BIOLOGY 1 (HMM1414) SYLLABUS
WEEK COURSE CONTENTS
1-2 1 ORIGIN OF LIFE
1.1 The Origin of Life
1.1.1 Epistemology from the
Secular and Islamic
perspectives
1.1.2 Properties of life
1.1.3 Hypotheses about the origin
of life:
Special Creation;
Extraterrestrial Origin; and
Spontaneous Origin
1.1.4 Big Bang Theory; formation of
solar system and planet earth
; geologic time scale
1.1.5 Chemical evolution :
Miller–Urey Experiment
1.1.6 Idea about the origin of cells:
Hypothesis on origin of cell;
the evolution of earliest cell
(Prokaryote); membrane
invagination theory (formation
of nucleus and ER); and
endosymbiosis theory.
1.1.7 The Diversity of Life
1
OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
1. Outline the differences
between the Islamic and
secular concepts of
knowledge and science.
2. List down certain general
properties of life.
3. Compare between the three
ideas of the origin of life.
4. Briefly explain the Big Bang
Theory and formation of solar
system.
5. List down the geologic time
scale.
6. Briefly explain the chemical
evolution and outline the
Miller-Urey experiment.
7. Outline the various hypothesis
on origin of cell.
8. List down the current six
kingdom of life system.
WEEK COURSE CONTENTS OBJECTIVES

2-5 2 CHEMICAL FOUNDATION OF LIFE Candidates should be able to:

2.1 Properties of Water

2.1.1 Polarity of water and hydrogen 1. Explain the structure and
bonding the properties of water.
2.1.2 Heat Capacity 2. Define an organic compound.
2.1.3 Heat of Vaporization 3. Explain the structure of carbon
2.1.4 Density and the formation of covalent
2.1.5 Solvent properties bond.
2.1.6 Adhesion and cohesion 4. Define and give examples of
2.1.7 Viscosity macromolecules.
2.1.8 Other properties
5. Explain aldose and ketose
sugars.
2.2 The Chemistry of Carbon
2.2.1 Definition of organic 6. List down the types, examples
compound and functions of
2.2.2 Structure of carbon and monosaccharides.
Formation of covalent bond in 7. Describe the linear and ring
carbon structure of α and β glucose.
2.2.3 Macromolecules (polymers) 8. Describe the formation of a
glycosidic bond in
2.3 Important Organic disaccharides.
Compounds 9. List down the examples and
2.3.1 Carbohydrates functions of disaccharide.
Monosaccharides 10. Explain polymerization in
- Aldose and Ketose sugars polysaccharides.
–types (triose, pentose, 11. Describe the molecular
hexose) structure and functions of
- α and β structures of glucose polysaccharides.
Disaccharides; formation of 12. List the properties of lipid.
glycosidic bond, examples. 13. Describe the molecular
Polysaccharides structure and examples of a
a. Polymerizations triglyceride, phospholipids, and
b. Storage (starch and steroid.
glycogen) and Structural 14. Explain the differences
(cellulose and chitin) between saturated and
unsaturated fats.
2.3.2 Lipids 15. Explain the formation of ester
Properties; triglycerides (fatty bond.
acid and glycerol); fatty acids 16. Discuss steroid drug abuse.
(saturated and unsaturated); 17. List the properties of proteins.
phospholipids – lecithin; and 18. Describe and draw the basic
steroid – structure, structure of amino acid.
importance, and steroid drug 19. List down the types of amino
abuse. acid.
20. Describe the formation of
peptide bond.
21. Explain the properties of amino
acids.

2
WEEK COURSE CONTENTS OBJECTIVES

2-5 2.3.3 Proteins

Structure of amino acid; 22. Explain the four level of protein
properties of protein; types of structures and give example.
amino acids based on side 23. Describe the types of bonding
chain, levels of protein which hold the protein in
structure, factors affecting the shape.
structure of protein 24. Outline the molecular structure
(denaturation), classification of fibrous and globular protein.
of protein based on function 25. Define denaturation and
and structure explain the effects of pH,
temperature, and reducing
2.3.4 Nucleic Acid : structure and agents on protein structure.
compositions of DNA and RNA. 26.Classify protein based on
Basic structure of nucleotides, function and structure.
Phosphodiester bonds and the 27.Explain the basic structure and
formation of polynucleotides. components of a nucleotide.
28.Describe the formation of
2.4 Techniques of Analysis phosphodiester bond and
2.4.1 Chromatography polynucleotide.
2.4.2 Electrophoresis 29.Describe the structure of DNA
2.4.3 X-ray diffraction 30. Describe the structure and
2.4.4 Centrifugation types of RNA.
2.4.5 Microscopy: light and electron 31. State the differences between
RNA and DNA.
2.5 Enzymes 32. Outline the basic principles of
2.5.1 Properties of enzyme chromatography,
2.5.2 Catalysis and activation electrophoresis and X-ray
energy diffraction.
2.5.3 Mechanism of action and 33. Explain the separation of
kinetics organelles by homogenization
2.5.4 Factors affecting enzyme and centrifugation.
activity 34. Outline the basic principles of
2.5.5 Inhibitor : Reversible light microscope and electron
(Competitive and non- microscope.
competitive) and irreversible 35. Define enzyme and explain its
2.5.6 Enzyme cofactors properties
2.5.7 Nomenclature of enzymes 36. Compare between endergonic
(IUB) and exergonic reactions.
2.5.8 Enzyme technology 37. Explain the meaning of
catalysis
38. Describe the lock and key and
induced fit theory.
39. Briefly explain and apply the
Michealis –Menton theory.

