet or it may be very specific and study microscopic structures such as bacteria or DNA.

The course aims to:

• To yield students with a sense of practical relevance of biology to everyday life.
• To make students understand life by understanding some of the molecular processes those occur in and around the cells.
• To make students cognizant to biological phenomenon (nature, body, etc.) on an evolutionary, ecological, behavioral, physiological, tissue, cellular and molecular level.

Course requirements:

In order to successfully complete this course, you should regularly attend classes and prepare the given assignments. The quality of your work will be graded with regards to originality, rationality of your opinions and the content relevancy. You are expected to use peer-reviewed literature resources to support your thoughts, ideas and opinions. An active participation in all class based activities is mandatory for succeeding in this course.

Course contents:

• Introduction

Nature and scope of biology   

Branches of biology                                                               

Relationship between biology and psychology

• Biological molecules

Carbohydrates                    

Proteins          

Fats            

Nucleic acid          

Water

• The Cell

Structure and function of cell   

Cell organelles   

Different types of cells                                                                                                 

• Homeostasis                                                                                                  

Osmoregulation  

Structure and Functions of Nephron           

Thermoregulation

• Coordination and control

Structure and Physiology of Neurons     

Introduction to cell and Peripheral Nervous System      

Hormones

• Basics of growth and development

Embryotic and Post-embryotic Development

Readings:

Campbell, N.A., Mitchell, L. G. & Reece, J. B. (2000). Biology: Concepts and connections. (3rd ed.). San Francisco: Addison Wesley, Longman.

Assessment criteria:

• Sessional (Attendance, assignment & presentation) 20 Marks
• Mid Term Exam         30 Marks
• Final Term Marks       50 Marks

Class Schedule:

Wednesday:11:00-12:30                                                                                         

Thursday: 11:00-12:30