The purpose of this module is to introduce students to fundamental concepts in cellular reproduction and genetics; diversity of life, introductory plant physiology, evolution and ecological principles.

Cellular reproduction; binary fission, mitosis and meiosis. Introduction to genetics; Mendelian inheritance, chromosomes and genes, mutations. DNA; structure, replication and organisation in cells. Gene activity; the genetic code, transcription, translation and expression. Plant structure and function; transport in plants, reproduction, seed structure, germination, growth and development, plant adaptations. Introduction to taxonomy and classification. Introduction to animal kingdom (Protozoa, Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Arthropoda, Chordata). Introduction to fungi, algae and plants (Bryophyta Pterophyta, Coniferophyta, Anthophyta). Evolutionary theories, evidence for evolution, evolutionary process, origins of life. Principles and scope of ecology; ecosystems; cycles in nature; energy flows; population and community dynamics; limiting factors; food chains: succession, environmental concerns.

Describe the stages in mitosis and meiosis and to explain the significance of the difference between these two processes. State Mendels laws and be able to explain the basis these laws as functions of the cycle of reproductive cells and probability. Solve simple problems relating to patterns of recessive, dominant and sex-linked inheritance. Conceptualize a structural and functional model of the gene. List representative examples of organisms form the main groups of organisms. Compare and contrast organisms on the basis of morphology and evolutionary relationships. Explain why evolution is a guiding principle in understanding the origins and relationships between organisms. Describe the main types of tissues and structures found in plants and relate these to function and environmental influences. Give a detailed account of reproduction in flowering plants and show this differs from typical reproduction in animals. Show how ecosystems are structured and explain the energetic and material cycles that underlie ecosystems.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: Appreciate the importance of cellular reproductive processes as a universal organizing principle in living organisms. Realize the abundant variety of life forms on Earth.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: Use a microscope to explore microscopic structures and tissues Employ enhanced observational skills to describe living organisms. Apply a range of basic laboratory techniques.

The module will be taught by two lectures per week assisted by on-line resources (Sulis). There will be a two-hour practical session each week in which the students will learn a variety of laboratory and analytical skills. The content of the learning experience is designed to be well-connected to other ideas and to the real world and to be personally relevant, interesting, useful, and meaningful to the student. The aim is to engage the students, stimulate their curiosity, encourage their self-confidence, responsibility and sense of accomplishment, cooperation with fellow students, and self-knowledge.

The module is constantly updated in light of scientific and educational developments.