Level 1
Credits 3
Medium of Instruction English
Teaching Pattern 28 hours of lectures 14 hours of tutorials Prerequisites Nil
Assessment 50% coursework
50% examination
Aims
This subject serves as an introduction to students on the basic knowledge and concepts in various areas of biology at the university entry level. It provides the main framework to biology which includes fundamentals of cellular structure and function, genetics and inheritance, zoology, botany and ecology.
The Subject Team is required to refer to the relevant Programme Curriculum Map(s) for the role of this subject in helping students achieve Programme-level Intended Learning Outcomes when preparing for the delivery and assessment of the subject.
Learning Outcomes
On successfully completing this subject, students will be able to:
understand the basic structure and functions of the cell
understand the principle of genetics and inheritance
comprehend the structure and function of animals
have a basic understanding of the structure and function of plants
appreciate the importance of evolution and biological diversity
Indicative Contents
Science of Biology
Characteristics of living things; Level of biological organisation; Three major domains: Bacteria, Arachea, and Eukarya; Six kingdoms of life.
Structure and Function of the Cell
Structure and functions of the cellular components; Energy harvest and trap with chemical bonding;
Photosynthesis.
Genetics and Inheritance
Reproduction and inheritance; Molecular biology of gene; Control of gene expression at the cellular level; DNA structure and DNA technology.
Evolution and Biological Diversity
Darwin’s theory of evolution; Origin and evolution of life; Diversity of life.
160
Animal Form and Function
Animal structure and functions; Homeostasis conferred by various systems: digestion and metabolism, gaseous exchange and circulation, immune, osmoregulation, hormone and endocrine, nervous systems and sensation, and locomotion.
Plant Form and Function
Plant structure; Reproduction and development; Nutrition and transport; Control and growth.
Ecology
The Biosphere; Behaviour adaptations to environment; Population ecology; Communities and ecosystems.
Teaching/Learning Approach
Lectures will present the fundamentals of various aspects of biology followed by elaboration of the key concepts and the underlying principles to ensure students to have the basis for further science education.
Tutorials will be arranged to stimulate students’ interests and reinforce their knowledge and concepts.
The activities in tutorials normally include discussions of tutorial questions and problems.
Assessment Approach
A variety of assessment tools will be used, including written essays, test(s) and an examination designed to develop and assess students’ achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes as well as their generic skills, including critical thinking and analytical skills.
The actual weighting of individual coursework assessment components will be specified in the Teaching Plan for each class. The subject intended learning outcome(s) assessed in each coursework component will be communicated to students when the coursework assignment is given out.
Student Study Effort Required
Besides the 42 class contact hours for lectures and tutorials, students are expected to spend approximately 84 additional hours on their own or with fellow students for activities such as doing assignments, group work, and self-study in preparation for lectures, tutorials, test(s) and examination(s).
Indicative Readings
Recommended Textbook
Campbell, N.A., Reece, J.B., Taylor, M.R., Simon, E.J. and Dickey,J.L. (2009) Biology: Concepts and connections, 6th Ed., Pearson.
Hoefnagels, M. (2012) Biology: Concepts and investigations., 2nd Ed., McGraw Hill.
Johnson, G.B. (2012) The Living World, 7th Ed., McGraw Hill.
References
Hickman, C.P. Jr. (2004) Integrated principles of zoology, 12th Ed., McGraw Hill.
Mader, S.S. (2011) Inquiry into life, 13th Ed., McGraw Hill.
Mauseth, J.D. (2009) Botany: An introduction to plant biology, 4th Ed., Jones and Bartlett.
Presson, J.C. (2008) Biology: Dimensions of life, McGraw Hill.
162
CCN1110 General Chemistry I
Level 1
Credits 3
Medium of Instruction English
Teaching Pattern 28 hours of lectures
14 hours of tutorials/laboratory Prerequisites Nil
Assessment 50% coursework
50% examination
Aims
This subject introduces a molecular perspective for understanding the natural world and helps students to identify the fundamental concepts on physical and chemical changes of matters. Throughout the course, students will visualise the physical and chemical changes through the understanding of molecular behavior. It provides sufficient information for students to continue chemistry instruction at college level.
Studying the subject also helps develop students’ analytical thinking for their life-long learning.
The Subject Team is required to refer to the relevant Programme Curriculum Map(s) for the role of this subject in helping students achieve Programme-level Intended Learning Outcomes when preparing for the delivery and assessment of the subject.
Learning Outcomes
On successfully completing this subject, students will be able to:
understand the macroscopic properties of the states of matters
understand the basic principles of chemical energetics and equilibria
apply and incorporate the chemical principles and knowledge learned to solve chemical problems and to appreciate modern applications in real life
demonstrate the abilities in communication as well as skills in problem-solving and analytical thinking
Indicative Contents
Measurement in Chemistry
Significant figures; SI units; Substances and mixtures; Solution and concentration; Mole and Avogadro’s number; Chemical reactions and balanced equations; Temperature scales.
Thermochemistry
Heat and work; The First Law of Thermodynamics; Heat of Reactions (ΔU and ΔH); Hess’s law.
Chemical Kinetics
Reaction rates and measurements; The rate law and rate constant; Molecularity and mechanism of a reaction; Collision theory; Activated complexes; Transition state theory; Chain reaction; Catalysis;
Enzymatic reactions.
Physical Properties of Solutions
Solution concentration; Intermolecular forces and the solution process; Solubilities of gases; Vapor pressures of solutions; Osmotic pressure; Freezing point depression and boiling point elevation;
Solutions of electrolytes; Colloidal properties.
Principle of Chemical Equilibria
Law of chemical equilibrium and equilibrium constant; Le Chatelier’s Principle.
Acid-base Equilibria in Aqueous Solutions
Ionisation of water; pH, pOH and pKw; Acids and bases; Polyprotic acids; Buffers; Solubility equilibria.
Solubility and Complex-Ion Equilibria
Solubility constants and solubility; common ion effects; precipitation; equilibria involving complex ions.
Structures and Reactions of Organic Compounds
Isomerisms; Functional groups of organic compounds; Nucleophilic substitution reactions;
Elimination reactions; Addition reactions of alkenes; Electrophilic aromatic substitution; Reactions of alkanes; Polymers and polymerization reactions.
Teaching/Learning Approach
The course will be composed of three parts: lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions. Lectures will provide theory-based teaching on physical and organic chemistry. Examples and references will be given to students whenever appropriate. Tutorials will provide students with opportunities to broaden, enlighten and reinforce the general knowledge obtained in the lectures. Students will be involved in problem-based activities, classroom feedback, case studies, presentations, and discussions in the tutorials. Laboratory sessions will allow students to understand, verify, and apply knowledge developed from lectures.
Assessment Approach
A variety of assessment tools will be used, including presentations, group discussion, written laboratory reports, classroom feedback, test(s) and an examination designed to develop and assess students’
achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes as well as their generic skills, including analytical skills and communication skills.
The actual weighting of individual coursework assessment components will be specified in the Teaching Plan for each class. The subject intended learning outcome(s) assessed in each coursework component will be communicated to students when the coursework assignment is given out.
Study Effort Required
Besides the 42 class contact hours for lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions, students are expected to spend approximately 84 additional hours on their own or with fellow students for activities such as doing assignments, group work, and self-study in preparation for lectures, tutorials, test(s) and examination(s).