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Biology

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved
Course Description Version:9.00
Study Course Accepted:06.08.2024 13:12:49
Study Course Information
Course Code:BUMK_024LQF level:Level 6
Credit Points:4.00ECTS:6.00
Branch of Science:BiologyTarget Audience:Medical Services
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:Agrita Puzuka
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:Department of Biology and Microbiology
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:Riga, Dzirciema Street 16, bmkatrsu[pnkts]lv, +371 67061584
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)8Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures16
Classes (count)8Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes16
Total Contact Hours32
Full-Time - Semester No.2
Lectures (count)8Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures16
Classes (count)8Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes16
Total Contact Hours32
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Required knowledge of general biology according to high school curriculum.
Objective:
To provide students with a theoretical knowledge base in biology with an emphasis on those aspects of biology that are important to a public health professional.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1Cell as the basic unit of the body. Eukaryotic cell building elements, their characteristics, functions, pathology.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
2Genetic information storage posibilities. DNS. Chromatin. Chromosomes.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
3Basics of molecular biology. DNA replication. Gene expression: transcription, translation.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
4Cell cycle, its regulation. Cell division (mitosis, meiosis). Cell death.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
5Gametogenesis (oogenesis, spermatogenesis). Biological basis of fertilization. Teratogenic effects on embryonic development.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
6Basics of genetics. Mendelian laws. Mono-, di, poly-hybrid cross. Test-cross. Allelic gene interaction.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
7Gene interaction. Non-allelic gene interaction. Gene linkage.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
8Monogenic types of inheritance. Autosomal and sex linked inheritance.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
9Variability, its impact on the individual and the population. Alterations in genes, chromosomes, and genomes, their consequences.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
10Role of genes and environment in origin of traits. Multifactorial type of inheritance.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
11The effect of natural selection and gene drift on the population. Population genetics.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
12Ecology. Basic branches and methodology of ecological research. Limitations.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
13Abiotic factors – light, temperature and humidity.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
14Biomes, types, characteristics.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
15Populations and biocenoses.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
16Biological diversity. Basic issues of nature protection.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
17Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure (analysis of microscopic slides). Defective organelle - cause of human pathology (discussion).Classes1.00auditorium
18Properties of plasma membrane. Osmotic properties of plant and animal cells (temporary slides).Classes1.00auditorium
19The nucleus of a cell. The chromosomes. Metaphase plate analysis (microscopic slides).Classes1.00auditorium
20Mitosis in animal and plant cells (microscopic slides and scheme analysis). Gametogenesis (microscopic slides).Classes1.00auditorium
21Colloquium (the cell)Classes1.00E-Studies platform
22Problem solving: Mendelian genetics, gene interactions.Classes1.00auditorium
23Problem solving: gene interaction, gene linkage.Classes1.00auditorium
24Analysis of types of inheritance. Group work: construction and analysis of pedigree.Classes1.00auditorium
25Alteration on genes, chromosomes, genome. Discussion. Problem solving.Classes1.00auditorium
26Multifactorial type of inheritatnce. Discussion. Problem solving.Classes1.00auditorium
27Population genetics. Discussion. Problem solving.Classes1.00auditorium
28Colloquium (the genetics).Classes1.00E-Studies platform
29Levels of ecological research. Adaptation of organisms to limiting factors. Situation analysis (tasks in e-studies).Classes1.00E-Studies platform
30Analysis of biomes, populations, biocenoses. Discussion (tasks in e-studies).Classes1.00E-Studies platform
31Presentation and discussion of group work “Ecological problems and their solutions”.Classes1.00auditorium
32Colloquium (the ecology).Classes1.00E-Studies platform
Assessment
Unaided Work:
Students must independently learn the content of video collections in order to perform e-tests and protocols. The independent work "Organelle Defect - the Cause of Human Pathology" and the independent work "Genetic Information Realization Processes" presentations must be prepared, according to certain previously discussed criteria. Outside contact hours in the 1st semester students must develop the individual work "The family tree" must be developed and submitted in the e-seminar format, hat allows also the evaluation of the colleague (other student) work. Using knowledge of the multifactorial type of inheritance, students should analyze the role of the environment and genes in the origin of a multifactorial trait, and present their observations in the lesson. Outside contact hours in the 2nd semester students must prepare a presentation of group work "Ecological problems and their solutions", and additionally submit it in e-seminar form to evaluate two other collogues works.
Assessment Criteria:
Students' participation in practical classes, weekly tests (e-tests) about particular theory topics, ability to explain the results obtained in practical work, making conclusions according to the obtained results are evaluated (e-protocols). Students' knowledge and skills are assessed in three colloquia during the 1st and 2nd semesters. At the end of the semester, a student will receive a pass if the average mark of e-tests / e-assignments and points received in colloquia is equal or above mark 4. The examination grade consists of a cumulative mark (an average mark of the e-tests / e-tasks and the marks of the colloquia; if colloquium is taken repeatedly, then the failed ones are also included in the calculation). If the student is not satisfied with the cumulative assessment, then it is possible to take an oral exam (both semester topics included), answering three broad questions and solving one genetic task. The grade obtained in the exam is final, even if it is lower than the cumulative grade.
Final Examination (Full-Time):Exam
Final Examination (Part-Time):
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:Students will gain an understanding of the structure, functions and dysfunctions of the cell – a basic unit of living organisms, the role of genetic processes in health maintenance and disease development, the impact of adverse environmental factors role of organisms in nature and human life, interaction of living organisms with environment, including human interaction with environment, nature protection, especially in Latvia, Latvian and global environmental problems.
Skills:Students will acquire skills of working with light microscope and preparation of microscopic slides, as well as simple calculations of genetic problems to predict the potential frequency of genetic pathology in a family, to use basic ecological research methods.
Competencies:Students will acquire basic knowledge about human as a biological being and understanding of human place and its relation with the nature.
Bibliography
No.Reference
Required Reading
1Lekciju materiāls (e-studijās)
2Krūmiņa A., Baumanis V. Eikariotu šūnu bioloģija, RSU izdevniecība, 2015
3Turnpenny P.D., & Ellard S. Emery's Elements of Medical Genetics and Genomics, 2022
4Melecis V. Ekoloģija. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2011 (akceptējams izdevums)
Additional Reading
1Balodis V Ģ u.c., Rokasgrāmata bioloģijā, Zvaigzne ABC, 2015
Other Information Sources
1The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)
2Madera S. Bioloģija I, II un III daļa, Zvaigzne ABC, 2001.