Teaching directory
Course 2024-2025

General biology [SBIOB157]

  • 6 credits
  • 35h+22h
  • 1st quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français

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.


Teaching methods

The lecture is illustrated by a maximum of diagrams via PowerPoint presentations with figures from the reference books. These presentations are available in PDF format at the beginning of the term. Teaching will be a mixture of face-to-face and distance learning.

Evaluations

Theory (75 % of points) :

Plan A in pre-school: Written MCQ exam on theory. This exam is organised in January, June and August.

Plan B Distance learning: Examination with the webcampus TEST tool. This exam is held in January, June and August.

The questions asked in the assessment are so-called "integrative" and involve actively "travelling" between the different chapters of the course.

 

Practical work (25% of points): Practical work will be assessed on a continuous basis during the 1st term. The weighted grade obtained at the end of the 1st term will be the final TP grade that can be taken into account during the 3 evaluation periods.

Practical work is mandatory, even if (1) the student's enrolment has not yet been validated by the administration and/or (2) the student's annual programme (the PAE) has not yet been validated by the admissions panel. Each unjustified absence will result in a mark of 0/20. In the event of absence for reasons beyond the student's control, the student must take the initiative of contacting the assistants within 5 working days to arrange a recovery session. Within the same deadline, the student must also provide the assistants and the faculty secretary with all the documents required to justify his case (no "dixit" medical certificate will ne accepted). Failure to comply with the recovery instructions will result in a mark of 0/20 for the TP session missed. If the student does not attend any TP sessions, the final grade for the UE will be 0/20.

The smooth running of practical sessions requires a certain amount of discipline. Any behaviour deemed inappropriate (disrespect for instructions or people, drunkenness, endangering others, ....) will be penalised by a mark of 0/20 for the session concerned. In the event of a repeat offence, the UNamur student code of behaviour will apply.

At the student's request only, a mark of 10/20 or higher for the practical work can be carried over from one academic year to the next.

Recommended readings

Biology (2nd edition) by Raven, Johnson, Mason, Losos and Singer (de Boeck edition, 2011) + additional documents that may be submitted on webcampus

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree