Foundation programme

Course content:

Lectures

Chapter 1: Classification of the living world

Prokaryotes

Eukaryotes and the general organization of a eukaryotic cell: cell organelles

Viruses

Chapter 2: The plasma membrane

1- Chemical composition

2- Biochemical study

Membrane lipids

Membrane proteins

Membrane carbohydrates

3- Characteristics of the plasma membrane

4- Physiology of the plasma membrane

Passive transport

Active transport

Vesicular transport

- Endocytosis

- Exocytosis

Chapter 3: The cell cycle

Mitosis

Meiosis

Chapter 4: Neurotransmission

- Neuron structure

- The nerve impulse and the sodium–potassium pump

Chapter 5: Muscle contraction

- Muscle fibre structure

- Sarcomere structure

- Mechanism of muscle contraction and the calcium pump

Tutorials

Tutorial 1: Cell structure: the interphase nucleus and cytosol.

Tutorial 2: The cell cycle.

Tutorial 3: The endomembrane system: Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes and

endosomes.

Tutorial 4: Mitochondria, chloroplasts and plastids.

Tutorial 5: The cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix.

Practical classes

Practical 1: Methods and techniques for studying cells.

Practical 2: Microscopic study of plant and animal cells.

Practical 3: The plasma membrane and cellular exchanges.

Practical 4: Ultrastructure of the cell and its organelles.

Course content:

Chapter I: Preliminary concepts

Definition of a tissue

Classification of tissues

The concept of tissue in animals

Histological sections

Chapter II: Epithelial tissue

General characteristics

Origin of epithelia

Histogenesis and origin of glands

Chapter III: Connective tissues

General principles

Components of connective tissue

Types of connective tissue

Chapter IV: Skeletal tissues

Cartilage tissue

Bone tissue

Chapter V: Muscle tissue

General principles

Comparison of the three types of muscle fibre

Chapter VI: Nervous tissue

Chapter VII: Blood tissue

General principles

Components of blood

Blood cells

Haematopoiesis

Tutorials

Tutorial 1: Connective tissue: formation of collagen fibres.

Tutorial 2: Exercises on blood.

Tutorial 3: Muscle tissue: comparison of the three types of muscle fibre.

Tutorial 4: Nervous tissue: the motor end plate.

Tutorial 5: Arrangement of tissues within organs.

Practical classes

Practical 1: Introduction to a histology laboratory and histological techniques.

Practical 2: Observation of slides of different lining and covering epithelia.

Practical 3: Observation of slides of different glandular epithelia.

Practical 4: Observation of connective tissue slides; preparation of blood smears and

observation of smears from different species: human, chicken, fish and rabbit.

Practical 5: Observation of slides or projected images of cartilage and bone tissue.

Course content:

LECTURES

STRUCTURE OF MATTER

1) General concepts

States of matter

Homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures

Evidence for atoms, nuclei and particles

Elements, elemental substances and compounds

Atomic mass and isotopes

2) Periodic classification of the elements

Brief history of the periodic table

Classification principles: periods, groups and blocks

Quantum numbers

Electronic configuration and Lewis representation

Periodic properties: radius, electronegativity, ionisation energy, electron affinity, polarisability, and metallic, non-metallic, oxidising, reducing, acidic, basic and amphoteric character

3) The molecule

Localised chemical bonds: covalent, ionic, polar and metallic

Lewis model and octet rule

Molecular geometry: valence-shell electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR)

Physical bonding: van der Waals interactions (Keesom, London and Debye forces) and hydrogen bonding

PRACTICAL WORK

Practical 1: Preparation of solutions.

Practical 2: Acid–base titration — first type.

Practical 3: Acid–base titration — second type.

Course content

LECTURES

Part 1: GENERAL MECHANICS

Chapter I: Dimensional and vector analysis

- Quantities, units and systems of units: MKSA and CGS.

- Dimensional equations and dimensional analysis.

- Error calculations: errors, uncertainties, sources of error, and calculation of absolute and relative uncertainty.

- Main coordinate systems. Inertial reference frames, the

Copernican, geocentric and terrestrial reference frames.

- Coordinates in one, two and three dimensions: 1D, 2D and 3D.

- Polar coordinates.

Chapter II: Particle kinematics: rectilinear motion and sinusoidal rectilinear motion.

Chapter III: Dynamics of a material particle

Chapter IV: Work and energy

Part 2: FLUID MECHANICS

Chapter I: Introduction

- Matter and intermolecular interaction forces.

- The fluid state.

- Mass density and relative density of liquids and gases.

- Continuum description of a fluid and fluid particles.

- Fluid equilibrium.

Chapter II: Hydrostatics

- Definition of pressure in a liquid or fluid.

- Laws of hydrostatics and applications:

• Communicating vessels.

• Pascal's principle and the hydraulic press.

• Archimedes' principle and buoyancy.

• Pressure measurement: barometers and manometers.

- Surface tension and capillarity.

• Surface phenomena.

• Surface tension force.

