Couse Code & Title :
CM1051 Basic Biology and Biochemistry
Academic Units
:
3 AU
Pre-requisite
:
H2 Level Chemistry or equivalent
Course Description :
CM1051 Basic Biology and Biochemistry
[Online interactive digital media (IDM)-based courseware with self-assessments: 3040 hours depending on the background and proficiency of students; Tutorial with
team-based learning elements: 18 hours]
Course Outline
IDM-based online courseware structured into Learning Objects (LOs) will be posted
on NTULearn according to the schedule shown.
This will be followed by 2 h tutorials on 9 of the weeks as shown below.
Week
1
LO
1
2
2
3
3
4
5
6
7
8
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Module : Content
Introduction 1: Orientation to the “study of life”
Introduction 2: Basics from chemistry: elements of
matter, water and buffer
Introduction 3: Origins of life & biological diversity
(include virus)
Introduction 4: The human body
Macromolecules 1: Introduction
Macromolecules 2: Carbohydrates
Macromolecules 3: Nucleic Acids
Macromolecules 4: Proteins
Macromolecules 5: Lipids
Cells 1: The basic unit of life (Introduction)
Cells 2: Prokaryotes
Cells 3: Eukaryotes
Genetic basis of life 1: Introduction
Genetic basis of life 2: The central dogma
Genetic basis of life 2: Regulation of gene
expression
Genetic basis of life 4: Diversity within Population
Continuity of Life 1: DNA replication
Continuity of Life 2: Cell division - Prokaryotes
Continuity of Life 3: Cell division - Eukaryotes (cell
cycle, mitosis, meiosis)
Continuity of Life 4: Concepts of asexual and
sexual reproduction
Tutorial (2h)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
21
9
10
11
12
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Continuity of Life 5: Reproduction at the
macroorganism level
Mutation 1: Mendelian genetics vs Molecular Yes
genetics
Mutation 2: Evolution
Mutation 3: Molecular biotechnology
Metabolism 1: Bioenergetics
Metabolism 2: Digestive system (extracellular
metabolism)
Metabolism 3: Cellular metabolism
Yes
Metabolism 4: Cellular respiration
Metabolism 5: Metabolic integration
Perspectives 1: The era of “-Omics”
Yes
Perspectives 2: Personalization of healthcare
Perspectives 3: Beyond the discipline of Biology
Learning Outcomes
1.
2.
3.
4.
To understand the basics of biology at the “molecular level”
To appreciate the link of the molecular level to the macrobiology level
To appreciate the unifying theme of living things
To gain an awareness of the link of biology with other disciplines
Student Assessment
Students will be assessed by:
a. Final 2.5-hour written examination (60%)
b. Continual Assessment comprising of:
- Mid-semester quiz (30%)
- Presentation (10%)
Written Examination:
The final examination will consist of multiple choice questions with one correct (best)
answer and multiple choice questions with more than one correct answers (and
students are required to choose all correct answers to be awarded any marks).
Mid-semester Quiz:
The quiz will consist of questions requiring short response answers.
Presentation:
Each student will be rostered to present the team’s conclusion to the class at the end
of tutorial sessions. These will be graded on an individual basis.
Textbooks/References
Johonson et al, Essentials of the Living World (4th Edition), McGraw-Hill,
International Edition, 2012
Mader et al, Biology (11th Edition), McGraw-Hill International Edition, 2013
Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life, by Trudy Mckee & James R. Mckee, 5th,
McGraw-Hill, 2013