Institute of Biology

College of Science
University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City
COURSE SYLLABUS
BIO 1 CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Recent developments in biology pertinent to concerns about the nature of life, health and
related social issues
Credit: 3 units (3 hours lecture)
Prerequisites: none

LECTURE COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Describe the different methods and concepts to studying life

Recognize the different types of reproduction
Demonstrate awareness on how to ensure good reproductive health
Describe the basic principles of heredity
Discuss how genetics and genetic engineering can increase human productivity and
benefit human health
6. Apply basic scientific principles in biology to provide sensible opinions on concerns
regarding the environment and human health
7. Demonstrate awareness of how intrinsic and extrinsic factors impact biodiversity and
human health
8. Discuss how life evolves using the mechanisms of evolution
9. Explain why the Philippines has a high biodiversity
10. Discuss how human activities affect ecosystems

LECTURE COURSE OUTLINE

Topic
Orientation
Exploring Life
1. The Concept of Life
2. Manifestations of Life
3. Methods in the Study of Biology
4. Theories on the Origin of Life
5. Life: Structure, Function and Control
Reproduction
1. Asexual and Sexual Reproduction
2. Cloning
3. Reproductive Health and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
4. Assisted Reproductive Technology
4.1 In vitro Fertilization
4.2 Artificial Insemination
4.3 Gamete Cryopreservation
4.4 Embryo Transfer
Genetics
1. Laws of Inheritance

Number of Meetings

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2. Patterns of Inheritance
3. Genome Projects
4. Familial Diseases and Genetic Counselling
5. Gene Action in Development
6. Gene Therapy
7. Genetically Modified Organisms
First Lecture Exam
Systematics & Evolution
1. Concept of Species
2. Systematics & the Diversity of Life
3. Mechanisms and Evidences of Evolution
4. The Darwinian Theory: Model for Explaining the History and
Diversity of Life
5. Evo-devo
6. Human Evolution: Biological and Cultural
7. Evolution of Sex
Ecology & Conservation Biology
1. Ecosystems: Structure and Processes
2. Anthropogenic Impact
3. Climate Change
4. Sustainable Natural Resources: Management and
Bioremediation
5. Biodiversity Conservation
Other Suggested Current Topics
1. Cancer Biology
2. Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases
3. Human Microbiome
4. Biological Warfare
5. Stem Cells
6. Immunotherapy
7. Forensic Biology
8. Genome Editing
9. Current Status of Biological Research in the Philippines
Second Lecture Exam
Total

1
32

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Total pre-final grade will be computed based on the following:
1

Examination 1 + Interactive Sessions

2 + Interactive Sessions

1Examination

50%
50%

Final grade will be computed based on the following:

For students who are exempted2 from taking the final exam, final grade = 100% of
total pre-final grade

For students who are not exempted from taking the final exam, final grade = 80% of
total pre-final grade + 20% of final exam

Passing grade: 50%

1
2

The final examination can make up for a long exam missed for valid reason
Exemption from the final exam: Average of 50% or better

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GRADING SCALE
Percentage
90-100
85-89
80-84
75-79
70-74
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
45-49
44 & below

Grade
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
4.00
5.00

ATTENDANCE
University rules on attendance will be followed: When the number of hours lost by absence
of a student reaches 20% of the hours of lecture or any other scheduled work in one subject
(exceed 6 unexcused absences), the student shall be dropped from the subject. If the
majority of the absences are excused, a student shall not be given a grade of 5 upon being
thus dropped (referred to as forced drop); but if the majority of the absences are not
excused, the student shall be given a grade of 5 upon being thus dropped. Time lost by late
enrolment shall be considered as time lost by absence. [Art. 346]

STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated inside the classroom. Students involved
in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and
procedures which may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
Any student shall be subjected to disciplinary action if found guilty to have engaged in any
form of cheating in examinations or any act of dishonesty in relation to his/her studies. The
student shall be barred from graduating with honors, even if their weighted average is within
the requirement for graduation with honors and shall be penalized with suspension for not
less than one (1) year. (Chapter 12, Section 2a and 25a, Faculty Manual, UP Diliman.)

REFERENCES
Reece, J.B., M. R. Taylor, E. J. Simon, J. L. Dickey. 2011. Campbell Biology. Concepts &
Connections. 7th Ed. Benjamin Cummings
Starr, C., R. Taggart, C. Evers, L. Starr. 2013. Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life. 13th
Ed. Cengage Learning.
Journal articles

OTHER INFORMATION
Dates (No Classes): August 19 (Quezon City Day); August 29 (National Heroes Day);
October 14 (ACLE, 1 pm 5 pm only); October 31 (Special Non-Working Day); November 1
(All Saints Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day)
Dates to Remember: October 5 (Mid-semester); October 14 (ACLE); October 27 (deadline
for dropping); November 11 (deadline for filing of LOA); December 5 (end of classes);
December 6 (integration period); December 7-14 (final exams); December 16 (lantern
parade)
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