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BIO101Sciences16 Unitsbeginner

General Biology I

This course introduces fundamental concepts in biology, including cell structure and function, characteristics of living organisms, and interrelationships between organisms. It explores cell organization, organelles, genetics, heredity, and evolution. Students will examine ecological principles, habitat types, and the scientific method. The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of basic biological principles and their applications in understanding the natural world.

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65h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Cell BiologyGeneticsEcologyEvolutionOrganisms

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Cell Structure and Organization

2

Cellular Organelles Functions

3

Characteristics of Living Things

4

Interrelationships of Organisms

5

Heredity and Evolution

6

Elements of Ecology

7

Scientific Inquiry

8

Genetics and Inheritance

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Ecologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Assistant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Science Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HealthcareAgricultureEnvironmental ConservationResearch and DevelopmentEducation

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Biology

10h

Unit 1: Properties of Life

5 study hours
  • •Define biology and its scope.
  • •Identify and describe the properties of life.
  • •Explain the hierarchy of biological organization from atoms to the biosphere.

Unit 2: The Diversity of life and its organization

5 study hours
  • •Explain the diversity of life on Earth.
  • •Describe the levels of organization of living things.
  • •Explain the evolutionary relationships of life forms.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Biology

5h

Unit 3: Introduction to Biological Inquiry

5 study hours
  • •Appreciate the various branches of biology.
  • •Identify the shared characteristics of the natural sciences.
  • •Describe the application of forensic science to answer law matters.
  • •Understand the basic scientific ethics in research.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Biology

5h

Unit 4: Scientific Inquiry method

5 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning and method of the scientific inquiry.
  • •Explain the meaning of hypothesis.
  • •Describe how to test and apply hypothesis in science research.
  • •Explain the meaning of basic and applied research in science.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to Biology

5h

Unit 5: Microscopy and the Cell Theory

5 study hours
  • •Justify that cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms.
  • •List the components of the cell and state cell theory.
  • •Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • •Describe the roles of cells in organisms.
  • •Compare and contrast light microscopy and electron microscopy.
Week
5

Module 2: Structure and Functions of the Cell

5h

Unit 1: Cell and Cell Components

5 study hours
  • •Illustrate the structure of a prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
  • •Describe the structure of plant and animal cells by drawing labeled diagrams.
  • •Differentiate between Unicellular and Multicellular organisms.
  • •Describe the structure and function of the various cell organelles.
Week
6

Module 2: Structure and Functions of the Cell

5h

Unit 2: Cells Communication

5 study hours
  • •Explain why and how passive transport occurs.
  • •Understand the processes of osmosis and diffusion.
  • •Define tonicity and describe its relevance to passive transport.
  • •Understand how electrochemical gradients affect ions.
  • •Describe endocytosis, including phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis.
  • •Understand the process of exocytosis.
Week
7

Module 2: Structure and Functions of the Cell

5h

Unit 3: Tissues, Organs and Organ Systems

5 study hours
  • •Define tissues, organs and organ system as part of the level of organization of living things.
  • •Describe the organ in both animals and plants.
  • •Describe the major organ systems of the animal and plant bodies.
  • •Explain how organs in a system work together and.
  • •Explain the workings of organ systems in animals and plants.
Week
8

Module 2: Structure and Functions of the Cell

5h

Unit 4: Characteristics and Classification of Living Things

5 study hours
  • •Understand and describe the characteristics of living and non-living things.
  • •Know the definition of the biological classification system.
  • •Explain the hierarchical manner of grouping of living organisms based on similarities and differences.
  • •Describe living organisms into five major kingdoms.
Week
9

Module 2: Structure and Functions of the Cell

5h

Unit 5: The Study of Genes and Chromosomes

5 study hours
  • •Describe the occurrence and significance of genes and chromosomes.
  • •Describe proteins and the structure of DNA.
  • •Explain the synthesizing proteins.
  • •Describe the process of gene replication and mutations.
  • •Explain the meaning of coding, transcription and translation, and the control of gene expression.
Week
10

Module 2: Structure and Functions of the Cell

5h

Unit 6: Reproduction Process and Life cycles

5 study hours
  • •Explain and describe the meaning and process of reproduction in both unicellular and multicellular organisms.
  • •Differentiate between Binary fission and Multiple fission.
  • •Describe the cell reproduction and life cycles.
  • •Describe animal and plant life cycles.
  • •Explain the meaning of natural selection.
  • •Illustrate and describe the Mitosis and Meiosis divisions and Cell Cycles.
Week
11

Module 3: Interrelationship Between Organisms

5h

Unit 1: Interrelationship between organisms

5 study hours
  • •Recognize that every organism is shaped by, and in turn shapes its environment in its life and reproduction.
  • •Explain the Concept of Interrelationship.
  • •Describe how ecological scientists study organism-environment interactions across ecosystems of all sizes, ranging from microbial communities to the Earth as a whole.
  • •Describe the various interactions between organisms.
Week
12

Module 3: Interrelationship Between Organisms

10h

Unit 2: Heredity and Variation

5 study hours
  • •Define the term heredity and variation.
  • •State pattern of Mendelian inheritance.
  • •Describe the location, structure and function of chromosomes and genes.
  • •Give an account of the four blood groups in humans and the manner of their inheritance.
  • •Explain the chromosomal basis of sex determination in humans.

Unit 3: Introduction to Evolution

5 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of evolution as the gradual change of organisms on the earth over long periods, with new forms replacing old ones.
  • •Explain the various theories of evolution, namely the theories of Special creationism, evolutionary creationism, spontaneous generation, eternity of life, Cosmozoan, and Biochemical theory.
  • •Study how evidences of evolutionist theory support the process of evolution.
Week
13

Module 3: Interrelationship Between Organisms

10h

Unit 4: Natural selection

5 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of natural selection as a mechanism of evolution.
  • •Describe the process of natural selection.
  • •Explain the concept of the 'survival of the fittest'.
  • •Define ecology.
  • •Appreciate the importance of the study Ecology.
  • •Understand some basic ecological terms.

Unit 5: Elements of Ecology

5 study hours
  • •Describe the various branches of ecology.
  • •Explain the criteria employed for the classification of the various branches.
  • •Explain the meaning of habitat and describe the various types.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module objectives and key terms.

2

Create flashcards for important definitions and concepts.

3

Practice applying Mendelian laws to solve genetics problems from Unit 2.

4

Draw diagrams of cell structures and processes from Module 2.

5

Focus on understanding the different theories of evolution in Unit 3.

6

Study the various types of ecological interactions and their examples from Module 3.

7

Allocate specific time slots for each module per week.

8

Form a study group to discuss challenging concepts and share notes.

9

Take practice quizzes and review past exam papers.

10

Ensure you understand the differences between mitosis and meiosis.

11

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 evolution and ecology concepts.

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