INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

About this Course

This course gives information about the diversity of life on earth from the simplest to more complex and advanced organisms. It focuses on how living things are categorized into groups based on their common features, unique life history and evolutionary relationship.

Course Learning Outcomes

1) Describe characteristics, unique life history and common features in each major group of living things.
2) Perform (plan, conduct and analyse) scientific investigations in area of biological diversity.
3) Demonstrate verbally and in writing the articulation of information with relevant ideas related to biological diversity.

Course Syllabus

+ Course Syllabus

1) Introduction to Biological Diversity
Terminologies in Biodiversity
Binomial System
Hierarchy of Classification
Development in Classification System
Systematics and Phylogeny

2) Viruses
Structure and Characteristics
Mode of reproduction
Viroids and Prions

3) Kingdom Eubacteria and Archaebacteria
3.1 Eubacteria
Structure and characteristics
Mode of reproduction
Gram positive and Gram negative Bacteria
Metabolic diversity in bacteria

3.2 Archaeabacteria
Methanogens, Thermophiles and Halophiles
Difference between Eubacteria and Archaebacteria
Significance of bacteria in ecology and economy



4) Kingdom Protista
4.1 Characteristics of Protista
4.2 Protozoa - classification, structures, characteristics and mode of reproduction
4.3 Algae - classification, structures, characteristics and mode of reproduction
4.4 Molds - classification, structures, characteristics and mode of reproduction


5) Kingdom Fungi
5.1 Characteristics of Fungi
5.2 Classification and Life Cycle
5.3 Lichens
5.4 Significance of Fungi in ecology and economy

6) Kingdom Plantae
6.1 Characteristics of Plantae
6.2 Non-vascular plants - Mossess and allies
6.3 Evolutionary history - roots, leaves, spores and seeds
6.4 Seedles vascular plants - Ferns and allies
6.5 Seed plants - Gymnosperms
6.6 Seed plants - Angiosperms

7) Kingdom Animalia
7.1 Evolutionary relationship and characteristics of animals
7.2 Structure and characteristics of sponges
7.3 Structure and characteristics of Cnidaria and Ctenophora
7.4 Structure and characteristics of Platyhelminthes, Nemertea and Annelida
7.5 Structure and characteristics of Rotifera, Mollusca and Arthropoda
7.6 Structure and characteristics of Echinodermata
7.7 Structure and characteristics of Chordata

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 : Can this subject provide a credit exemption at Bachelor Degree programme?
A1 : For those interested to pursue for Bachelor in Biology (Hons), this subject can provide exemption for the degree code related to BIO460 (Biodiversity)