Biology IModule Details

Rationale

This course introduces core biological principles with particular emphasis on cellular life. It covers cell structure and function, genetics, molecular and systems biology, and the biology of cells at the molecular level. The course also provides an overview of plant and animal form and function, including basic physiological processes and biological diversity. Key topics include the chemical basis of life, cellular organisation, energy transformation and metabolism, cell division, gene expression, inheritance, and selected applications of biotechnology.

The aim of the course is to equip students with foundational knowledge of cellular and molecular biology and genetics necessary for progression into undergraduate health sciences and medical programmes.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is expected to:
i. Explain the structure and function of key components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including macromolecules, membranes, and organelles.
ii.Describe how cellular structures contribute to energy production, transformation, and utilisation within living cells.
iii.Identify and explain the cellular mechanisms involved in mitotic cell division.
iv.Apply principles of cell biology to illustrate how alterations in cellular structure or function occur in response to environmental, physiological, or genetic changes.
v. Describe the fundamental principles of inheritance at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.
vi. Analyse the relationship between molecular and cellular genetic mechanisms and observable patterns of inheritance at the organism level.
vii.Apply genetic principles to solve problems and interpret data in a range of biological contexts.