Principles of Biology

 COURSE DESCRIPTION

In the Principles of Biology course, students will embark on a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental concepts that underlie the study of life. Throughout the semester, emphasis will be placed on developing a robust understanding of the core themes of biology, enabling students to identify and analyze real-world examples that exemplify these themes. An integral component of the course involves critical thinking skills, particularly in the evaluation of scientific studies related to vaccines, pseudoscience, and other contemporary issues. Students will learn to discern the soundness of study designs, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the scientific method. Additionally, the course will delve into the hierarchical organization of life, elucidating the emergence of new properties at each level, from molecular structures to complex ecosystems. Practical skills will be developed as students learn to draw conclusions from data, construct graphs, and create models based on provided information. The intricate web of life processes, from energy transformation in animals and plants to the flow of information in signaling pathways and DNA-to-protein synthesis, will be explored in detail. The course will culminate in a comprehensive understanding of evolution and adaptation, examining how life on Earth has evolved and elucidating the ways in which structural and functional adaptations contribute to survival and reproduction at both cellular and organismal levels.

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR REQUIREMENTS

It is necessary for foreign students to have clothes both for warm climate and for cold (not extreme), as well as closed shoes (hiking shoes and rubber boots if possible) since many field trips are made to highlands, rainy zones, and sometimes to areas with the possible presence of snakes, insects, and other animals. We’ve never had an accident under those circumstances, but we want our students to be as comfortable and safe as possible. The appropriate clothing and footwear also facilitate the field work of this course.

AUDIENCE

This course is structured for International Students attending the Study Abroad program at Universidad Veritas. However, courses are not exclusive to foreigners so a few native students could enroll in this course. Any person interested in biology is welcome to take this course.

COURSE CONTENT

Subject 1. Biochemistry and Cell Biology

o What is biology and the scientific method

o Biological organization o Biological Macromolecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids

o Cell structure and function: describe the role of cells in organisms, compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, compare and contrast animal and plant cells.

o Cell membranes and major cell organelles

o Cellular transport: passive transport, primary active transport and secondary active transport.

o Metabolic pathways: energy, enzymes, cellular respiration and photosynthesis

Subject 2. Genetics and Molecular Biology

o Cell division: mitosis and meiosis

o Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes

o Traits of inheritance: mendelian genetics, genotypes and phenotypes.

o Traits of inheritance: non-mendelian inheritance patterns.

o DNA structure and replication

o Transcription and translation, from DNA to proteins.

Subject 3. Anatomy and Physiology

o Immunity 

o Reproduction

o Hormones in the human reproductive system

Subject 4. Biodiversity

o Concepts of species, populations and communities

o Evolutionary forces: genetic drift, gene flow, mutation and natural selection

o Hardy Weinberg equilibrium

o Speciation and adaptation

LEARNING ASSESMENT

Roundtable Debate: One thematic discussion 10%

Oral Presentation: Group/individual oral presentation 15%

Oral Presentation: Group/individual oral presentation 15%

Field trip report: On the concepts of species, populations and communities 20%

Lab Reports Four laboratory practices 20%

Interview research: Includes scientific article and oral presentation 20%

TOTAL: 100%