Biology

Biology Course Curriculum

Biology provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the study of living organisms. The course commences with a thorough exploration of cell structure and function, the basic units of life. From there, learners delve into the complex interactions and processes of biochemical pathways, investigating topics such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

The course’s scope broadens to encompass genetics, an examination of heredity, and evolutionary biology, wherein the concepts of natural selection and speciation are comprehensively covered. Students will study the intricate multi-level organization of life, from organelles to organisms and ecosystems, and learn about the various systems that keep organisms functioning, such as the nervous and circulatory systems in animals or vascular systems in plants.

In addition, the curriculum incorporates lessons in microbiology where students study different types of microorganisms and their role in maintaining the Earth’s ecosystems. Environmental biology is another topical component, providing students an understanding of ecology and the human impact on biodiversity and sustainability.

At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate a solid grasp of biological concepts, theories, and laboratory techniques. A strong emphasis is placed on developing analytical and problem-solving skills, preparing students for further studies in the field of biological sciences and enhancing their understanding of the natural world.

Semester 1-0.5 Credit
  • Understanding the Scientific Method: Steps, Principles, and Applications
  • Formulating Research Questions and Hypotheses in Biology
  • Conducting Literature Reviews: Importance and Techniques
  • Designing Biological Experiments: Variables, Control, and Replication
  • Field Studies in Biology: Studying Organisms in Their Natural Environment
  • Experimental Research in the Laboratory: Tools and Techniques
  • Data Collection and Management: Utilizing Biological Databases
  • Data Analysis in Biological Research: Statistics and Interpretation
  • Drawing Conclusions and Making Inferences: Connecting Results to Hypotheses
  • Reporting Biological Research: Writing a Lab Report or Research Paper
  • Ethics in Biological Research: Understanding the Requirements and Considerations
  • Introduction to Peer Review: Significance in the Biological Community
  • Matter and Organic Compounds
  • Biochemical Reactions
  • Water, Acids, and Bases
  • Cell Theory: Foundation of Cellular Biology
  • Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells: Difference and Similarities
  • Cell Membrane: Structure, Function, and Permeability
  • Cell Wall: Presence, Composition, and Roles
  • Cytoplasm and Cellular Organelles: Functions and Interactions
  • Nucleus: The Control Center of the Cell
  • Mitochondria and Chloroplasts: Powerhouses of the Cell
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus: Proteins and Lipids Processing and Distribution
  • Lysosomes and Peroxisomes: The Recycling and Detox Centers of the Cell
  • Cytoskeleton: Providing Structure and Facilitating Movement
  • Introduction to Cell Division: The Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Cytokinesis
  • Cellular Communication: Understanding Signal Transduction
  • Introduction to Cellular Respiration: The Process of Energy Conversion
  • Glycolysis: Breaking Down Glucose for Energy
  • Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle): Understanding the Chemical Reactions
  • Electron Transport Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation: Powering ATP Production
  • Anaerobic Respiration and Fermentation: Energy Production in the Absence of Oxygen
  • Introduction to Photosynthesis: Converting Sunlight into Chemical Energy
  • Light-Dependent Reactions: How Sunlight Fuels the Plant
  • Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle): CO2 to Sugar Conversion
  • Comparing Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration: Understanding the Balance in Nature
  • Importance of ATP in Energy Transfer
  • Aerobic versus Anaerobic Processes: Efficiency and Energy Yields
  • Photosynthesis and Climate Change: The Role of Plants in Carbon Dioxide Sequestration
  • Introduction to Cellular Reproduction: Importance and Types
  • Cell Cycle: Understanding Interphase, Mitosis, and Cytokinesis
  • Mitosis: Detailed Study of the Steps of Cell Division
  • Meiosis: Introduction to Reductional Division and Its Stages
  • Role of Mitosis and Meiosis in Growth, Reproduction, and Genetic Diversity
  • DNA Replication: Ensuring Accuracy and Continuity of Genetic Code
  • Chromosomes: Structure, Function, and Role in Cellular Reproduction
  • Differential Cellular Division in Prokaryotes: Binary Fission
  • Understanding Chromosome Number: Diploid vs Haploid Cells
  • Genetic Recombination in Meiosis: Crossing-over and Genetic Variation
  • Regulation of Cell Cycle: Checks and Balances for Controlled Division
  • Cellular Basis of Cancer: Uncontrolled Division and Mutation
  • Understanding Genetics: The Science of Heredity
  • The Role of DNA and Genes: Coding for Life
  • Mendelian Genetics: Laws of Inheritance and Punnett Squares
  • The Concept of Dominance: Dominant and Recessive Traits
  • Non-Mendelian Genetics: Incomplete Dominance, Co-dominance, and Multiple Alleles
  • Epistasis: Interaction of Multiple Genes
  • DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation: From Gene to Protein
  • Gene Linkage and Crossing Over: The Influence on Inheritance Patterns
  • Genetic Variation: The Foundation of Natural Selection
  • Mutations: Types, Causes, and Effects on Organisms
