General Biology

Students should be able to: 1. explain the characteristics of living and non-living things; 2. outline the taxonomy of living organisms – microbes, plants including field and herbarium methods, animals including vertebrates and invertebrates; 3. describe the scientific methods to biology concepts; 4. explain the cell concepts, structure, organisation, functions, and chemical and physical characteristics; and 5. state the elements of biological chemistry, and of ecology and types of herb.

Characteristics of living and non-living things. Scientific methods to biology concepts. Taxonomy of living organisms – microbes, plants including field and herbarium methods, animals including vertebrates and invertebrates. Morphology and life cycles of phyla and plant kingdoms. Cell concepts, structure, organization, functions, and chemical and physical characteristics. Cells, tissues and organ systems, and organisms. Elements of biological chemistry – cellular metabolism - aspects of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry relevant to biology. Elements of ecology and types of habitats