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Synopsis
The following major biological principles and processes will be covered: Cell biology including
mitosis and meiosis, structure, nutrition, growth, reproduction and economic importance of
bacteria, viruses and fungi. General characteristics, classification of major animal and plant
groups including life cycles of selected economically important organisms. Plant and animal
tissues and their organization. Introductory animal physiology-nutrition, respiration, circulation,
excretion and coordination.
This is an eight credit hour course divided into four modules
Time Lecturer Office No. Module Practicals
First Semester Dr. Abong’o B. O. Sci 220 Introductory cell biology and 1 - 6
Microbiology
SHORT BREAK
Mr. P. Chatanga Sci 214 Introductory Plant Diversity 7 – 11
MID SEMESTER BREAK
Second Mr. M. Phalatsi Sci 222 Introductory Invertebrate Biology 12 – 15
Semester
SHORT BREAK
Sci 223 Introductory Vertebrate Structure 16 - 20
and Animal Physiology
Assessment
The final mark awarded for BIO108 will be calculated from final examination (written in
December and May) and the course work in a ratio of 50:50.
Lectures
There will be 3 lectures and 1 practical per week. All material given in lectures is the
responsibility of the student, including announcements regarding tests and practicals. A part from
the prescribed text books, additional material may be provided where necessary. The information
provided in the text will often go into greater detail than that covered in the classroom
Class rules
Class and practical attendance is compulsory. Be on time.
Be attentive during the lecture and actively take down notes
Stay alert at all times
Do not read any newspaper or other books during the lecture
Cell-phones must be switched-off while in class.
You are not allowed to come in or go out once the class has started: Up - lifted by Dr.
Abong’o B. O.
Lecture topics
Topic 1: The cell
Structure and functions of the cell
History of cell biology
Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell
The cell cycle (Mitosis), Meiosis and sexual life cycles
Topic 2: Bacteria
Bacterial morphology
Bacterial cell wall and gram stain
Cell surface structures
Cell inclusions
Nutritional requirements of Bacteria
Growth and reproduction of bacteria
The bacterial growth curve
Economic importance of bacteria
Topic 3: Fungi
Introduction on fungi
Morphology of fungi
Nutrition
Growth and reproduction
Economic importance of fungi
Topic 4: Viruses
Characteristics of viruses
Morphology
Replication/Life cycle of bacteriophage and HIV
Economic importance of viruses
Topic 5: Genetic Recombination
Conjugation
Transformation
Transduction
Application
Topic 6: Microbial Infections
Modes and mechanisms of disease transmission
Disease agents and their sources
Control of common infectious diseases
Practical schedule
Practical 1: Use of light microscope
Practical 2: Plant cell
Practical 3: Growing bacteria in the laboratory
Practical 4: The streak plate technique
Practical 5: Bacterial morphology and Gram staining technique
Practical 6: Examination of fungi
Prescribed Textbooks
Taylor, D, J., Green, N.P.O. and Stout, G.W. 1998. Biological Sciences (Third Edition).
Edited by R. Soper. Camnbridge University Press.
Campbell, N.A., Reece, J.B., Urry, L.A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman, S.A., Minorsky, P.V.
and Jackson, R.B. 2008. Biology (Eighth Edition). Pearsons International Edition.
Madigan, M.T., Martinko, M.J. and Parker, J. 2008. Brooks Biology of
Microorganisms(11th Edition). Prentice and Hall, USA.
Pelczar, M.J. and Krieg, N. R. Microbiology (Latest Edition). McGraw-Hill International.