BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, Pilani

Pilani Campus
Academic – Undergraduate Studies Division (AUGSD)

Second Semester 2021-22 (Old Academic Schedule)

Course Handout – Part II
Date: 11th March 2022

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 Number : BIO F111

Course Title : GENERAL BIOLOGY

Instructor-in-Charge : Rita Sharma ([email protected])

Instructors: Pankaj Kumar Sharma ([email protected])
Shilpi Garg ([email protected])
Tutorial Instructor/s: Balakumaran Chandrasekar ([email protected])
P.R. Deepa ([email protected])
B. Vani ([email protected])

1. Course Description:
Living systems and their properties; biochemistry and cell biology; primary biochemical/ metabolic
pathways; introductory genetics; biotechnology and its applications; basic human physiological
processes. These topics will be taught using an integrated approach – by interlacing concepts at the
cellular level with those that happen at the organ system level.

2. Scope and Objective of the Course:

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. By the end of the course, the student would have
gained an overall understanding of the core biological principles and wide-ranging applications of
biology in industry, medicine and human health.

3. Textbook:
Simon, E.J. et. al. Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology (5th edition). Noida: Pearson India
Education Services Pvt. Ltd., 2016.

4. Reference Books:
RB1: 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., 2012.
RB2: Raven, P.H., et. al. Biology (9th edition). Singapore: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd.,
2012.

5. Course Plan:
*Unless specified otherwise, the numbers correspond to chapters from the textbook

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 BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, Pilani
Pilani Campus
Academic – Undergraduate Studies Division (AUGSD)

Lect. Learning Chap./ Learning Outcomes

Topics to be covered
# Objectives Ref #*
Get the initial big picture
Getting Orientation to the course
1 about studying biology
introduced to content; the scientific method; 1, 4
and aspects of
the course properties of life
bioengineering
Develop an appreciation
1 Scientific Study Science and Theories in Science for scientific methods
1
of Life and Classification and the taxonomic
classification system
Differentiate between
Organic Building blocks; proteins
2-4 structure and properties
chemistry of (including enzymes); 3, 5
of biological
living things carbohydrates; lipids
macromolecules
Cell theory; prokaryotic and Associate organelles
5-6 Cell Structure eukaryotic cells; brief overview with their cellular
4
and Function of cellular organelles; membrane functions
transport mechanisms
Biochemical Pathways – Cellular Examine the steps the
Obtaining
7-8 respiration: three stages of cells use to derive
nutrition: 6
generating ATPs; process of energy from different
cellular level
fermentation biomolecule classes
Borrowing Examine the steps the
Biochemical Pathways –
energy from plant cells employ to
9 Photosynthesis: light reactions,
nature: 7 synthesize sugars using
Calvin cycle; autotrophs and
photosynthetic sunlight
heterotrophs
reactions
Comprehend the types
Cell cycle and Mitosis; stages of
Cell Division – of cell division and the
mitosis; cancer and cell cycle;
10-12 Proliferation underlying control
Meiosis – stages and generation 8
and checkpoints; compare
of genetic diversity;
Reproduction the differing mechanics
chromosomal abnormalities
in cancer cells
Mendelian genetics – laws of 9+ Apply the famous
13-15 Patterns of Mendelian laws to solve
heredity; extensions to Mendel; RB1:
Inheritance problems in heredity
other influences on phenotype 10

16 Nucleic Acid Appreciating the process

DNA structure and it's discovery 10
Structure to discovery of DNA

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 BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, Pilani
Pilani Campus
Academic – Undergraduate Studies Division (AUGSD)

