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551-0101-00L 5 Credits BSC D-CHAB , D-BIOL , D-HEST

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Fundamentals of Biology IA: General Biology

GL der Biologie IA: Allgemeine Biologie

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Nikolaus Amrhein, Prof. em. Dr. Klaus Apel, Prof. em. Dr. Markus Aebi, Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Krek, Prof. Dr. Martin Ackermann

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:05:53

Abstract

The course provides an introduction to the basics of cell biology and genetics, the mechanisms of evolution, the evolutionary history of biological diversity, principal plant and animal form and function, and ecology.

Objective

Introduction to modern biology and to principal biological concepts.

Content

The course is divided into several chapters: 1. The cell: structure, cell cycle. 2. Inheritance: meiosis and sexual reproduction; Mendelian genetics, chromosomal basis of inheritance, molecular basis of inheritance, from gene to protein,. 3. Mechanisms of evolution: Darwinism, evolution of populations, origin of species, phylogeny. 4. Biological diversity: prokaryotes and the origin of metabolic diversity, origin of the eukaryotic cell, eukaryotic diversity, diversity of plants, fungi, and animals. 5. Plant, form and function: photosynthesis, evolution of seed plants, structure and grwoth of plants, reproduction and development of plants. 6. Animals, form and function: introduction to the functional structure of animals, nutrition, circulation and gas exchange, regulation of the internal environment, chemical signals, reproduction, development, nervous system, sensory and motor mechanisms. 7. Ecology: Biology of behaviour, population ecology, interactions, ecosystems.

Resources

Lecture Notes

None.

Literature

The text-book "Biology" (Campbell, Reece) (7th edition) is the basis of the course. The structure of the course is largely identical with that of the text-book.

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 150 minutes
Aids: Keine.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	GL der Biologie IA: Allgemeine Biologie	Wed 13:15-15:00 (HG E 7) Thu 09:45-11:30 (HPH G 1) Fri 10:45-11:30 (HPH G 1) 20.12 Date 13:15-15:00 (HG F 7)	5 h weekly

Offered In

Human Movement Sciences Bachelor
- 1. Semester
  - First Year Examinations (1. Sem.)
Pharmaceutical Sciences Bachelor
- First Year
  - First Year Examinations
Biology Bachelor
- First Year, 1. Semester (Bachelor Programme Regulations 2006)
  - Biological Direction (Recommended for the Master Majors: Ecology and Evolution, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Immunology, Cell Biology, Plant Biology, Systems Biology)
    - First Year Examinations, Biological Direction, 1. Semester
  - Chemical Direction (Recommended for the Master Majors: Microbiology and Immunology, Cell Biology, Plant Biology, Systems Biology, Structural Biology and Biophysics, Biological Chemistry)
    - First Year Examinations, Chemical Direction, 1. Semester
Interdisciplinary Sciences Bachelor
- Physical-Chemical Direction
  - 3. Semester (Physical-Chemical Direction)
    - Compulsory elective subjects (Further combinations of Compulsory elective subjects arising upon specific written request by the students and permission by the Director of studies.)
- Biochemical-Physical Direction
  - 1. Semester (Biochemical-Physical Direction)
    - Compulsory Subjects First Year Examinations (1. Semester)
  - 3. Semester (Biochemical-Physical Direction)
    - Compulsory elective subjects (Further combinations of Compulsory elective subjects arising upon specific written request by the students and permission by the Director of studies.)