• Contact of a liquid with a solid and a gas: wetting. Applications: excess pressure, capillary embolism, stalagmometry and Jurin's law.

Chapter III: Hydrodynamics

A. Definitions:

- A liquid or incompressible fluid in motion.

- Mass density of a fluid particle.

- Trajectory of a fluid particle.

- Streamtube.

- Conservation of mass.

B. Ideal fluids.

- Definition.

- Bernoulli's equation and applications.

Part 3: THERMODYNAMICS

Chapter I: General concepts in thermodynamics

- Thermodynamic systems.

- Thermodynamic variables.

- Thermodynamic equilibrium.

- Transformations of a thermodynamic system.

Chapter II: Heat

- Thermometry.

- Thermometry and temperature scales: Celsius,

Kelvin and Fahrenheit.

- Calorimetry.

- Heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation.

Chapter III: Ideal gases

- Description.

- Kinetic temperature.

- Equation of state.

- Internal energy and heat capacity.

- Real gases: a qualitative approach and the van der

Waals equation.

- Mixtures of ideal gases.

- Fluid compressibility and thermal expansion.

Chapter IV: Helmholtz and Gibbs free energies

- Relationships between state functions for a closed, single-phase system of fixed composition.

- Gibbs–Helmholtz relation: Gibbs free energy of an ideal gas.

- Chemical potentials.

PRACTICAL WORK

Practical 1: Calculating uncertainties.

Practical 2: Vertical spring oscillator: experimental determination of the spring constant.

Practical 3: Calorimetry.

Practical 4: Study of Archimedes' buoyant force.

Course content

Chapter 1: Differentiable functions

Derivatives at a point and on an interval

Definition of the derivative at a point

Left and right differentiability

Relationship between differentiability and continuity

Calculating derivatives

Differentiation rules: sums, products and quotients

Derivatives of common functions: polynomials, exponentials, trigonometric functions and others

Derivatives of composite functions

Local extrema and key theorems

Definition of local and global extrema

Rolle's theorem

Mean value theorem

Applications of differentiability

Increasing and decreasing functions

L'Hôpital's rule for calculating limits

Chapter 2: Inverse trigonometric and hyperbolic functions

Basic trigonometric functions

Definitions and properties: cosine, sine and tangent

Periodicity, parity and graphical representations

Study of variations and derivatives

Inverse trigonometric functions

Arcsine: definition, bijectivity and derivative

Arctangent: definition, bijectivity and derivative

Algebraic properties and trigonometric identities

Hyperbolic functions

Hyperbolic cosine (ch) and sine (sh): definitions, properties and derivatives

Hyperbolic tangent (th): definition, asymptotic behaviour and derivative

Inverse hyperbolic functions

Inverse hyperbolic cosine (Argch): definition, logarithmic expression and derivative

Inverse hyperbolic sine (Argsh): definition, logarithmic expression and derivative

Inverse hyperbolic tangent (Argth): definition, logarithmic expression and derivative

Chapter 3: Antiderivatives and integrals

Fundamental definitions

Antiderivative of a function

Indefinite integrals and their properties

Properties of integrals

Linearity, additivity over adjacent intervals (Chasles' relation) and reversal of limits

Using symmetry: even and odd functions

Integration techniques

Change of variable

Integration by parts

Integration of rational functions using partial fractions

Integration of specific functions

Trigonometric substitutions

Integration of trigonometric functions

Chapter 4: Differential equations

1. First-order differential equations

1.1. Introduction

1.2. Definitions

1.3. Solution methods

Separable equations

Homogeneous equations

Linear equations with and without a forcing term

Variation of the constant

Particular-solution method

2. Second-order differential equations

2.1. Definitions

General linear and homogeneous equations

Constant coefficients

Characteristic equation

2.2. Solving homogeneous equations

Distinct and repeated real roots

Complex conjugate roots

2.3. Specific forcing terms

Exponentials, polynomials and combinations

Superposition principle

2.4. Physical applications

Oscillations of a mass–spring system

Course content

Chapter 1: Foundations of English for science

Goals: Refresh general English grammar and introduce scientific English.

Review of basic grammar:

- Tenses

- Passive voice

- Articles

- Adjectives and adverbs

Introduction to scientific vocabulary and prefixes/suffixes (e.g. bio-, -logy, -scope)

Sentence structure in scientific writing

- Simple and complex sentences

Reading: Short texts on general science

Writing: Simple summaries and definitions of biological terms

Speaking: Describing laboratory equipment and procedures

Chapter 2: Biological terminology and reading skills

Goals: Develop biology-specific vocabulary and reading strategies.

Vocabulary: Cell structure, genetics, evolution and anatomy

Reading: Textbooks, abstracts and popular science articles

Skills: Skimming, scanning, identifying main ideas and details

Writing: Definitions, note-taking and organising ideas

Speaking: Describing biological processes.

Module content

Chapter 1: Introduction to the History of Biological Sciences

1.1. The emergence of biology as a science

Definition and development of biology as a scientific discipline.