Analyze in detail the

Replication; RNA and protein
17-20 DNA and RNA – processes associated
synthesis: transcription and 10
Function with the Central Dogma
translation; mutations
of Biology
Genetic How and why genes are Understand the
21-23 regulation and controlled; cloning plants and importance of regulation
11
the process of animals; stem cells ; the genetic of gene expression
cloning basis of cancer
Techniques of DNA Critique the use of
Biotechnology manipulation; GMOs; DNA biotechnology tools for
24-26
and its Fingerprinting; bioinformatics; 12 societal benefit
Applications forensic science; biotechnology
ethics
Unifying Learn about the perfect
Regulating internal body
Concepts of control mechanisms that
27-30 environment; Human 13, 14,
Animal ensure homeostasis in
circulatory, respiratory, 15
Structure and the human body
digestive and excretory systems
Function
Understand how life-
Organization of the nervous
sustaining messages get
31-32 Nervous system; nerve signal
19 transmitted in the
System transmission; central and
human body via
peripheral nervous systems
electrical signals
Compare the types of
33-34 Body’s defense Innate immunity; lymphatic defense mechanisms
16
strategies system; adaptive immunity operating in the body
when faced by diseases
Understand and
appreciate how life-
Different hormones, their
35 Hormonal sustaining messages get
production sites, and modes of 17
system transmitted in the
action
human body via
chemical signals
Human Reproduction, Sex and Develop a scientific
Human Sexuality - gametogenesis; male 18+ awareness about
36-
reproduction and female reproductive RB1: reproductive health
37
and embryonic systems – hormonal controls; 27
development pregnancy and early human
development

Note: A few topics may be given for self-study, if deemed appropriate by the instructor team.

6. Evaluation Scheme:
_

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 BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, Pilani
Pilani Campus
Academic – Undergraduate Studies Division (AUGSD)

Evaluation Nature of
# Duration Weightage % Max Marks Date and Time
component Component
Mid-semester Closed-book
1 90 min 25% 50 TBA
Test type
Closed-book
2 Course Quiz 40 min 20% 40 TBA
type
Take Home/In
Class
Open/Closed-
3 Assignments and Variable 10% 20 TBA
book type
Class
Participation
Comprehensive Open/Closed-
4 3 hours 45% 90 22/06
Examination book type

7. Academic Conduct Policy:

It is expected that all students follow the highest standard of academic practice when participating
in any evaluation component. Plagiarism material of any sort in evaluation components will dealt
strictly and any such misconduct in this line will likely lead to awarding of no marks for such
evaluation component. Having a zero-tolerance for academic dishonesty, any case of misconduct,
however minor, will be dealt appropriately.

8. Grading Policy:
Award of grades would be guided by the histogram of marks and course average. If a student
absents himself/herself in any component (listed in the Evaluation Scheme), his/her performance
in the course may be reported as ‘NC’ (Not Cleared).

9. Make-up Policy:
If a student miss any of the evaluation components due to a genuine reason (serious medical causes
leading to hospitalization, personal/family emergencies) there exists a provision to apply for make-
up. Please note that one cannot apply for a make-up if you have already taken the evaluation
component. Prior permission must be taken from the Instructor-in-Charge whenever possible,
before applying; otherwise, he must be informed at the earliest after missing the component. Due
to the nature of the component, granting make-up for activities that are held in lecture/tutorial
classes may not be possible. Whether to grant a make-up or not is decided by the Instructor-in
Charge (in consultation with the team) and shall be final. No make-up would be considered for
Course Quizzes and Assignments.

10. Instructor Consultation: For any assistance in the course and clarifications, students can set up a
meeting with the instructors by sending an email. The instructors may announce a time when they
would be available online/offline every week for meeting without appointment.

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 BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, Pilani
Pilani Campus
Academic – Undergraduate Studies Division (AUGSD)

11. Course Announcements and Communications:

All major announcements will be made via email sent to the official student account (BITS email).
Instructors may be contacted by email, or by phone (if the instructor permits you to do so). When
sending emails or replying to instructors, students are expected to follow proper etiquette – being
prompt in replying to emails, always beginning by addressing the instructor, stating the course and
the context, and keeping the content brief and crisp.

(Team, BIOF111)

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