Course Code
Course Title
ECTS Credits
BIOL-110
Elements of Biology
6
Prerequisites
Department
Semester
None
Life and Health Sciences
Fall
Type of Course
Field
Language of Instruction
Required
Biology
English and Greek
Level of Course
Lecturer(s)
Year of Study
Undergraduate
Iris Charalambidou
1st
Mode of Delivery
Work Placement
Co-requisites
Face to face
N/A
None
Objectives of the Course:
The main objectives of the course are to:
 The purpose of the course is to give students an understanding of the basic principles of
biology and to raise fundamental questions that will strengthen their interest in the
science of life. Students get basic knowledge in the biology of the cell and in the field of
human genetics. Topics include the basics of cell structure and functions, as well as the basics of
heredity and reproduction.
Learning Outcomes:
After completion of the course students are expected to be able to:

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Be able to describe the chemical structure of basic biological macromolecules.
Be able to describe the structure and function of cell membrane and organelles and to
identify the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Know the principles of cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
Know the basic principles of Mitosis, Meiosis and reproduction
Be able to describe the basis of Mendelian genetics and the chromosomal basis of
inheritance.
Know the structure and function of DNA and be able to describe the basic steps involved
in gene transcription and translation.
Course Contents:
1. Introduction, Levels of Organization, Characteristics of Life
2. Elements and Biological Compounds: Sugars, Nucleotides, Amino acids, Lipids
3. Cell Structure and Compartments
4. Metabolism, Enzymes
5. Respiration and Photosynthesis
6. Cell Communication, Signal Transduction (Hormones, Growth factors)
7. Cell cycle: Mitosis and Development (Cancer)
8. Genetics: Meiosis, gamete formation and Reproduction,
9. Mendelian Genetics and the Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance
10. DNA, Structure, Replication and DNA repair
11. Transcription: RNA structure and Function. Regulation of Transcription
Translation: Initiation, Elongation and Termination. The Genetic Code. Gene Mutations
Learning Activities and Teaching Methods:
Lectures, 3h/week
Assessment Methods:
Laboratory Practical Sessions, Tests, Final Examination
Required Textbooks / Reading:
Title
Discover Biology,
(with Student CDROM)
Author(s)
Michael L. Cain, Carol
Kaesuk Yoon,
Publisher
Year
ISBN
W.W. Norton & 2009,
Company
4th ed.
978-0-39393160-0
Anu Singh-Cundy
Recomended Textbooks / Reading:
Title
Neil A. Campbell,
Naomi E. Ervin
Author(s)
Neil A. Campbell,
Naomi E. Ervin
Publisher
Benjamin/
Cummings
Year
2008,
6th
Ed.
ISBN
0321489845