Distinguishing biology from other natural sciences.

1.2. Early biological observations

Antiquity: observations of nature by Aristotle and Hippocrates.

Early classifications of plants and animals.

Chapter 2: The Renaissance and Early Scientific Revolutions

2.1. Rediscovery of antiquity and the beginnings of the scientific method

The Renaissance’s impact on scientific development.

Importance of early animal and human dissections.

2.2. Discoveries of the microscopic world

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek and the development of microscopy; the source heading refers to “invention of the microscope”.

Discovery of early living cells and the origins of microbiology.

Chapter 3: The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries — Towards Modern Biological Ideas

3.1. Classification of life: from Linnaeus to Darwin

Carl Linnaeus and systematics: a new approach to classifying living organisms.

Charles Darwin and evolution by natural selection: a revolution in biology.

3.2. Early discoveries in genetics and heredity

Gregor Mendel’s work and the laws of inheritance.

Development of modern genetics.

Chapter 4: The Twentieth Century — From Genetics to Biotechnology

4.1. DNA and the structure of life

Discovery of DNA structure and the work of Watson and Crick.

Molecular genetics and its influence on modern biology.

4.2. Biotechnology: applications and challenges

Early biotechnology applications: cell culture and genetic engineering.

Recent advances: biotechnology, cloning and genetic engineering.

Chapter 5: Contemporary Biology and Current Issues

5.1. Development of molecular biology and biotechnology

The role of molecular biology in medicine and pharmacology.

Gene editing: CRISPR and its applications.

5.2. Ethical challenges and environmental issues

Ethical dilemmas associated with scientific advances, particularly in genetics.

Impacts of biological discoveries on the environment and biodiversity.

Chapter 6: Major Researchers and Figures in Biology

6.1. Pioneers of biological sciences

Overview of contributions by major figures such as Darwin, Mendel, Pasteur and Koch.

Their influence on the development of biological ideas.

6.2. Biology in the twenty-first century: new perspectives

Biology in the age of advanced biotechnologies and artificial intelligence.

The future of biology: genomics, biotechnology and integrated ecology.

Chapter 7: Modern Applications and the Future of Biology

7.1. Applications of biology in the modern world

Medical biology: gene therapies and immunotherapy.

Agricultural applications: GMOs and sustainable agriculture.

Environmental biology: biodiversity and ecosystem management.

7.2. Towards integrated biology: science, technology and ethics

Integration of the branches of biological sciences in a multidisciplinary approach.

The role of biologists in modern societies: bioethics and environmental policy.

Course content: History of Algeria

Annex 01 to communication no. 156/و. ت. ع. ب. ع.ام. ع/2025, dated 31 July 2025 — first-year engineering, first semester.

Lesson 1 — Algeria as a centre of the emerging Islamic world

Introduction: following Muslim conquests in North Africa, Algeria contributed to Islamic civilisation as an intellectual, scientific and cultural region.

Topic 1 — Conquest and diffusion of Islam. The seventh-century conquest of North Africa; the spread of Islam in sub-Saharan Africa; scholarly and cultural centres in the Maghreb, including Tlemcen and Kairouan in Tunisia.

Topic 2 — Algeria and Islamic scholars. Contributions to jurisprudence, hadith, grammar and medicine. Study of Abd al-Rahman al-Thaâlibi, Yahya Ibn Khaldun, Abu Zayd al-Qayrawani and Abdelhamid Ben Badis within the Maghreb across different periods. The role of zawiyas and Quranic schools in preserving the Quran and transmitting religious learning.

Topic 3 — Reform movements and Islamic renewal. Later reform movements, particularly that led by Abdelhamid Ben Badis, sought to revive Islamic education, counter ignorance and superstition, and preserve identity against French cultural colonisation.

Topic 4 — Resistance to colonialism. During French occupation, 1830–1962, the lesson presents Algeria as a symbol of resistance and defence of Islam. It covers popular resistance, particularly Emir Abdelkader and its religious dimension, and Sufi zawiyas’ role in preserving faith and raising awareness. [1]

Topic 5 — Algeria and the contemporary Islamic world. Participation in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation; support for Islamic-world causes, especially Palestine; diplomatic meetings and cooperation.

Topic 6 — Contemporary religious education. Quranic schools and Islamic institutes; Ministry of Religious Affairs organisation of religious education and engagement with contemporary issues; Quran competitions and intellectual meetings across the wilayas.

Conclusion: the lesson stresses contributions to learning and religion, support for Islamic-world causes and attachment to civilisational identity.

Review questions: 1. What role in spreading Islam in Africa? 2. Which scholars contributed to Islamic civilisation? 3. What characterised reform movements? 4. How has Algeria supported Islamic-world causes since independence? [2]

Lesson 2 — The era of Islamic states in Algeria

Introduction: successive states shaped politics, science and urban development after the Muslim conquests, with periods of notable civilisational growth.

Rustamids (776–909): foundation by Abd al-Rahman Ibn Rustam, Tahert as capital, Ibadism, economic and religious life; scholars and libraries; fall to the Fatimids in 909.

Fatimids: foundation in North Africa under Ubayd Allah al-Mahdi, Ismaili Shiism, regional influence and the capital at Mahdia in Tunisia. Study of political and territorial changes.

Zirids (972–1148): links with the Fatimids followed by autonomy; government in the eastern Maghreb, urban development and territorial change. Study of Constantine, Béjaïa and the effects of Hilalian migrations.

Hammadids: foundation by Hammad Ibn Bologhine; successive capitals at the Qalâa of Beni Hammad and Béjaïa; cultural and urban growth under al-Nasir Ibn Alnas; the role of Béjaïa; fall before the Almohads.

Almohads: expansion from Morocco through Algeria, Tunisia and al-Andalus; Ibn Tumart’s religious reform; urban and scientific development and architectural heritage.

Zayyanids (1235–1556): foundation by Yaghmurasan Ibn Zayyan, Tlemcen as capital; relations with the Marinids and Hafsids; cultural prosperity; the transition to Ottoman rule.

Hafsids: a power centre in Tunisia, influence in eastern Algeria and regional competition over Constantine and Annaba; relations with the Zayyanids and Marinids.

Ottoman rule (1518–1830): appeal to the Barbarossa brothers against Spain; a largely autonomous province governed by deys during part of the period. Military and commercial growth, particularly in the seventeenth century; naval defence of the coast and relations with European powers.

Scientific and cultural life: schools, zawiyas and libraries; Sufism; Maghrebi scholars across different periods, including Yahya Ibn Khaldun, Abu Zakariya al-Tilimsani and Ibn Rashiq al-Qayrawani; translation, astronomy and mathematics, especially in Béjaïa and Tlemcen.

Architecture and arts: casbahs, mosques and walls; Sidi Okba Mosque, Tlemcen Mosque and the Qalâa of Beni Hammad; zellige, Arabic calligraphy and vegetal ornament.

Conclusion: Algeria alternated between autonomous states and inclusion in larger polities. Despite conflicts, it contributed to thought, science and urban development.

Review questions: 1. Which first Islamic state is presented, and which doctrine? 2. How did the Hammadids affect culture? 3. How did Zirid and Zayyanid territories differ? 4. What defensive role did Ottoman rule play? 5. Which Islamic monuments? 6. What evidence of scientific growth? [4]

Lesson 3 — Algeria under Ottoman rule (1518–1830)

Introduction: a new political, economic and cultural phase began in the early sixteenth century through Ottoman assistance against Spanish coastal occupation.

International and regional context: weakened Zayyanid power in Tlemcen, Spanish coastal threats, intervention by the Barbarossa brothers, especially Khayr al-Din, and Ottoman–Spanish Mediterranean rivalry.

Government phases: beylerbeys (1534–1587), appointed by the Sublime Porte; pashas (1587–1659) and the diwan; aghas (1659–1671) and janissary military power; deys (1671–1830) and autonomous government in Algiers.

Political and administrative organisation: initial centralisation followed by decentralisation. Three beyliks: East, Constantine; Titteri, Médéa; West, Mascara. Each bey reported to the dey in Algiers.

Military power: central janissary role in government and appointment/deposition of deys; a strong Mediterranean fleet protecting Algerian coasts and interests; maritime corsair activity causing concern among Christian European powers.

Economy: maritime trade, levies on foreign vessels, agricultural taxation, trading licences and maritime prizes; relationships between agriculture, internal stability and tribal organisation.

Social life: townspeople, tribes, Turks and Kouloughlis, sons of Turkish fathers and Algerian mothers. Zawiyas supported cohesion, religious education, Islamic traditions and the Maliki school.

Cultural and religious life: teaching in zawiyas and Quranic schools; transmission of knowledge and religious values. Study of the legacy of Abd al-Rahman al-Thaâlibi and Muhammad Ibn Ali al-Sanusi in the religious history of the Maghreb.

Foreign relations: regional influence, peace treaties and captive exchanges with France, England and Spain; considerable diplomatic autonomy despite nominal Ottoman suzerainty.

European confrontations: Spanish and French attacks; French naval campaigns in 1682, 1683 and 1688; early nineteenth-century pressure linked to corsair activity. The 1827 fly-whisk incident between Hussein Dey and the French consul and the context of conquest.

End of Ottoman rule in 1830: the French military campaign, capitulation of Algiers on 5 July 1830 and the start of French colonial rule (1830–1962).

Conclusion: roughly three centuries of political/military development and Mediterranean influence, followed by resistance to French colonisation.

Suggested activities: 1. Map the beyliks. 2. Discuss the navy and sovereignty. 3. Identify signs of relative independence from the Ottoman state. 4. Explain zawiyas’ roles. 5. Summarise causes of French conquest. [6]

Lesson 4 — The Algerian navy from the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries

Target competence: understand its defence of sovereignty, Mediterranean position, links to international events and conflicts with European powers.

