Upon completion of the theoretical and practical teaching activities, students will have acquired the knowledge and concepts necessary to:
Understand the main biological concepts and fundamental biological functions, integrating the different levels of organization, complexity, and diversity of living systems, from molecules to populations (molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, etc.).
Adopt a transversal and integrative approach to biology, by establishing connections between different concepts and linking the various topics covered throughout the course.
Acquire and apply fundamental knowledge in descriptive biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics.
Master the key terminology and concepts associated with the different disciplines covered in the course.
The aim of the course is to provide students with an integrative and transversal view of living systems, from molecules to organisms, by highlighting the relationships between the different levels of biological organization, complexity, and diversity (molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, etc.). The course also incorporates an evolutionary perspective, placing biological concepts within their evolutionary context. It also aims to provide students with a solid foundation in cell biology and genetics, which is essential for understanding the biological mechanisms covered throughout the course.
The course first introduces the main macromolecules that constitute living systems, with a focus on their essential functions within the cell. It then addresses the main flows of energy, matter, and information that enable cells to function and interact with their environment. Energy and matter flows are explored in particular through the mechanisms of cellular respiration, which ensure the production and conversion of the energy required for cellular activities.
The flow of information is addressed from two complementary perspectives:
Decoding genetic information, including the mechanisms underlying the expression of the information contained in the genetic material and the synthesis of the macromolecules required for cellular function.
Signal perception and transduction, focusing on the mechanisms by which cells detect information from their environment and convert it into appropriate cellular responses.
Theory
Chapter 1: Macromolecules of Living Organisms
Chapter 2: Subcellular Structures
Chapter 3: Biological Membranes and Transport
Chapter 4: Energy Metabolism
Chapter 5: Cell Communication
Chapter 6: Mitosis and the Cell Cycle
Chapter 7: Meiosis
Chapter 8: Genetics
Chapter 9: DNA: The Genetic Material and Its Replication
Chapter 10: Transcription and Translation
Chapter 11: Genetics and Gene Expression in Prokaryotes
Chapter 12: Gene Expression in Eukaryotes
Practical Sessions
Session 1: Light Microscopy
Session 2: Microscopy, Cell Structures and Cellular Components
Session 3: Biomolecules of Living Organisms – online on WebCampus
Session 4: Proteins – online on WebCampus
Session 5: Enzymes
Session 6: Cell Permeability
Session 7: Cellular Energetics: Fermentation and Cellular Respiration
Session 8: The Cell Cycle – online on WebCampus
Session 9: Meiosis
The objective of the practical sessions is to explore, through a variety of experiments, observations, and exercises, the key concepts covered in the theoretical General Biology course. This practical manual has therefore been designed to help students make connections between theory and practice.
The practical sessions also provide an opportunity to develop practical skills in scientific methodology and laboratory work.
To ensure that students participate effectively in the sessions, preparation must be completed at home. For each session, students are expected to read carefully the introductory notes in the practical manual, as well as the relevant theoretical material. The theoretical concepts will not be reviewed during the practical session.
The lectures make extensive use of diagrams and illustrations, presented in PowerPoint slides, with figures mainly taken from standard reference textbooks in the field. The lecture materials are made available to students in PDF format at the beginning of the semester.
The theoretical examination, in the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ), accounts for 80% of the final grade. The practical sessions (9 sessions in total) are subject to continuous assessment and account for 20% of the final grade. A make-up session for the practical work is organized during the flexible week for students who are absent due to a medical condition and provide a medical certificate justifying their absence. The practical work grade is a hurdle requirement, with a threshold set at 7/20. A grade below 7/20 for the practical work results in failure of the course unit, regardless of the grade obtained in the theoretical examination. No remediation is offered, either in June or in August.
The practical sessions are mandatory, even if (1) the student’s registration has not yet been administratively validated and/or (2) the student’s annual study programme (PAE) has not yet been approved by the admissions committee. Each unjustified absence will result in a grade of 0/20. In the event of absence due to force majeure, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the lecturer and teaching assistants within 5 working days in order to attend a make-up session. Within the same timeframe, the student must also submit to the teaching assistants and to the faculty administration via SIGALE all relevant documents required to justify the force majeure situation. Medical certificates based solely on the student’s declaration (“dixit”) will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the make-up arrangements will result in a grade of 0/20 for the missed practical session. If a student does not attend any practical session, the final grade for the course unit will be 0/20 (breach of academic requirements).
The proper conduct of practical sessions requires a certain level of discipline. Any behaviour deemed inappropriate (failure to comply with instructions or to respect others, being under the influence of alcohol, endangering others, etc.) will result in a grade of 0/20 for the session concerned. In the event of repeated misconduct, the UNamur Student Code of Conduct will apply.
The use of generative AI tools or the Internet is strictly prohibited during the practical sessions.
Raven et al., Biologie, 6e éd., De Boeck Supérieur, 2023
Research and review articles may also be made available on WebCampus.
| Training | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences | 1 | 7 | Yes |
| Bachelor in Pharmacy | 1 | 8 | Yes |