Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Memorise and understand the main concepts and fundamental biological functions, integrating the different levels of organisation, complexity and diversity of living organisms (molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organism, population, etc.)
  • Cross-cutting approach to the subject (integrative biology)
  • To understand the origins of life, the diversification and increasing complexity of the living world, with the development of major organs and systems in multi-cellular organisms
  • Become familiar with a number of parasites, their complex cycles and the symptoms they cause in humans
  • Integrate evolutionary processes by situating the human species and its origins
  • To provide an objective scientific assessment of the current biodiversity and climate change crisis
  • Master the vocabulary related to the subjec

Goals

The objective of the course is to give the student a transversal vision of the living world from the molecule to the organism, by integrating the different levels of organization, complexity and diversity of the living world (molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organism, population, ...) and the evolutionary aspects. The course aims to familiarize the student with certain parasites, by linking cycles and symptoms and to approach the complexification and diversification of the animal world from an evolutionary point of view (Protists, Helminths, Insects and Mammals/Primates). Finally, it also aims to shed scientific light on the current crisis of biodiversity and climate change.

Content

Diversification of the living world and evolutionary aspects

Diversity of the living world with a focus on protists (unicellular) and the animal world, reviewing the different planes of organization, while illustrating them with some parasites. This part of the course will end with a chapter on the phylogenetic revolution.

Evolution in general (Darwin's updated theory) and hominization. This part of the course also includes microevolution and speciation.

Biodiversity and climate change crisis.

Table of contents

Diversification of the Living World and Evolutionary Aspects

(For a more detailed table of contents, please refer to WebCampus)


General Introduction: Overview of the diversity of the living world – Domains and Kingdoms


Chapter 1: The Domain of Eukaryotes – Origins and Protists


  1. The first unicellular eukaryotes and their diversification – The endosymbiotic theory
  2. The Animal Kingdom
  3. The Fungal Kingdom
  4. The Plant Kingdom – For information
  5. Taxonomy, Systematics, Cladistics, and Phylogeny
  6. Conclusions of Part 1


Chapter 2: Evolution – Darwin, Evolutionary Theories, and Mechanisms of Evolution


  1. Historical background – Darwin before and after
  2. Darwin’s Theory
  3. Some arguments in favor of evolution
  4. Mechanisms of evolution and population genetics
  5. Speciation or the origin of species
  6. Macroevolution versus microevolution
  7. Summary – The synthetic theory of evolution and conclusions


Chapter 3: Biodiversity – Crisis and Conservation Biology


  1. Definition of biodiversity
  2. The biodiversity crisis: some key figures
  3. What’s wrong with losing biodiversity?
  4. Major causes of the biodiversity crisis
  5. The biosphere under pressure from human activities
  6. Carbon dioxide and global warming
  7. Conservation biology: the example of Costa Rica


Teaching methods

The lecture is illustrated by a maximum number of diagrams, simple ones on the board or on a tablet, and more complex ones via PowerPoint presentations with figures from the reference books. The figure numbers are always specified so that the student can easily find them in the reference book and a table of contents is regularly projected so that the student can situate himself/herself in relation to the subject without difficulty. The links with the course SBIOB154 are specified.

Wherever possible and depending on the subject matter, "mainstream" science news will be mentioned in the course (e.g. the discovery of a new fossil or species or the latest news about the malaria vaccine).

Students are encouraged to ask questions during breaks between classes, via the "Frequently Asked Questions" forum on WebCampus, or by scheduling an appointment with the professor.

Optional mini multiple-choice quizzes, featuring exam-style questions, are offered mid-semester to help students self-assess and guide their study.

Assessment method

Assessment organised in June and August. Multiple-choice written exam.

Sources, references and any support material

Biology by Raven, Johnson, Mason, Losos and Singer (de Boeck, latest editions) + additional documents posted on WebCampus

Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences Standard 0 4
Bachelor in Pharmacy Standard 0 4
Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences Standard 1 4
Bachelor in Pharmacy Standard 1 4