Topic 1 — Origins of the navy. The fall of al-Andalus and Muslim refugee movements to North Africa; Spanish occupation of Oran, Béjaïa and Mers el-Kébir; appeal to the Barbarossa brothers and Ottoman protection from 1518.

Development of corsair activity as a defensive and economic practice; a fleet using fast vessels and adapted naval tactics.

Naval figures from the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries: Khayr al-Din Barbarossa, Dragut, Aruj Barbarossa and Raïs Hamidou. Study of their respective roles in defence and maritime operations.

Fleet: composition, construction and repair at the Dar al-Sinaâ arsenal; study of warships and armed sailing vessels.

Activities: coastal defence, attacks on European Mediterranean vessels and tribute imposed on some European states in return for protection.

Confrontation with European powers: naval conflicts with Spain, France, England and the Netherlands.

Course content:

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Philosophy of AI

Goals of AI

What Contributes to AI?

Programming Without and With AI

How to use AI in Python programs

Techniques of AI

Generate content with generative AI assistants in LibreOffice (writer, calc …)

Machine Intelligence

Research Areas of AI

Task Classification of AI Agents and Environments The Structure of Intelligent Agents

How to design intelligent systems

Popular Search Algorithms

Expert systems; robotics; risks of AI

Benefits of AI; AI terminology

Course content

I. Developing methodological competencies

Methodological foundations

Developing practical and interpersonal skills

Group work

Self-assessment

Academic work tools and techniques

Note-taking

Analysis and argumentation techniques

Synthesis of scientific information

Academic writing: drafting documents and organising arguments

Fundamental teaching unit

Plant biology

Animal biology 2: Embryology

Methodology teaching unit

Chemistry 2

Physics 2

Mathematics 2

Cross-disciplinary teaching unit

Communication and expression techniques in foreign languages

Discovery teaching unit

Computer science 2

Supervised personal work 2: Methodology

Biogeoscience

Course content

Lectures

Part 1: Plant classification

General concepts of classification

Classification criteria

Part 2: Morphology and adaptation of higher plants: angiosperms

2.1. Roots

2.2. Leaves

2.3. Stems

2.4. Flowers

Part 3: Histology of higher plants: angiosperms

3.1. Primary meristems

3.1.1. Location

3.1.2. Roles

3.1.3. Cytological characteristics

3.2. Primary tissues

3.2.1. Covering tissues

3.2.2. Parenchyma tissues

3.2.3. Supporting tissues

3.2.4. Secretory tissues

3.2.5. Conducting tissues

3.3. Secondary meristems

3.3.1. Location

3.3.2. Roles

3.3.3. Cytological characteristics

3.4. Secondary tissues

3.4.1. Conducting tissues

- Establishment and functioning of the cambium in stems and roots of dicotyledonous angiosperms.

3.4.2. Covering tissues

Part 4: Anatomy of higher plants: angiosperms

4.1. Primary anatomy

4.1.1. Primary stem anatomy

4.1.2. Primary root anatomy

4.1.3. Comparative primary anatomy

4.1.4. Leaf anatomy

4.2. Secondary anatomy

Practical classes

Practical 1: Morphological organization of the vegetative structures of angiosperms.

Practical 2: Primary covering tissues.

Practical 3: Parenchyma and supporting tissues.

Practical 4: Primary conducting tissues.

Practical 5: Tissues of secondary origin.

Practical 6: The angiosperm flower.

Module content

LECTURES

Chapter I: General principles

I.1. Introduction to embryology:

Definitions

Branches of embryology

Different egg types

I.2. Section planes:

Meridional, equatorial, latitudinal, sagittal, frontal and transverse.

Chapter II: Gametogenesis

II.1. Spermatogenesis

Neuroendocrine control

II.2. Oogenesis

Neuroendocrine control

The menstrual cycle

Chapter III: Stages of embryonic development

Stage 1: Premorphogenesis

III.1. Fertilisation:

Definition

Stages of fertilisation

Consequences of fertilisation

Example: Homo sapiens

III.2. Cleavage:

Definition

Different cleavage patterns

Examples: Homo sapiens and Gallus domesticus

Stage 2: Primordial morphogenesis

First step:

III.3. Implantation; the human example

III.4. Pregastrulation

Second step:

III.5. Gastrulation

Definition

Morphogenetic movements

Stage 3: Secondary morphogenesis

III.6. Human neurulation.

III.7. Neurulation in the chicken.

Stage 4: Definitive morphogenesis

III.8. Definition of organogenesis.

Chapter IV: Formation of extraembryonic structures in the chicken

IV.1. Formation of the yolk sac

IV.2. Formation of the allantois

IV.3. Formation of the amnion

Chapter V: Formation of human extraembryonic structures

V.1. Formation of the umbilical cord

V.2. Formation of the placenta

V.3. Formation of the amnion

TUTORIALS

Tutorial 1: Working methods

Useful definitions in embryology

Simplified classification of the animal kingdom

Tutorial 2: Study of sperm structure and ultrastructure.

