Introduction to Biology 1100-1BB03
The lectures of 'Introduction to Biology' are focused mainly on the structure and life processes of living organisms, levels of life organisation, systematics, genetics, ecology. They cover also the major research trends in modern biology with focus on their medical aspects.
Program:
1. Object and methodology of biology. Definition of life, features of living organisms. 2. Levels of organisation of life (cell-less forms, cells, tissues, organs). Unicellular and multicellular organisms.
3. Biosphere, diversity of life on earth and classification systems, macroscopic and molecular taxonomy.
4. Biological species concept, basic systematics of organisms.
5. Main units of classification (taxons) - overview and characteristics.
6. Basic biological theories (cell theory, theory of evolution and natural selection, theory of inheritance).
7. Compartmentation of eukaryotic cell, cell organells. Basic cellular processes.
8. Transfer of genetic information, genetic material. Gene concept, foundations of classical genetics, Mendel's laws.
9. Examples of model organisms in biological research.
10. Basic ecology. Nature and environment protection.
11. Major research trends in modern biology and their medical aspects (e.g. gene therapy, nanobiology, molecular modelling).
Description by Maciej Łukaszewicz, May 2011
Type of course
Learning outcomes
1. have a general knowledge regarding living organisms, theirs building elements and basic processes of a living organism (K_W01)
2. knows the basis of organisms classification and also general genetics, cell biology (K_W01, K_W06)
3. knows basic biological theories
4. can present and explain basic processes of the living organism (K_U01, K_U02)
5. understands the influence of the contemporary biology on medical applications (K_K01)
Assessment criteria
Final written exam: 15 questions (tasks of short answer), and test questions
Bibliography
1. E.P Solomon, L.R. Berg, D.W. Martin. „Biologia”, Multico, Warszawa 2007
2. H. Krzanowska, A. Łomnicki, J. Rafiński, H. Szarski, J.M. Szymura, „Zarys mechanizmów ewolucji”, PWN, Warszawa 2002
3. Red. A. Czubaj, “Biologia”, PWRiL, Warszawa 1999
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: