Biology in Daily Life

课程简介

/ Indicative Syllabus 1. Introduction to different life forms and Human Body • What is life: from molecules to cells to a whole human body. • Overview of different groups of organisms relevant to human health: viruses, bacteria, protozoa, simple animals and humans. • Microbes in daily life. 2. From Cells to Body System • Cells as the basic building blocks of life. • Introduction to various cell types such as bacteria, yeast and human cells • Simple structure and functions of major subcellular • Different major cell types in the human body • Cell division, growth and repair; abnormal growth and an introduction to cancer. • Organization of tissues, organs and systems in humans. • Homeostasis: how the body keeps internal balance 3. Genetics, heredity and human disease • Genetic material: simple structure and role of DNA and RNA. • Genes and how they store information for making proteins. • From DNA to traits: basic idea of gene expression. • How genetic information is passed to offspring; examples of inherited traits. -- 1 of 3 -- • Introduction to genetic diseases and screening. 4. Infectious disease and immunity • Types of pathogens: viruses, bacteria, protozoa and how they enter and spread in the body. • Basic concepts of the immune response: innate and adaptive immunity, antibodies, vaccines. 5. Drugs and how they work (pharmacology basics) • What is a drug; difference between drugs, biologics, medicines and poisons. • How drugs act on the body explained in simple terms. • Side effects, misuse of drugs, and basic concepts of safe medication use. 6. Modern biotechnology and human health • Recent new drugs development and advanced biotechnology • Impacts of biotechnology on everyday life, medicine and the environment.

目标

This subject gives students an easy-to-understand introduction to how the human body works at the level of cells, tissues, organs and body systems. It also introduces common diseases, basic ideas of how drugs work, and a few modern biomedical technologies that affect health and society. The main aim of this subject is to arouse students’ interest in biological developments so that they can appreciate the impact of biomedical science.

先修要求

/ Co-requisite/ Exclusion Exclusion: ABCT1D04 or ABCT1101.

Teaching Pattern

Methodology In the lectures, the basic concepts and knowledge will be delivered to the students. These knowledge and concepts will be further enhanced through tutorial exercises, discussions and debates during tutorials, and through