Tutorial 3: Study of oocyte structure and ultrastructure and of folliculogenesis.

Tutorial 4: Study of the chicken reproductive system; fertilisation and formation of the hen's egg.

Tutorial 5: Study of cleavage in humans and chickens.

Tutorial 6: Study of human gastrulation in several section planes.

Tutorial 7: Study of chicken gastrulation in several section planes.

Tutorial 8: Study of human neurulation in transverse sections.

Tutorial 9: Study of chicken neurulation in transverse sections.

Tutorial 10: Study of extraembryonic structures; exercises using section planes.

PRACTICAL CLASSES

Practical 1: Study of male and female reproductive systems in a mammal.

Practical 2: Observation by candling of the different developmental stages of a

chicken embryo.

Practical 3: Observation of different stages of embryogenesis in a fish.

Course content:

LECTURES

SOLUTION CHEMISTRY

Acids and bases

Oxidation and reduction

Precipitation

CHEMICAL KINETICS

Reaction rate in a homogeneous system at constant volume, rate law, overall and partial reaction order, and rate constant

Pseudo-order conditions: one reactant is present in large excess, particularly when that reactant is the solvent

Reaction half-life

Applications to zero-, first- and second-order reactions

Arrhenius equation

Determination of reaction order by graphical, differential and numerical methods

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Nomenclature

Electronic effects: inductive and mesomeric effects

Stereochemistry: isomers, absolute and relative configurations, and Cram, Newman and Fischer representations

Reaction mechanisms: nucleophilic substitution, addition, elimination and electrophilic substitution

PRACTICAL WORK

Practical 4: Precipitation titration.

Practical 5: Redox titration — first type.

Practical 6: Redox titration — second type.

Course content

LECTURES

Part 4: ELECTRICITY

Chapter I: Electrostatics

- Electrification, point charges and

Coulomb’s law.

- Electric field, potential and potential energy.

- Electric dipoles.

- Electrical conductors.

- Electrostatic induction and capacitors.

Chapter II: Electric circuits

- Disruption of electrostatic equilibrium and electric current.

- Steady current and electrical generators.

- Ohm’s law, resistance and combinations of resistors.

- Joule’s law.

- Electrical generators and loads.

- Electrical circuits and networks.

- Network analysis: Kirchhoff’s laws and applications.

Part 5: OPTICS

Chapter I: Introduction to light

Chapter II: Geometrical optics

Chapter III: Elements of geometrical optics

Chapter IV: Optical instruments

- The eye: reduced-eye model, field of view, resolution, refractive errors and their correction.

- Magnifying glass, microscope, terrestrial telescopes and astronomical telescopes.

PRACTICAL WORK

Practical 5: Resistance measurement using a voltmeter and an ammeter; verification of

Ohm’s law.

Practical 6: Reflection and refraction.

Practical 7: Thin lenses.

Course content

Chapter 5: Numerical sequences

Definition of a sequence

Ways of defining sequences

Explicit form

Recursive form

Types of sequences

Arithmetic sequences

Geometric sequences

Increasing, decreasing, monotonic and constant sequences

Upper bounds, lower bounds and bounded sequences

Convergence

Convergence criteria using upper bounds

Comparison theorems

Monotone convergence theorems

Simple operations on limits of sequences

Sums, products and quotients

Adjacent sequences

Arithmetico-geometric sequences

Chapter 6: Vector spaces over a field K, where K = C or K = R

Definition of a vector space and elementary calculations in vector spaces.

Vector subspaces: definition, intersection, sum and direct sum.

Bases and dimension of a vector subspace.

Chapter 7: Matrix algebra

1. Definitions and types of matrices

1.1. Definition of a matrix

1.2. Square, triangular, diagonal and identity matrices

1.3. Transpose of a matrix

2. Matrix operations

2.1. Addition and subtraction

2.2. Scalar multiplication

2.3. Matrix multiplication

3. Invertible matrices

3.1. Definition and conditions for invertibility

3.2. Methods for calculating inverses: cofactors, 2×2 matrices, and diagonal and triangular matrices

3.3. Properties of invertible matrices

4. Determinants

4.1. Definition and calculation for 2×2 and 3×3 matrices

4.2. Minors and cofactors

4.3. Properties of determinants

5. Solving linear systems

5.1. Cramer's rule

5.2. Using the matrix inverse

6. Applications of matrices

6.1. Modelling physical systems, such as mechanical oscillators

6.2. Geometric transformations

Chapter 3: Scientific Writing and Research Papers

Goals: Enhance the ability to write and structure scientific research papers in English.

Introduction to Scientific Writing:

Structure of Scientific Papers: Understanding the typical structure of a research paper (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion)

Abstract Writing: How to write concise and informative abstracts for scientific papers

Use of References: Properly citing sources and avoiding plagiarism in scientific writing

Writing Strategies:

Introduction and Hypothesis: Writing clear and focused introductions, stating the hypothesis

Methods Section: Describing experiments and methodologies accurately

Results and Discussion: Reporting findings in a clear and objective manner, interpreting results

Academic Vocabulary for Writing:

Scientific Terminology: Expanding the use of precise terms for various biological and scientific concepts

Connectors and Transitions: Using appropriate linking words and phrases (e.g., moreover, consequently, in addition)

Reading:

Research Papers: Reading and analyzing excerpts from actual scientific research papers

Identifying Structure: Recognizing the components of a research paper (abstract, introduction, methods, etc.)