  • Genetic Disorders: Causes and Examples
  • Population Genetics: Studying the Gene Pool and Evolution
  • Understanding Nucleic Acids: Structure and Types of DNA and RNA
  • Central Dogma of Molecular Biology: DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation
  • Gene Expression: How Genes Lead to Traits
  • Molecular Structure of Genes: Introns, Exons, and Regulatory Sequences
  • Regulation of Gene Expression: Enhancers, Repressors, and Transcription Factors
  • Protein Synthesis: Role of mRNA, tRNA, and Ribosomes
  • Alternative Splicing: Variability from a Single Gene
  • Post-translational Modification of Proteins: Adding Phosphates, Methyl Groups, and More
  • Epigenetics: Changes in Gene Expression without DNA Sequence Alteration
  • Gene Mutations: Point Mutations, Frame Shifts, and Genetic Diversity
  • Technological Applications: DNA Sequencing, Recombinant DNA, and Genetic Engineering
  • RNA Interference and CRISPR: Modern Tools for Manipulating Gene Expression
Semester 2-0.5 Credit
  • Introduction to Biotechnology: Principles and Applications
  • Recombinant DNA Technology: Methods and Implications
  • Genetic Engineering: Techniques, Examples, and Controversies
  • Cloning: Principles, Procedures, and Ethical Considerations
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Amplifying DNA for Research
  • Gene Therapy: Using DNA to Treat Disease
  • Genomics and Proteomics: Large Scale Studies of Genes and Proteins
  • Bioinformatics: Using Computer Science to Study Biology
  • CRISPR and Gene Editing: Revolutionizing Biotechnology
  • Applications of Biotechnology in Medicine, Agriculture, and Environment
  • Regulation and Ethics in Biotechnology: Navigating the Challenges
  • Future of Biotechnology: Emerging Fields and Technologies
  • Introduction to Evolution: History and Basic Concepts
  • Natural Selection: Variability, Heritability, and Fitness
  • Genetic Drift and Gene Flow: Non-Adaptive Evolutionary Forces
  • Adaptation: The Result of Natural Selection
  • Mutations: The Source of Genetic Variation
  • Speciation: How One Species Becomes Two
  • The Fossil Record: Evidence of Past Life
  • Comparative Anatomy: Homologous and Analogous Structures
  • Biogeography and Evolution: Geographic Distribution of Species
  • Evolutionary Development (Evo-devo): How Development Influences Evolution
  • Human Evolution: Hominids and the Origin of Homo Sapiens
  • Modern Approaches in Studying Evolution: Genomics and Phylogenetics
  • Overview of Human Anatomy and Physiology: Organ Systems and Homeostasis
  • Skeletal System: Structure, Function, and Disorders
  • Muscular System: Muscle Types, Structure, and Movement
  • Integumentary System: Skin, Hair, and Nails
  • Nervous System: Neurons, Nerve Impulses, and the Brain
  • Endocrine System: Glands, Hormones, and Feedback Loops
  • Cardiovascular System: Heart, Blood Vessels, and Circulation
  • Respiratory System: Breathing and Gas Exchange
  • Digestive System: Nutrient Breakdown and Absorption
  • Urinary System: Waste Removal and Electrolyte Balance
  • Immune System: Defense Against Pathogens
  • Reproductive System: Human Life Cycle and Fertility
  • Overview of the Human Circulatory System: Heart, Blood, and Blood Vessels
  • Blood and Blood Types: Components and Importance
  • Blood Flow and Blood Pressure: The Cardiovascular System in Action
  • Introduction to the Respiratory System: Air Passage and Lungs
  • Mechanics of Breathing: Inspiration and Expiration
  • Gas Exchange: Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Transport
  • The Human Digestive System: From Ingestion to Elimination
  • Breaking Down Food: Role of Enzymes in Digestion
  • Nutrition and the Digestive System: Meeting the Body’s Energy Needs
  • Anatomy of the Excretory System: Kidneys and Urinary Tract
  • Process of Urine Formation: Filtration, Reabsorption, and Secretion
  • Maintaining Homeostasis: Role of the Circulatory, Respiratory, Digestive and Excretory Systems
  • Introduction to the Human Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Responses
  • Blood Cells of the Immune System: Neutrophils, Basophils, Lymphocytes, and More
  • Immunoglobulins and Antibodies: Specific Immune Response
  • B Cell and T Cell Responses: Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity
  • Immunological Memory: The Basis of Vaccination
  • Immunodeficiency Disorders and Autoimmune Diseases: When the Immune System Fails or Attacks
  • Introduction to Infectious Diseases: Bacterial, Viral, Fungal, and Parasitic Infections
  • The Role of the Immune System in Cancer: Tumor Cells and Immunosurveillance
  • Epidemiology: The Study of Diseases in Populations
  • Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases: Understanding the Threat
  • Vaccines and Immunity: How Immunization Protects Against Disease
  • The Future of Immunology: Immunotherapy and Beyond
  • Human Reproductive Systems: Female and Male Anatomy
  • Sexual Reproduction: Fertilization, Zygote and Genetic Variation
  • Stages of Human Embryonic Development: From Embryo to Fetus
  • Role of Placenta: Nutrient, Gas, and Waste Exchange
  • Growth and Development During Pregnancy: Changes to the Mother and Baby
  • Birth and Newborn Care: From Delivery to Postpartum
  • Infancy to Adolescence: Milestones of Physical and Cognitive Development
  • Human Sexual Response and Hormonal Regulation
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
  • Contraception and Family Planning: Options and Effectiveness
  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies: IVF, ICSI, and Surrogacy
  • Menopause and Aging: Changes in the Reproductive System Over Time