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.  IntroductionConnectedness and relevance of Biology to: (i) yourselves as students; (ii) organisms in a garden

b. Pluralistic Science, Discoveries and InventionsLife and biological processes; Linked to the Nature of Science; Indigenous Knowledge Systems

c. The origin of LifeIdeas 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 LifeTaxonomy 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