Department: Course Syllabus

Department: BioTechnology Form BT.S020

Biology (Code: BT155IU)

COURSE OVERVIEW
The course covers some central concepts in biology. Topics ranging from molecules, cellular
structure and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, cellular reproduction, plant
and animal biology to genetics and its application in biotechnology, evolution and
biodiversity are all discussed within the context of fundamental principles that pervade all
organisms. The laboratory includes basic laboratory skills such as safety, microscope use,
and measurement, and it reinforces topics discussed in lecture.

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 Department: Course Syllabus
Department: BioTechnology Form BT.S020

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the conclusion of the course, students should achieve the following:
1. An understanding of:
a. The structures and functions of 4 important biological molecules.
b. The structures and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
c. The processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and their relationship to each
other.
d. The mechanics of mitosis and meiosis and the relationship of these processes to
reproduction and function.
e. How genetic information is stored in DNA and translated into protein.
f. Genetic principles of simple Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance problems and
concepts
g. Advantages and disadvantages of using genetic engineering techniques today in plants,
humans and other animals and the ethical issues related to biotechnology.
h. General concepts of biodiversity and evolution
i. Basic principles of animal and plant form and function.

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Department: BioTechnology Form BT.S020

j. The interactions between organims and their enrivonment and ecosystem dynamics
2. Development of their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Experience with basic experimental techniques used in biology.
4. Ability to explain many aspects of everyday life using biological concepts.

PREREQUISITES
No prerequisite

INSTRUCTOR(S)
Bui Chi Bao (PhD), Rm. 501, bcbao@ump.edu.vn

RESOURCES
Recommended book(s):
Neil A. Campbell, Jane B. Reece, Biology, 7th Edition, Benjamin Cummings, 2005

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Department: BioTechnology Form BT.S020

or
Jane B. Reece, Lisa A. Urry, Michael L. Cain, Steven A. Wasserman, Peter V. Minorsky, Robert B.
Jackson, Campbell Biology, 9th Edition, Benjamin Cummings, 2010

On IU Blackboard
Link to course documents on BB
Other Website(s)
CONTENTS (3 lecture credits + 1 lab credit)
Lecture (3 credits = 45 hours)
1. Chapter 1 (1 hours): Introduction to the course.
2. Chapter 2 (4 hours): Biochemistry. The Chemical context of life, Water and the fitness of
the environment , Carbon & the molecular diversity of life, The structure and function of
macromolecules.

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Department: BioTechnology Form BT.S020

3. Chapter 3 (8 hours): Cells. Overview of cell; Cellular respiration; Photosynthesis; Cell

communication; The cell cycle; Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles.
4. Chapter 4 (8 hours): Introduction to Genetics. Mendel and the gene idea; The
chromosomal basis of inheritance; The molecular basis of inheritance; From gene to
protein; Genetics of viruses & bacteria; Eukaryotic genomes; DNA technology and
genomics.
5. Chapter 5 (6 hours): Introduction to Evolution of Biodiversity. How does life evolve? ;
The diversity of life; Biodiversity: exploitation vs. preservation
6. Chapter 6 (6 hours): Structure and Function Animals. Basic principles of animal form
and function; Animal nutrition; Circulation and gas exchange; Immune system,
Osmoregulation and excretion; Hormones and the endocrine system; Reproduction and
development; Nervous system; Sensory & motor mechanisms.
7. Chapter 7 (6 hours): Structure and Function Plants. Plant Structure, reproduction and
development; Transport in Vascular Plants; Plant Nutrition; Plant Responses to Signals.

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8. Chapter 8 (6 hours): Introduction to Ecology. Ecology studies the interaction between

organisms and its environment; Ecosystem dynamics.

Laboratory (1 credit = 30 hours)

1. Lab 1: Microscopy: Exploring cells.
2. Lab 2: Organic compositions of the cell.
3. Lab 3: Photosynthesis and water evaporation.
4. Lab 4: Enzyme reactions.
5. Lab 5: Mitosis; meiosis.

GRADING
Midterm Exam: 30%
Final Exam: 40%

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Department: BioTechnology Form BT.S020

Others:1 30% Included: Assignments & Quizz: 15%; Labwork: 15%

POLICY2
Language
English only. Both students and instructors are encouraged to use English for all
communications, either in or outside of class. At minimum English must be used when in
class.
Attendance

1
May consist of assignment, presentation and/or labworks. Please specify so that students should be informed how they will be evaluated in
advance. Attendance is a requirement to sit for the mid-term and final exams. No marks should be given for attendance. For labworks it is
recommended that students are evaluated after each class and overally at the end. The final examination for labworks should not contribute
more than 30% of the final score for labworks.
2
The following policies are applied to all courses offered by the School of Biotechnology, International University VNUHCM. Instructor(s) is
encouraged to add and discuss with the students additional policies that could help improve the quality of the course or its delivery.

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Students must attend at least 80% of the classes in order to qualify for sitting the midterm
and final exams. All absence, if not emergent, requires approval of the instructor(s) in
advance. Absence for exams requires in-advanced approval of the Office of Academic Affairs.
Safety
Both instructor(s) and students are requested to strictly follow the rules/regulations related
to safety issued by the university and/or the school. Violation, no matter on intention or not,
implies immediate dimission from class or labwork session.
Teaching hours
All classes start sharply at 08:00 in the morning and 13:00 in the afternoon. Each teaching
period lasts for 45 mins and must be delivered in the presence of either the instructor(s) or
his/her teaching assistant. Students that do not come on time can be considered as not
attending the class.
Communication

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Conversation between instructor(s) and students is possible via in-person contact or email.
It is recommended that students check with the instructor(s) first before attempting to use
telephone for communication.
Qualification of the instructor(s)
Instructor(s) and his/her teaching assistant, once approved by the university and the school,
i.e. names appear on the semesters official schedule, are qualified for teaching. They are fully
responsible for the quality of teaching reflected via the preparation of this syllabus, available
materials uploaded on IU-Blackboard, lecture notes or handouts and, if the course requires
labwork, lab manual. Without permission from the university and the school no other
person could teach on behalf of the instructor(s)
Report
Any matter related to the course should be directly reported and discussed with the
instructor(s) before attempting to resolve it at the school or the university levels.
Appointment to meet with the Dean of School could be made via the schools secretary or via

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Department: BioTechnology Form BT.S020

email biotechnology@hcmiu.edu.vn. Students who wish to remain anonymous could write

and drop their complaints in the White Box in front of the schools office.

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