MODULE/COURSE OUTLINE

Faculty Science
Department Biological Sciences
Programme BSc Biological Sciences
Course/Module Title BIO111: Principles of Biology
and Code
Credits 4
NCQF Level
Type Core
Semester 1
Prerequisites None
Course Synopsis BIO111 introduces the biological sciences at university level. The principles covered in this course will be
dealt with in greater detail in later courses.
Related Exit Level LO3.1.2: Grounded understanding of contemporary theories, principles and concepts in biology that can
Outcome(s) form the basis for professional judgment and/or research.
Related Assessment AC3.1.2: Demonstrate an awareness of current trends and issues in biology.
Criteria
Course Learning CLO1: Apply principles and processes of scientific inquiry in laboratory and field practicals.
Outcomes CLO2: Describe the properties that define life
CLO3: Relate the structure and function of macromolecules
 CLO4: Characterize unicellular and multicellular organisms
CLO5: Discuss the interdependence of diverse living organisms and their interactions with the biotic and
abiotic components of the biosphere.
CLO6: Compare and contrast thoughts and beliefs on the origin of life and mechanisms of evolutionary
change.
CLO7: Explain how genetic material is transmitted in living organisms from one generation to the next.
Lecturers Prof S. W. Mpoloka, Mr S.K.K. Kaunda, Dr M. N. Muzila and Dr G. Tsheboeng

Course Learning Specific Learning Outcomes Topics and sub-topics

Outcomes
CLO1: Apply 1. Define the Scientific Method The Scientific Method I
principles and 2. Describe the different stages of the The Scientific Method II Applications and examples
processes of scientific Scientific Method The Scientific Method III Applications and examples
inquiry in laboratory 3. Apply the Scientific Method in
and field practicals. biological inquiry
CLO2: Describe the 1. List the properties of life The Scope of Biology: Core Concepts I – Defining life &
properties that define 2. Describe the properties of life its characteristics
life Core Concepts II – unifying principles in biology
Origin of life
The chemical foundation of life: Atoms, electrons, protons,
bonds, elements and molecules
CLO3: Relate the 1. List the macromolecules of life Molecules of life-
structure and function 2. Describe the structure of each Water
of macromolecules macromolecule Molecules of life-
3. Relate the structure of each Carbohydrates
macromolecule to its functions Molecules of life-
Proteins
Molecules of life-
Lipids and Nucleic acids
CLO4: Characterize 1. Define a cell The Cell – the basic unit of life
unicellular and 2. Differentiate animal and plant cells Prokaryotic cells
multicellular organisms Microorganisms: Bacteria
 3. Differentiate prokaryotic and
Viruses & HIV/AIDS
eukaryotic cells Eukaryotic cells 1
4. Describe the exchange of materials Eukaryotic cells 2
between a cell and its environment Cells and their environment
5. Discuss homeostasis - cell membrane and extracellular space
6. Describe energy metabolism - transport systems and communication
7. Distinguish mitosis and meiosis Homeostasis
Maintaining stable cell environment
Life needs energy
General principles, role of enzymes
Energy metabolism
Photosynthesis
Energy metabolism
Oxidation of glucose
Growth & Development
Cell division by mitosis
Sexual reproduction
Cell division by meiosis
CLO5: Discuss the 1. Discuss different types of species Interactions – organism: organism 1
interdependence of interactions. Interactions – organism: organism 2
diverse living 2. Discuss the interactions between Interactions-organism: environment 1
organisms and their organisms and their abiotic Interactions-organism: environment 2
interactions with the environment
biotic and abiotic
components of the
biosphere.
CLO6: Compare and 1. Discuss historical views on evolution Theory & Mechanism of Evolution 1
contrast thoughts and 2. Discuss Darwin's theory of evolution
beliefs on the origin of 3. Compare different modes of Theory & Mechanism of Evolution 2
life and mechanisms of speciation
evolutionary change.
Species concept and speciation 1
 Species concept and speciation 2

CLO7: Explore how 1. Describe how DNA replicates and
genetic material is repairs itself, encodes for proteins,
transmitted in living and contributes to the organization
organisms from one and control of eukaryotic genomes
generation to the next. 2. Explain how new traits may result
from new combinations of existing
genes or from mutations of genes in
reproductive cells within
population.
Teaching and Learning strategies
Biological Principles of inheritance: Mendel’s experiments
In search of hereditary material.
DNA replication 1
DNA replication 2
From genes to proteins: Gene expression
a
Assessment strategies and activities

Lecture Tests

Laboratory and Field practicals Lab report

Quizes

Exam

Required Resources Prescribed Textbooks

1. Sadava D, Hills D, Heller H. C, Berenbaum M. R. (2014). Life: The Science of Biology, (10th)
edition. Sinauer Associates. USA. 1263pp.
2. Pechenik, J.A. (2016). A Short Guide to Writing About Biology, 9th Edition. Pearson. 276 pp.

Recommended Reading List

Resources/Equipment
Laboratory space
Microscopes
Balances
Chromatography equipment – TLC plates, chambers, solvents etc