Introduction to Biology
ΒΒ0101 | ECTS:4
Theory: 3 hours/week
Learning Outcomes
The primary purpose of the course is to present the breadth of biological organization and diversity to first-year students in a concise but as complete a manner as possible. A comparative approach is followed to present the phenomenon of life at all its levels and to build awareness of its enormous diversity, which nevertheless is based on and results from common basic structures and functions. Thus, not only the basis of life is presented but also the evolution, adaptation and interaction of living organisms within their changing environment.
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:
- know and be able to describe the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and organisms
- explain the basis of the classification of each kingdom of eukaryotic organisms
- distinguish the different types of tissues of plants and animals and identify the organs that they form
- present comparatively how the basic functions are served in each animal taxon
- compare the reproductive strategies and structures within each eukaryotic kingdom
- describe the developmental course of plants and animals.
Analytical Description of the Course
- Introduction. The field of biology, scientific milestones, fundamental principles, theories about the origin and evolution of life.
- The chemical basis of life. Atomic composition of organisms, chemical bonds and their roles in the structure and function of biomolecules. Water as a basic component of biological systems. Structure and function of biomolecules (proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, adenosine triphosphate).
- Prokaryotic life forms, viruses, viroids, prions. Morphology, structure, movement and multiplication of prokaryotic organisms (Archaea and Bacteria); basic elements of their classification and position in the tree of life; antibiotics, their mechanisms of action and microbial resistance to them; differences and similarities with eukaryotic organisms. Viruses, structure and groups of viruses, reproduction, pathogenesis and treatment of viruses. Viroids and prions.
- Eukaryotic cell. Cellular organelles and differences between animal/plant cells. Basic differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- The classification of living organisms: Principles of classification. Methods of systematic classification and taxonomic ranks. Presentation of Protists and Fungi
- Plant organisms: Why do we study plants? Classification of plant organisms (bryophytes and tracheophytes, sporophytes and spermatophytes, monocots and dicots).
- The plant cell and plant tissues (meristematic and permanent), Histological structure of plant organs (leaf, shoot, root), vascular system (transport of water and nutrients), absorption of nutrients by the root – symbiotic relationships
- Plant reproduction: the reproductive organs of plants, Reproduction in angiosperms (fertilization, embryogenesis, sperm production), asexual reproduction
- Animal organisms: The phylogeny and classification of the main animal phyla (Sponges, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Annelids, Molluscs, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, Chordates).
- The tissues and organ systems of animal organisms Integumentary, Muscular, Skeletal, Nervous, Circulatory, Respiratory, Digestive, Excretory, Sensory organs.
- Reproduction and development of animal organisms. Methods of reproduction, gametogenesis, fertilization, overview of development
- Ecology. Subject of Ecology (biotic and abiotic interactions in an ecosystem). Fundamental concepts. Abiotic environments and basic principles governing them. Species, populations and communities of organisms. The concept of the ecosystem. Flow of energy and matter. Biogeochemical cycles.
Student Performance Evaluation
Students are evaluated based on their performance either in the written exams at the end of the semester or in two intermediate exams during the semester.
The written exam includes:
1. open-ended questions (50 points)
2. fill-in-the-blank sentences (20 points)
3. sentences that the student must decide whether they are true or false (30 points)
The total number of correct answers corresponds to 100 points, which are reduced to a grade of 10.
Suggested Bibliography
- Campbell Biology, 13th edition, Lisa A. Urry, Peter V. Minorsky, Kerry L. Hull, Rebecca B. Orr; Published by Pearson (2025).
- Biology 11th edition, Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana Martin, Linda Berg; Published by Brooks/Cole/Cengage, 2018.
- Biology- The Unity and Diversity of Life, 15th edition, Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr; Published by Cengage Learning, 2018.
- Biology Today and Tomorrow With Physiology, 6th Edition by Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr. Cengage, 2021
Teaching Material / E-class
Lecturers
Katerina Μoutou (Course Coordinator)
