BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE PILANI K.K.

BIRLA GOA CAMPUS

INSTRUCTION DIVISION
First Semester 2013-2014
COURSE HANDOUT (PART II)
In addition to part-I (General Handout for all courses) printed on page 1 of the timetable book, this
portion gives further specific details regarding the course.
Course No.

: BIO F111

Course Title

: GENERAL BIOLOGY

Instructor-in-charge : VEEKY BATHS

Team of Instructors : Gautam Krishnan, Malabika Biswas, Sukanta Mondal, Kundan Kumar,
Indrani Talukdar, Vijayashree Nayak,Arnab Banerjee, Raviprasad
Aduri
1. Course Description:
Living systems and their properties; classification of organisms; biochemistry; biochemical
pathways operative in organisms; introductory genetics, evolution, ecology and environmental
sciences; basic plant and human physiological processes.
2. Scope and Objectives:
The course is aimed to provide a broad introduction to the major principles and topics in
biology. The relationship of the living organism with its environment at the molecular level is
highlighted, in line with modern research in biological sciences. Effort would be made to relate
what is being taught in the classroom with real-world applications, so that the student can
appreciate the relevance and interdisciplinary nature of biology. The course offers an
opportunity to the students in all disciplines to understand the beautiful working of Nature
undoubtedly the best architect till date and to apply the knowledge gained to solve
challenging problems in science and/or engineering.
3. Text Book:
Enger, E.D., Ross, F.C. and David B. Bailey. Concepts in Biology (14th edition, BITS-Pilani
Custom edition 2012). New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd.
4. Reference Books:
nd

RB1: Campbell, N.A., et. al. Essential Biology with Physiology (2

edition). New Delhi:

Pearson Education Inc., 2009.

th

RB2: Starr, Cecie. Biology: Concepts and Applications (6 edition). India: Thomson

Brooks/Cole, 2007.
5. Lecture Plan:

Lect. #

Learning
Objectives

Topics to be covered

Chap. #*

Orientation to BIO
F111

Why Study Biology? Course

Structure; Team of Instructors

Introduction to the
study of life

Science and the scientific method;

the science of biology

Classification

Classification of organisms; survey

of domains; acellular infectious
particles

20

Organic chemistry
of living things

Building blocks; carbohydrates;

nucleic acids; lipids; proteins

3, 5

4-6

7-8

Cell Structure

8-9

Cell Function

10-11

12-13

Biochemical
Pathways
Cellular
Respiration
Biochemical
Pathways
Photosynthesis

14-17

DNA and RNA

The Molecular
Basis of Heredity

18-21

Cell Division
Proliferation and
Reproduction

22-24

Patterns of
Inheritance

25-27

Techniques and
Applications of
Biotechnology

28-29

30-31

Diversity within
species and
Natural selection
Human
Physiology:
Material exchange
in the body

Cell theory; prokaryotic and

eukaryotic cells; cell membrane and
membrane-bound organelles; nonmembranous organelles;
Membrane transport mechanisms;
Enzymes, Co-enzymes and energy
Cellular respiration three stages of
generating ATPs; process of
fermentation
Basics of Photosynthesis; light
reactions; Calvin cycle; autotrophs
and heterotrophs
DNA structure and replication; RNA
and protein synthesis transcription,
translation and their control;
mutations
Cell cycle and Mitosis; stages of
mitosis; cancer and cell cycle;
Meiosis stages and generation of
genetic diversity; chromosomal
abnormalities
Mendelian genetics laws of
heredity; extensions to Mendels
laws; linkage; other influences on
phenotype
DNA Fingerprinting; HGP; GM
organisms; stem cells and cloning;
biotechnology ethics
Biological species concept; genetic
diversity; Darwins theory of
evolution and natural selection
Human circulatory and excretory
systems

Class notes

4,5

10 +
RB1: 9

11 +
RB1: 11,12

12, 13

24

Instructor

Bodys control
mechanisms
Bodys protection
mechanism

Human nervous and endocrine

systems

26

Human immune system

26

35-38

Ecosystems and
Environmental
Sciences

39-42

Human
Reproduction, Sex
and Sexuality;
Human
development

Energy flow through ecosystems;

Community Interactions; Human
impact on ecosystems
Human sexuality and determinants;
gametogenesis; male and female
reproductive systems hormonal
controls; pregnancy and early human
development; contraception;
abortion; changes in sexual function
with age

32-33
34

15,16 +
RB1:20

27 +
RB1: 26

Unless specified otherwise, the numbers in the last column correspond to chapters from the textbook

6. Portions for self-study:

To be announced in class and Photon from time to time.
7. Evaluation Scheme:
Date and
Time

Evaluation component

Duration

Weight

Remarks

Test-1

60 min

25%

Test-2

60 min

25%

Quizzes

Variable

10%

Closed book
Open Book
book
Closed book

Comprehensive Examination

3 hrs

40%

Closed book

8. Chamber consultation hours:

To be announced in the class.
9. Grading Policy:
Grades would be awarded as per the institute guidelines. Decision for borderline cases would
be based also on the students sincerity and his/her participation in classroom activities.
10. Make-up Policy:
You may apply for make-up only if you miss any of the evaluation components due to serious
medical emergency for which a valid proof would have to be produced. However, the final
decision would rest with the instructor team. Make-up for quizzes and assignments will not be
given. Also refer to Clause 4.07 of BITS Academic Regulations for more details.
11. Notices: All course announcements will be displayed on Photon.
Instructor-in-charge,
BIO C111