Writing:

Research Paper Excerpts: Writing short excerpts of a research paper, focusing on the introduction and methods sections

Peer Review Practice: Reviewing and providing feedback on a fellow student’s research paper excerpts

Speaking:

Presenting Research: Practicing oral presentations of research findings, using clear and coherent scientific language

Defending Ideas: Engaging in discussions and defending scientific arguments

Chapter 4: Oral Communication in Science

Goals: Improve oral communication skills in scientific discussions and presentations.

Effective Presentation Skills:

Structure of a Scientific Presentation: Organizing content effectively for an oral presentation (Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion)

Visual Aids: Using slides, charts, and graphs to enhance understanding during a presentation

Public Speaking Techniques: Improving voice clarity, pacing, and engagement with the audience

Scientific Discussions:

Debates and Discussions: Participating in scientific discussions and debates, focusing on argumentation and evidence-based reasoning

Asking Questions: Asking relevant and insightful questions during scientific presentations or discussions

Answering Questions: Responding confidently and effectively to questions posed by peers or instructors

Vocabulary for Oral Communication:

Describing Data: Using appropriate vocabulary to describe scientific data, trends, and patterns

Expressing Opinions: Practicing the use of phrases for expressing agreement, disagreement, and proposing solutions (e.g., “I believe that…,” “It seems that…”)

Speaking Practice:

Mock Presentations: Giving short presentations on assigned topics, focusing on clarity and structure

Peer Feedback: Providing constructive feedback to peers on their presentations

Group Discussions: Engaging in group discussions on scientific topics, using scientific vocabulary to support arguments

Pronunciation and Intonation:

Pronunciation Practice: Focusing on the correct pronunciation of scientific terms and vocabulary

Intonation in Speech: Practicing appropriate intonation patterns to improve the fluency and naturalness of speech

Course content:

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Philosophy of AI

Goals of AI

What Contributes to AI?

Programming Without and With AI

How to use AI in Python programs

Techniques of AI

Generate content with generative AI assistants in LibreOffice (writer, calc …)

Machine Intelligence

Research Areas of AI

Task Classification of AI Agents and Environments The Structure of Intelligent Agents

How to design intelligent systems

Popular Search Algorithms

Expert systems; robotics; risks of AI

Benefits of AI; AI terminology

Course content

Chapter 1: Introduction to biogeosciences

1.1. What are biogeosciences?

Introduction to natural element cycles: carbon, nitrogen and sulfur.

The role of biogeosciences in understanding interactions between living organisms and their environment.

1.2. Why are biogeosciences important?

Importance of natural cycles for life on Earth.

Concrete examples: The role of carbon and the impact of CO₂ on climate.

Chapter 2: Natural cycles

2.1. The carbon cycle

How carbon circulates in nature: plants, animals and the atmosphere.

The impact of human activities on this cycle, particularly through pollution and CO₂.

2.2. The nitrogen cycle

The role of nitrogen in plant growth.

Effects of agricultural practices and industrialization on the nitrogen cycle.

Chapter 3: Ecosystems and biodiversity

3.1. What is an ecosystem?

Description of ecosystem functioning: producers, consumers and decomposers.

Examples of ecosystems: Forests, oceans and soils.

3.2. Biodiversity

Importance of species diversity for ecosystem health.

Examples: Tropical forests, coral reefs and their roles in the carbon cycle.

Chapter 4: The environment and geography

4.1. Main types of ecosystems

Description of the main ecosystems and their characteristics: forests, oceans, deserts and grasslands.

Geographical distribution of these ecosystems across the planet.

4.2. The impact of climate and geography on ecosystems

Effects of terrain, climate and latitude on the types of ecosystems found in different regions of the world.

Chapter 5: Human impact on the environment

5.1. Pollution and deforestation

Different forms of pollution: air, water and soil pollution, and their effects on ecosystems.

Deforestation and its consequences for biogeochemical cycles, particularly the carbon cycle.

5.2. Global warming

Causes of global warming and its effects on biodiversity and ecosystems.

Examples: Glacier melting, sea-level rise and shifts in climate zones.

Chapter 6: Solutions for a sustainable future

6.1. Practices to protect the environment

Sustainable management of natural resources: water, soil and biodiversity.

Examples: Sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and biodiversity conservation.

6.2. Ecosystem restoration

Methods for restoring and rehabilitating degraded ecosystems.

Examples of ecological restoration projects: reforestation, water purification and coastal protection.

.

