General biology [SBIOB151]

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Memorise and understand the main concepts and fundamental biological functions, integrating the different levels of organisation, complexity and diversity of living organisms (molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organism, population, etc.)

• Approach the subject in a transversal way (integrative biology), i.e. to be able to travel between the chapters

• Master the basic knowledge of descriptive biochemistry, cell biology and genetics • Master the vocabulary related to the subject

Objectives

The objective of the course is to give the student a transversal vision of the living from the molecule to the organism, by integrating the different levels of organization, complexity and diversity of the living (molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organism...) and the evolutionary aspects. The course also aims to provide basic training in cell biology and genetics.

Content

The course describes, initially, the principal macromolecules characteristic of the living through their principal functions in a cell. The course then reviews the various flows, energy, matter and information, within a cell. The flow of energy and matter are approached through the mechanisms of cellular respiration. The flow of information concerns (1) the problem of decoding the information contained in the genetic material and that of the manufacture of macromolecules which ensure the functioning of the cell; and (2) the notion of the perception and transduction of signals perceived in the environment of the cell.