3
4
WEEK COURSE CONTENTS OBJECTIVES

40.Briefly explain the effect of pH,

temperature, substrate
concentration, and enzyme
concentration on the enzyme
activity.
41. Define inhibition.
42. Explain and distinguish
between competitive and non-
competitive inhibition.
43. Briefly explain feedback
inhibition.
44. Define cofactor and describe its
role.
45. Classify enzyme based on IUB
system.
46. Briefly explain the applications
of enzyme in biotechnology.

5
WEEK COURSE CONTENTS OBJECTIVES

5-7 3 ULTRASTRUCTURE AND Candidates should be able to:

FUNCTION OF THE CELL

3.1 The Cell 1. List the characteristics of cells.

3.1.1 Characteristics of cells
3.1.2 The cell theory
3.1.3 Prokaryotic cell
3.1.4 Eukaryotic cells (Plant and
animal cell)
3.1.5 Organelles; structure and
functions
3.2 Biological Membranes
3.2.1 Properties of the cell
membrane
3.2.2 Fluid Mosaic Model
3.2.3 Membrane components
3.3 Movement across the
Membrane
3.3.1 Passive transport
Diffusion; facilitated diffusion;
and osmosis
3.3.2 Active transport
Sodium-potassium pump; and
coupled transport
3.3.3 Bulk transport: Endocytosis
and exocytosis
2. List the principles of the cell
theory.
3. Compare and contrast the
structure of a typical
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.
4. Compare and contrast the
structure of a typical animal
and plant cells.
5. Outline the structure,
distribution and functions of
organelles.
6. Outline the relationship among
organelles of the
endomembranes.
7. Explain the structure and
function of the cell membrane.
8. Describe the structure and
function of membrane
components.
9. Define and explain the
mechanisms of passive, active
and bulk transport and give
examples.
10. Solve simple problems based
on water potential.

6
WEEK COURSE CONTENTS OBJECTIVES

8-9 4 CELL DIVISION Candidates should be able to:

4.1 Chromosomes 1. Describe the composition and

4.1.1 Chromosome number
4.1.2 Structure of eukaryotic
chromosomes
4.2 The Cell Cycle
4.2.1 Phases of cell cycle
4.2.2 Duration of the cell cycle
4.3 Mitosis and Meiosis
4.3.1 Outline of mitosis and
meiosis
4.3.2 Stages of Prophase I in
meiosis
4.4 Control of Cell Cycle
4.4.1 Component of cell cycle
control system
4.4.2 Mechanism of cell cycle
control
4.4.3 The cell cycle and cancer
structure of the eukaryotic
chromosome.
2. Explain the term chromosome
number, karyotype,
homochromatin,
heterochromatin, homologous
chromosomes, haploid, and
diploid.
3. Explain the phases of the cell
cycle.
4. Give examples of differences in
the duration of the cell cycle in
various cells and organism.
5. Outline the stages of mitosis
and meiosis with emphasis on
the behaviour of the
chromosomes.
6. Explain the stages of Prophase
I in meiosis I.
7. Describe the components,
functions and mechanism of
the cell cycle control system .
8. Define cancer, metastasis,
oncogene, protoncogene,
apoptasis, tumour suppressor
gene and carcinogen.
9. Relate cancer with the failure of
the cell cycle control.
10. Explain the type of tumours
with examples.
11. Explain the role of the p53
gene.

