Fundamentals of Biology

Description

This course acquaints students with the principles of modern biology, with special attention to humankind. In the first part, students learn that all living beings have the same molecular and cellular foundation. As an expansion on this cell biological approach we also dicuss relevant examples of viruses and bacteria. The second part of the course deals with the hereditary principles of the properties of phenotype, ranging from the classic laws of Mendel to molecular genetics. Biological mechanisms of evolution are discussed throughout the course but specifically in the third part, where human evolution is discussed. Finally, we discuss the various functions of life and their coordination through the nervous system and the hormonal system. Special attention goes to sexual reproduction related topics such as determination of sex, developmental biology of the primary and secondary sexual organs and the regulation of secondary sex characteristics. Some specific examples, with a view to later practice, will be situated biologically and interpreted. Important themes that are discussed during lectures will be illustrated during exercise sessions and, especially with regards to hereditary questions, will be clarified by means of exercises.