BSC203 Biology

3 credits

Module 1: Introduction
Purpose: To convey that Biology is as important a scientific discipline as Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry

Bring out the fundamental differences between science and engineering by drawing a comparison between eye and camera, Bird flying and aircraft. Mention the most exciting aspect of biology as an independent scientific discipline. Why we need to study biology? Discuss how biological observations of 18th Century that lead to major discoveries. Examples from Brownian motion and the origin of thermodynamics by referring to the original observation of Robert Brown and Julius Mayor. These examples will highlight the fundamental importance of observations in any scientific inquiry.

Module 2:
Purpose: To convey that classification per seis not what biology is all about. The underlying criterion,
such as morphological, biochemical or ecological be highlighted.

Hierarchy of life forms at phenomenological level. A common thread weaves this hierarchy Classification. Discuss classification based on (a) cellularity- Unicellular or multicellular (b) ultrastructure- prokaryotes or eucaryotes. (c) energy and Carbon utilisation -Autotrophs, heterotrophs, lithotropes (d) Ammonia excretion – aminotelic, uricoteliec, ureotelic (e) Habitata-acquatic or terrestrial (e) Molecular taxonomy- three major kingdoms of life. A given organism can come under different category based on classification. Model organisms for the study of biology come from different groups. E. coli, S.cerevisiae, D. Melanogaster, C. elegance, A. Thaliana, M. musculus

Module 3: Genetics
Purpose: To convey that “Genetics is to biology what Newton’s laws are to Physical Sciences”

Mendel’s laws, Concept of segregation and independent assortment. Concept of allele. Gene mapping, Gene interaction, Epistasis. Meiosis and Mitosis be taught as a part of genetics. Emphasis to be give not to the mechanics of cell division nor the phases but how genetic material passes from parent to offspring. Concepts of recessiveness and dominance. Concept of mapping of phenotype to genes. Discuss about the single gene disorders in humans. Discuss the concept of complementation using human genetics.

Module 4: Biomolecules
Purpose: To convey that all forms of life has the same building blocks and yet the manifestations are as diverse as one can imagine

Molecules of life. In this context discuss monomeric units and polymeric structures. Discuss about sugars, starch and cellulose. Amino acids and proteins. Nucleotides and DNA/RNA. Two carbon units and lipids.

Module 5: Enzymes
Purpose: To convey that without catalysis life would not have existed on earth.

Enzymology: How to monitor enzyme catalysed reactions. How does an enzyme catalyze reactions? Enzyme classification. Mechanism of enzyme action. Discuss at least two examples. Enzyme kinetics and kinetic parameters. Why should we know these parameters to understand biology? RNA catalysis.

Module 6: Information Transfer
Purpose: The molecular basis of coding and decoding genetic information is universal

Molecular basis of information transfer. DNA as a genetic material. Hierarchy of DNA structure- from single stranded to double helix to nucleosomes. Concept of genetic code. Universality and degeneracy of genetic code. Define gene in terms of complementation and recombination.

Module 7: Macromolecular analysis
Purpose: How to analyse biological processes at the reductionist level

Proteins- structure and function. Hierarch in protein structure. Primary secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure. Proteins as enzymes, transporters, receptors and structural elements.

Module 8: Metabolism
Purpose: The fundamental principles of energy transactions are the same in physical and biological world.

Thermodynamics as applied to biological systems. Exothermic and endothermic versus endergonic and exergoinc reactions. Concept of Keqand its relation to standard free energy. Spontaneity. ATP as an energy currency. This should include the breakdown of glucose to CO2 + H2O (Glycolysis and Krebs cycle) and synthesis of glucose from CO2and H2O (Photosynthesis). Energy yielding and energy consuming reactions. Concept of Energy charge

Module 9: Microbiology
Concept of single celled organisms. Concept of species and strains. Identification and classification of microorganisms. Microscopy. Ecological aspects of single celled organisms. Sterilization and media compositions. Growth kinetics.

References:
1. Biology: A global approach: Campbell, N. A. ; Reece, J. B.; Urr y, Lisa; Cain, M, L.; Wasser man, S. A. ; Minorsk y, P. V.; Jackson, R. B. Pearson Education Ltd
2. Outlines of Biochemistry, Conn, E.E; Stumpf, P.K; Bruening, G; Doi, R.H. John Wiley and Sons
3. Principles of Biochemistry (V Edition), By Nelson, D. L.; and Cox, M. M.W.H. Freeman and Company
4. Molecular Genetics (Second edition), Stent, G. S.; and Calender, R. W.H. Freeman and company, Distributed by Satish Kumar Jain for CBS Publisher
5. Microbiology, Prescott, L.M J.P. Harley and C.A. Klein 1995. 2nd edition Wm, C. Brown Publishers