The objective of this course is to introduce neophyte students to the basic concepts of biology, from the description of the organic molecules that constitute life and their structuring at the cellular level, to cell division and Mendel's laws, via the major metabolic cycles.
The objective of this course is to introduce neophyte students to the basic concepts of biology, from the description of the organic molecules that constitute life and their structuring at the cellular level, to cell division and Mendel's laws, via the major metabolic cycles.
The General Biology course for the first year of the bachelor's degree in chemistry consists of a general introduction to biology which does not require any pre-requisites and whose support is constituted by the first 593 pages of the Biology textbook by N.A. CAMPBELL and J.B. REECE, published by Pearson Education for its ninth French edition. This course is divided into two parts, the first of which is given in the first semester of the academic year and covers chapters one to fourteen of the reference textbook. Two main topics are covered: chemistry and biochemistry, including an introduction to metabolism, and cell biology.
Table of Contents (list of chapters from the reference book studied during the course)
Chapter 1: Exploring Life
Chapter 2: The Fundamental Chemical Organization of Life
Chapter 3: The Vital Singularity of Water
Chapter 4: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life
Chapter 5: Structure and Function of Macromolecules
- carbohydrates
- lipids
- proteins
- nucleic acids
Chapter 6: Exploring the cell
- definitions and methods of observation
- prokaryotic cells vs. eukaryotic cells
- the nucleus
- the intracellular network of membranes
- mitochondria and chloroplasts
- the cytoskeleton
- Extracellular components
Chapter 7: Structure and function of membranes
- The cell membrane is a fluid mosaic
- Selective permeability and osmosis
- Passive transport and active transport
- Endocytosis and exocytosis
Chapter 8: Introduction to metabolism
- Principles of energy conversion
- ATP
- enzymes
Chapter 9: Cellular respiration and fermentation
- glycolysis
- the Krebs cycle
- oxidative phosphorylation
- fermentation
Chapter 10: Photosynthesis
- conversion of light energy
- photosynthetic pigments
- photochemical reactions
- the Calvin cycle
The course is lectured and interactive as much as possible. It is illustrated by numerous drawings on the blackboard. A summary of the course, in the form of power point slides, is presented during the course and is available on webcampus.
The mark obtained by the student during the theoretical examination counts for 16 points out of 20 and the mark obtained for the overall evaluation of the practical training for 4 points out of 20. The practical training mark is not included in the calculation of the second session average. Test In November, students will take a test on the content covered in the lecture. The test will be written and will include multiple choice and open questions. The results of this test do not count for the end-of-year mark. The test is designed to allow students to assess their level of knowledge. Examinations In January, an examination is organised in the form of a written test with MCQ questions and open questions. Practical work is compulsory. Participation in them is a condition for access to the examination.
Biologie from N.A. CAMPBELL & J.B. REECE, edited by Pearson Education
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Chemistry | Standard | 0 | 4 | |
| Bachelor in Chemistry | Standard | 1 | 4 |