7
WEEK COURSE CONTENTS
9 - 11 5 TISSUE ORGANIZATION
5.1 Organization of the Animal
Body
5.1.1 General body architecture
5.1.2 Tissues, organ and organ
system
5.2 Epithelial Tissues
5.2.1 Covering epithelium
5.2.2 Glandular epithelium
5.3 Connective Tissues
5.3.1 Connective tissue proper
Loose (areolar, adipose,
reticular); and dense regular
& dense irregular (tendons,
ligaments)
5.3.2 Special connective tissues
Cartilage (hyaline, elastic,
fibro cartilage); bone; and
blood
5.4 Muscles Tissues
5.4.1 Skeletal
5.4.2 Smooth
5.4.3 Cardiac
5.5 Nervous Tissues
5.5.1 Neurons
5.5.2 Supporting cells
5.6 The Structure and Function
of Plants Tissues
5.6.1 Types of meristem
5.6.2 Plant cell types - dermal
tissue, ground tissue
[parenchyma, collenchyma
and sclerenchyma] and
vascular tissue (xylem and
phloem)
5.6.3 Structures of dicotyledonous
and monocotyledonous
leaves, stems and roots.
8
OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
1. Describe the body plan of
mammals.
2. Define tissue, organ and organ
system with examples.
3. Describe the characteristics of
different type of epithelial
tissues and their functions and
location.
4. Describe the characteristics of
different type of connective
tissues and their functions and
location.
5. Describe the characteristics of
different type of muscle tissues
and their functions and
location.
6. Describe the characteristics of
different type of nervous
tissues and their functions and
location.
7. Describe the characteristics of
different type of plant tissues
and their functions and
location.
8. Describe the structure of the
dicotyledonous and
monocotyledonous leaf, stem
and root.
WEEK COURSE CONTENTS
11-12 6 PHOTOSYNTHESIS
6.1 Types of nutrition
6.2 The biophysics of light
6.3 How the two
photosystems
of plants work together
6.4 Light dependent reaction
6.5 Light independent reaction
6.5.1 Calvin cycle/C3 cycle
6.5.2 Photorespiration
6.4.3 C4 / Hatch-Slack pathway
6.5.4 Crassulacean Acid /CAM
pathway
6.6 Factors affecting
photosynthesis rate
9
OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
1. Briefly explain the types of
nutrition.
2. Describe the electromagnetic
spectrum, absorption spectrum
and action spectrum of
photosynthetic pigments.
3. Describe the component of
photosystems and their role in
light absorption.
4. Explain the photoactivation of
chlorophyll and the noncyclic
photophosphorylation.
5. Explain generation of ATP during
the light dependent reaction.
6. Describe cyclic
photophosphorylation/electron
transfer.
7. Describe the light independent
reaction/Calvin cycle in plant.
8. Explain photorespiration and its
effect on photosynthesis.
9. Explain how C4 and CAM
photosynthesis overcome
photorespiration.
10. Discuss the effect of limiting
factor on the rate of
photosynthesis.
WEEK COURSE CONTENTS OBJECTIVES

12-13 7 RESPIRATION Candidates should be able to:

7.1 The ATP Molecule 1. Describe the structure of ATP

7.2 Aerobic Respiration
7.2.1 Glycolysis
7.2.2 Pyruvate oxidation
7.2.3 The Krebs cycle/ Citric Acid
cycle
7.2.4 Electron transport chain
(oxidative phosphorylation)
7.2.5 Calculations of total ATP
production
7.3 Anaerobic respiration
7.3.1 Ethanol fermentation
7.3.2 Lactic fermentation
7.4 Catabolism of Fat and
Protein
and explain its role.
2. Explain the steps in glycolysis,
pyruvate oxidation, the Krebs
cycle the enzymes involved and
the products.
3. Explain the terms substrate
level and oxidative
phosphorylation.
4. Calculate the total amount of
ATP released /used at the
various stages of cellular
respiration.
5. Describe the pathways involved
in fermentation.
6. Compare and contrast aerobic
and anaerobic respiration.
7. Describe fat and protein
catabolism and relate to
glycolysis and Krebs cycle.
8. Explain generation of ATP by
the coupling of electron
transport chain and
chemiosmosis.

10
WEEK COURSE CONTENTS OBJECTIVES

13-14 GASEOUS EXCHANGE Candidates should be able to:

8.1 Gaseous Exchange in 1. Outline the types of respiratory

animal surfaces in animals.
8.1.1 Types of respiratory systems 2. Describe the respiratory tract of
in animals human.
8.1.2 Human Respiratory System 3. Explain the role of partial
8.1.3 Role of partial pressure pressure in gaseous exchange
gradient in lungs and tissues.
8.1.4 Respiratory pigments 4. Describe the structure and
8.1.5 Oxygen transport and Bohr characteristics of
Effect hemoglobin/myoglobin.
8.1.6 Carbon dioxide transport
5. Explain the oxygen dissociation
8.1.7 Control of breathing
curve for hemoglobin and
8.1.8 Lung volumes
myoglobin.
8.1.9 Respiratory diseases
6. Explain the oxygen dissociation
8.2 Gaseous Exchange in curve for hemoglobin in fetus
plants and mother.
8.2.1 Structure of stoma 7. Explain the Bohr Effect due to
8.2.2 Mechanism of stoma changes in partial pressure of
opening and closing CO2, O2, pH and temperature.
8. Describe the role of
chemoreceptors in the control
of breathing.
9. Define the terms: tidal volume,
residual volume, vital capacity,
inspiratory reserve volume,
expiratory reserve volume, total
lung capacity.
10. Briefly explain the following
diseases: asthma, lung cancer,
bronchitis, pneumonia,
asbestosis, silicosis,
tuberculosis.
11. Describe the structure of stoma
and explain the mechanism of
stomatal opening and closing.

11
12