Course info
Diversity of Life -EDBS 130
To introduce students who wish to specialise in Biological Sciences Education to cells and their organelles as the basic unit of life, as well as the diversity of life within the framework of evolution.
To provide students with the necessary cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical competences for studying the discipline.
To enable students to develop the competence to apply concepts and principles in relevant contexts.
Students taking this module will be introduced to the theory and practice of Biological Sciences and its relevance to Life. An exciting innovation is introduced into this module – student and community learning through the use of strategies for effective learning. Students will be taken on a journey within, where a self-inquiry process, developing their understanding and the application of this to enhance their and the communities lives.
Content (Summary)
a. Introduction - Connectedness and
relevance of Biology to: (i) yourselves as students; (ii) organisms in a garden b.
Pluralistic Science, Discoveries and Inventions - Life and biological
processes; Linked to the Nature of Science; Indigenous Knowledge Systems c.
The origin of Life - Ideas and
possibilities; Origin of Life versus Origin of Man; Theories on the Origin of Life; History of Life on
Earth – Geologic time scale d.
Cytology - Cell membrane model,
components and transport; Structure of the Nucleus: Nucleolus, Nuclear
Membrane, and Nuclear Pores; The Ribosome: Structure, Function and Location; The
Endomembrane System: Functions & Components; The Cytoskeleton: Microtubules
and Microfilaments; Mitochondria - Structure: Cristae, Matrix and Inner &
Outer Membrane; Chloroplast Structure: Chlorophyll, Stroma, Thylakoid, and
Grana; Plant Cell Structures: The Cell Wall and Central Vacuole; Eukaryotic and
Prokaryotic Cells: Similarities and Differences e
Diversity of Life - Taxonomy and Taxons; Evolutionary
relationships of all the main plant and animal groups, including the other
groups; Historical developments, Controversies and developments; Classification
Systems; Body plans;Cladograms
- Teacher: Rudolph Gadzikwa
- Teacher: Angela James
Social networks