Biology Remedial Module
PRE-UNIVERSITY REMEDIAL PROGRAM FOR THE 2014 E.C. ESSLCE EXAMINEES BIOLOGY MODULE
Biology Module Structure
Unit 1: The Science of Biology (1 hr.)
1.1. The Methods of Science
1.2. Tools of the Biologist
Unit Summary
Review Questions
Unit 2: Biochemical Molecules (6 hrs.)
2.1. Inorganic Molecules
2.2. Organic Molecules
Unit Summary
Review Questions
Unit 3: Cell Biology (7 hrs.)
3.1. Cell Theory
3.2. Types of Cell
3.3. Parts of the Cell and Its Function
3.4. The Cell and Its Environment
3.5. Cellular Respiration
Unit Summary
Review Questions
Unit 4: Microorganisms (7 hrs.)
4.1. Introduction to Microorganisms
4.2. Beneficial Microorganisms
4.3. Pathogenic Microorganisms
Unit Summary
Review Questions
Unit 5: Genetics (7 hrs.)
5.1. DNA and Chromosome Structure
5.2. DNA Replication
5.3. Protein Synthesis
5.4. Mitosis and Meiosis
5.5. Mendelian Inheritance
5.6. Mutations
Unit Summary
Review Questions
Unit 6: Evolution (2 hrs.)
6.1. Theories of Origin of Life
6.2. Theories of Mechanisms of Evolution
6.3. Speciation Through Natural Selection
6.4. Modern Theories of Evolution
Unit Summary
Review Questions
Unit 7: Biotechnology (4 hrs.)
7.1. Scope and Definition
7.2. Agricultural Biotechnology
7.3. Medical Biotechnology
7.4. Industrial Biotechnology
7.5. Environmental Biotechnology
Unit Summary
Review Questions
Unit 8: Human Biology and Health (10 hrs.)
8.1. Food and Nutrition
8.2. Non-communicable Diseases
8.3. The Digestive System
8.4. The Respiratory System
8.5. The Circulatory System
8.6. The Nervous System
8.7. Sense Organs
8.8. Endocrine Glands
8.9. The Reproductive System
Unit Summary
Review Questions
Unit 9: Food Making and Growth in Plants (4 hrs.)
9.1. Plant Organs
9.2. Photosynthesis
9.3. Transport in Plants
9.4. Response in Plants
Unit Summary
Review Questions
Unit 10: Ecology and Conservation of Natural Resources (5 hrs.)
10.1. Definitions
10.2. Cycling Matter Through Ecosystems
10.3. Ecological Succession
10.4. Biomes
10.5. Conservation and Biodiversity
10.6. Vegetation and Wildlife
10.7. Global Warming and Air Pollution
Unit Summary
Review Questions
Unit 1: The Science of Biology
Introduction to Biology
Biology: The branch of science that deals with living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Uses scientific methods to study nature, functions, and interactions among living entities.
Importance: Key in resolving global issues like health crises (e.g., cancer, AIDS, COVID-19) and resource management.
The Scientific Method
Steps involved in scientific inquiry:
Observation: Collect data about the natural world.
Identifying the Problem: Formulate specific questions based on observations.
Gathering Information: Collect qualitative and quantitative data to inform hypotheses.
Hypothesis Formation: Suggestions for explanations based on observations; must be testable.
Testing Hypotheses/Experimentation: Conduct experiments to validate hypotheses.
Recording and Analyzing Data: Document findings in systematic formats (charts, graphs).
Drawing Conclusions: Base conclusions on the analysis of the results.
Theory Development: A strong hypothesis that has been repeatedly tested and accepted.
Reporting Results: Share findings with the scientific community to further knowledge and prevent redundant work.
Unit 2: Biochemical Molecules
Introduction
Organisms consist of molecules primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
Classification of Biomolecules
Carbohydrates: Energy source; consists of sugar units.
Lipids: Fats and oils; energy storage and membrane structure.
Proteins: Made of amino acids; structural and functional roles, including enzymes.
Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA; genetic material, protein synthesis.
Unit 3: Cell Biology
Cell Theory
Fundamental concept: Cells are the basic unit of life.
Types of Cells: Prokaryotic (lacking nucleus) vs. Eukaryotic (containing nucleus).
Cellular Processes
Functions include metabolism, reproduction, response to stimuli, and homeostasis.
Unit 4: Microorganisms
Types of Microorganisms
Protozoa: Unicellular eukaryotes.
Fungi: Decomposers, yeast & molds.
Bacteria: Prokaryotic, diverse roles in ecosystems.
Viruses: Non-cellular; require host cells for reproduction.
Unit 5: Genetics
Basics of Genetics
DNA Structure: Double helix, nucleotide composition.
Gene Function: Codes for proteins, dictates hereditary traits.
Processes of Cell Division
Mitosis: Daughter cells genetically identical to parent.
Meiosis: Produces gametes, introduces genetic variation.
Unit 6: Evolution
Evolutionary Theory
Organisms evolve through natural selection, driven by environmental pressures and genetic variations.
Speciation
Can occur via allopatric (geographic isolation) or sympatric (no physical barrier) mechanisms.
Unit 7: Biotechnology
Applications of Biotechnology
Medical: Vaccine development, genetic engineering in medicine (e.g., insulin production).
Agricultural: Genetically modified crops for disease resistance.
Unit 8: Human Biology and Health
Body Systems Overview
Digestive System: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients.
Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange, oxygen uptake.
Circulatory System: Transports nutrients, gases, and waste.
Health Factors
Impact of nutrition, exercise, and diseases on overall health.
Unit 9: Food Making and Growth in Plants
Plant Physiology
Photosynthesis: Conversion of sunlight into chemical energy via chlorophyll.
Transport Systems: Phloem for nutrient transport, xylem for water.
Unit 10: Ecology and Conservation
Ecology Concepts
Study of organism-environment interactions, ecosystems.
Conservation Strategies
Importance of preserving biodiversity for ecosystem stability and functionality.