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BIO203Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

General Physiology I

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to general physiology, focusing on the fundamental principles governing living organisms. It explores physical and chemical processes in animals and plants, including diffusion, osmotic pressure, and gas exchange. Key topics include water potential, turgor, plasmolysis, and the Gibbs-Donnan relationship. The course also covers nutrition, respiration, photosynthesis, and metabolism, equipping students with a solid foundation in physiological concepts and their applications.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
PhysiologyOsmosisRespirationPhotosynthesisMetabolism

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Cell Structure and Function

2

Membrane Transport

3

Energy Metabolism

4

Respiration

5

Photosynthesis

6

Plant Hormones

7

Mineral Nutrition

Total Topics7 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

Agricultural Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Plant Physiologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Horticulturist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Botanist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureHorticultureEnvironmental ScienceBiotechnologyFood Science

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Cell definition and discovery

2h

Unit 1: Cell and its Discovery

2 study hours
  • •Define cell and its components.
  • •Describe the discovery of the cell and its significance.
  • •Explain the cell theory and its evolution.
Week
2

Module 1: Cell definition and discovery

2h

Unit 2: Structure and Function of Plant Cells: I

2 study hours
  • •Identify the components of plant cells.
  • •Explain why cells are small and their implications.
  • •Describe the structure and function of the plant cytoskeleton.
Week
3

Module 1: Cell definition and discovery

2h

Unit 3: Structure and Function of Plant Cells: II

2 study hours
  • •Distinguish between the two types of cell walls.
  • •Identify the areas of connection between cells.
  • •Describe the structure of the nucleus and its functions.
Week
4

Module 1: Cell definition and discovery

2h

Unit 4: Structure and Function of Membranes: I

2 study hours
  • •Describe the structure of the cell membrane using the fluid mosaic model.
  • •List the important activities of membranes.
  • •Discuss the significance of diffusion and potential energy in plant cells.
Week
5

Module 1: Cell definition and discovery

2h

Unit 5: Functions of the Cell Membrane

2 study hours
  • •Explain the differential permeability of membranes.
  • •Discuss facilitated diffusion, active transport, and bypassing membrane transport.
  • •Distinguish between exocytosis and endocytosis.
Week
6

Module 2: Energy and Its Uses by Plants

2h

Unit 1: Energy and its uses by Plant

2 study hours
  • •Define energy and its measurement units.
  • •Name the two basic types of energy.
  • •State the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
Week
7

Module 2: Energy and Its Uses by Plants

2h

Unit 2: Energy Metabolism I

2 study hours
  • •Give the meaning of metabolism and metabolic pathways.
  • •Explain bond energy, free energy, enthalpy, and endothermic/exothermic reactions.
  • •Understand the role of ATP in energy transfer.
Week
8

Module 2: Energy and Its Uses by Plants

2h

Unit 3: Energy Metabolism II

2 study hours
  • •Explain the mechanism of enzyme action.
  • •Define energy of activation.
  • •Describe the two major energy transformation activities in plants.
Week
9

Module 2: Energy and Its Uses by Plants

2h

Unit 4: Respiration

2 study hours
  • •Define respiration and its substrates.
  • •Outline the steps of glycolysis and Krebs cycle.
  • •Describe the electron transport system.
Week
10

Module 2: Energy and Its Uses by Plants

2h

Unit 5: Respiration I

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the significance of glycolysis and Krebs cycle.
  • •Identify factors affecting respiration.
  • •Explain light compensation point and respiratory quotient.
Week
11

Module 3: Mineral uptake in plant

4h

Unit 1: Mineral uptake in plant

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the mineral requirements of plants.
  • •Explain mineral deficiency symptoms.
  • •Classify plant mineral nutrients according to biochemical function.

Unit 2: Physiology of nutrient uptake

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the various mechanisms for nutrient uptake.
  • •Explain passive and active transport mechanisms.
  • •Describe the roles of channel proteins and transporters.
Week
12

Module 3: Mineral uptake in plant

4h

Unit 3: The Photosynthetic Process I

2 study hours
  • •Narrate the history of photosynthesis.
  • •Describe the process of photosynthesis in plants.
  • •Identify photosynthetic pigments and their roles.

Unit 4: The Photosynthetic Process II

2 study hours
  • •Describe different pathways of photosynthesis in different plants.
  • •Explain special modes of nutrition.
  • •Discuss factors affecting photosynthesis.
Week
13

Module 4:

4h

Unit 1: Discovery And Chemical Nature Of Auxin

2 study hours
  • •State how auxins were discovered and name the pioneering scientists.
  • •Describe how auxins are transported and list their effects.
  • •Explain the chemical nature of auxin and its synthesis.

Unit 2: Discovery And Chemical Nature Of Gibberelin

2 study hours
  • •State how gibberellins were discovered.
  • •Explain how gibberellins are synthesized in plants.
  • •Discuss gibberellins' physiological effects.

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

Create detailed concept maps linking cell structure (Module 1) to membrane transport (Units 4-5).

2

Practice solving water potential problems from Unit 4 weekly.

3

Focus on the steps of glycolysis and Krebs cycle (Module 2) and their energy yields.

4

Review the roles of each plant hormone (Modules 4-5) and their interactions.

5

Memorize the deficiency symptoms of essential mineral nutrients (Module 3) and their functions.

6

Use flashcards to memorize key terms and definitions from each unit.

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