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FOUNDATION PROGRAM
Course Description
Many processes of life depend on molecules composed largely of the atoms
C, H, O and to a less extent N, P and S. These make up the functional groups
which give biological molecules their properties. Cells are the building units of
organisms and their structure and functions give living organisms their
properties. This course is designed to build a deep and broad foundational
base for students intending to take up careers in the life sciences in general
and medical sciences in particular.
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the properties of the major
molecules that govern life. Students will also be introduced to the structure
and organization of cells and tissues and how these are similar or different
from each other. Additionally the functions of various organelles will also be
covered.
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Prerequisites
Year 1 Biology
Elliot, W.H. and Elliot. D.C. 2004. Biochemistry and molecular biology.
3rd ed.
Oxford. ISBN 0-19-927199-2 (R)
Taylor, D.J., Green, N.P.O. and Stout. G.W. 1997. Biological Science.
Cambridge
University Press, London. ISBN 0-521-63923-9. (R)
Course Delivery
Lectures: 3 hours / week
Group work
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7. Describe the properties of water that enables it support life.
8. Explain the disorders of carbohydrate metabolism in humans.
9. Describe the nature of lipids and the formation of the ester bond.
10.Describe the types of bonds that stabilize the primary, secondary
,tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins.
11.Compare the structure of fibrous and globular proteins.
12.Explain the lock and key hypothesis and the hypothesis of induced fit
in relation to enzyme catalysed reactions.
13.Describe the factors that affect enzyme catalysed reactions.
14.Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells with regard to membrane
bound organelles.
15.Distinguish DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
16.Apply statistical methods to the analysis of research data.
17.Apply microscopy to the analysis of cell structure.
18.Interpret information from an electron micrograph.
19.Perform physical and chemical sterilization techniques to the study of
microbiology.
20.Present the dependent and independent variables on appropriate axes
of a graph.
21.Present data from experiments in various formats including tables,
graphs and charts.
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Part 3: Course Outline
WEEK 1:
Topic: Cell structure
Subtopics: ● Cell theory
Cellular organelles structure and function
Organization of the cell membrane
Readings:
Kent, M. (2000), Advanced Biology, Oxford University Press, London.
Pages 56-62.
https://alevelnotes.com/Cells/5#/?id=111
https://alevelnotes.com/Cells/5#/?id=128
https://alevelnotes.com/Cells/5#/?id=129
https://alevelnotes.com/Cells/5#/?id=142
https://alevelnotes.com/Cells/5#/?id=143
https://alevelnotes.com/notes/biology/cells/cell-membranes/the-fluid-
mosaic-model
WEEK 2:
Topic: Cell structure
Subtopics: ● The prokaryotic cell
The eukaryotic cell
Readings:
https://alevelnotes.com/Cells/5#/?id=147
Kent, M. (2000), Advanced Biology, Oxford University Press, London.
Pages 66-67.
Kent, M. (2000), Advanced Biology, Oxford University Press, London.
Pages 76-79.
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Free online videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5E3xSJzAkQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6hn3sA0ip0
WEEK 3:
WEEK 4:
Readings:
https://alevelnotes.com/Cells/5#/?id=135
https://alevelnotes.com/Biological-Molecules/49?tree=#/?id=65
Kent, M. (2000), Advanced Biology, Oxford University Press, London.
Pages 26- 28.
Assignment 1:
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WEEK 5:
Topic: Biological Macromolecules
Subtopics: ● Carbohydrates
● Lipids
WEEK 7:
Readings:
https://alevelnotes.com/notes/biology/biological-
molecules/enzymes/enzymes
Assignment 2
TBA
WEEK 8:
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https://alevelnotes.com/notes/biology/biological-molecules/nucleic-
acids/nucleotides
https://alevelnotes.com/notes/biology/biological-molecules/nucleic-
acids/the-structure-of-dna
https://alevelnotes.com/notes/biology/biological-molecules/nucleic-
acids/rna-and-protein-synthesis
WEEK 10:
Topic: Photosynthesis
Subtopics: - Chloroplast structure
- Photosynthetic pigments
- Light and dark reactions
WEEK 11:
WEEK 14
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Part 4: GRADING POLICY
Graded Coursework (or CAs), Problem sets (or assignments) and practical
and theory examinations
Assignments 10%
LETTER GRADES
MARKS GRADE
85 – 100 A+ Distinction
75 – 84 A Distinction
70 – 74 B+ Merit
65 – 69 B Credit
55 – 64 C+ Definite pass
50 – 54 C Bare pass
45 – 49 D+ Bare fail
35 – 44 D Clear fail
0 – 34 E Ungraded
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Part 5: COURSE POLICIES
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the University.
3. Any student involved in buying or selling tests or examinations will be
suspended from the University pending investigations.
4. Any student involved in using sexual favors in exchange for marks will
be suspended pending investigations, and may be expelled from the
University.
5. Plagiarism means presenting other people’s work from online or from
other sources as your own. Plagiarism is a serious offence and will not
be tolerated, and offenders will fail that particular course.
6. Students are required to read the University’s policy on examinations.
Make up of Missed Classes
1. There will be special make up classes for each class that is missed
because the lecturer could not come to class on a particular day
2. Students are required to treat make up classes as part of the regular
learning program
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