Course content

II – Applications and practical work

Scientific research methodology

Searching for scientific and technical information

Literature searching: media libraries and the internet

How to compile a bibliography

Academic work and oral defence

• How to complete a final-year dissertation

• Oral presentation and defence

Reading and analysing scientific content

• How to read a published scientific article

• Article analysis

Professional and academic writing

• How to write an internship report

c) Course content:

LECTURES:

Chapter I: Water nutrition

Water flow from root uptake to leaf transpiration and stomatal function

Water balance in plants

Transport of xylem and phloem sap

Chapter II: Mineral nutrition of plants

Mineral composition of plants: macronutrients and trace elements

Plant requirements: quantities and usable forms

Mineral deficiency and toxicity

Nitrogen nutrition

Nitrogen sources and cycle

Assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen

Chapter III: Photosynthesis

Light-dependent reactions:

Location of photosynthesis: chloroplasts

Light absorption: photosystems

Cyclic photophosphorylation

Non-cyclic photophosphorylation

Light-independent reactions: the Calvin cycle

Overall balance of photosynthesis

Comparison of photosynthesis in C3, C4 and CAM plants

Chapter IV: Cellular respiration

Aerobic respiration

Glycolysis

Krebs cycle

Oxidation through the respiratory chain

Overall balance of aerobic respiration

Fermentation

Photorespiration

Chapter V: Growth and development

Seeds and germination

Storage reserves: types and formation

Seed dormancy and dormancy release

Germination

Vegetative development

Shoot growth and development

Root growth and development

Reproductive development

Floral transition

Hormonal regulation of growth and development

Nature and functions of natural hormones

PRACTICAL WORK

Practical 1: Water in plants

Practical 2: Photosynthesis and photosynthetic pigments

Practical 3: Respiration

Practical 4: Germination in monocotyledons and dicotyledons

Practical 5: Amylase activity

c) Course content:

Lectures

Chapter 1: Introducing zoology

Introduction

History

Principles of classification

Current taxonomy or systematics

Zoological classification

Species concept

Categories above the species level

Binomial nomenclature

Numerical diversity of the animal kingdom

Animal body plans

Chapter 2: The animal kingdom

Part 1: Protista; a historical grouping used in the programme, not an animal subkingdom in modern taxonomy.

Definition

Distinctive features of unicellular organisms

Structural organisation of protozoans

Respiration and circulation

Reproduction

Sexual

Asexual

Life cycle

Resistant forms

Ecology

Protozoan systematics using the historical groups in the programme

Rhizopods

Actinopods

Foraminiferans

Apicomplexans

Zoomastigophorans

Ciliates

Part 2: Metazoa; invertebrates

Diploblastic metazoans according to the programme layout; sponges listed below do not possess true germ layers equivalent to those of eumetazoans.

Phylum Porifera

General characteristics

Morphology and anatomy

Classification

Reproduction

Embryonic development

Phylum Cnidaria

General characteristics

Morphology and structure

Reproduction

Systematics

Phylum Ctenophora

General principles

Study of a representative type

Triploblastic metazoans: acoelomates and pseudocoelomates

Phylum Platyhelminthes: acoelomates

Definition

Classification

Reproduction

Nemathelminthes as the historical source grouping: pseudocoelomates

General principles

Reproduction

Classification

Phylum Annelida

General principles

Reproduction

Classification

Phylum Mollusca

General principles

Study of the archetypal body plan

Classification

Reproduction

Phylum Arthropoda

Introduction

General organisation

Classification

Morphology by order

Reproduction by order

Phylum Echinodermata

General principles

Classification

Morphology

Part 3: Metazoa; vertebrates

General principles

Cyclostomes

Morphology

Anatomy

Biology

Classification

Chondrichthyes

External morphology

Anatomy

Skeleton

Biology

Classification

Osteichthyes

External morphology

Anatomy

Biology

Classification

Amphibians

General principles

Study of the green frog

Morphology

Anatomy

Biology: frogs and newts

Metamorphosis

Neoteny

Classification

Reptiles

General principles

Morphology of the green lizard and grass snake

Anatomy

Selected biological features of reptiles

Origins and classification of reptiles

Fossil reptiles

Birds

General principles

External morphology of the common wood pigeon

Anatomy

Elements of biology

Bird classification

Mammals

General principles

Morphology of the white rat

Anatomy

Biology

Mammal classification

Transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments in vertebrates

Introduction

Integument

Respiration

Circulation

Locomotion

Excretion

Reproduction

Middle ear

Conclusion.

Practical classes

Practical 1: freshwater protozoans, including ciliates and Paramecium.

Practical 2: diagnostic identification of molluscs: Gastropoda, Bivalvia and Cephalopoda.

Practical 3: diagnostic identification of arthropods: Arachnida, Myriapoda, Crustacea and Insecta.

Practical 4: diagnostic identification of cartilaginous and bony fishes.

Practical 5: diagnostic identification of amphibians and reptiles.

Practical 6: diagnostic identification of birds and mammals.

c) Module content:

LECTURES

Chapter I: History of genetics

Discovery of heredity.

Mendel's work and its rediscovery in 1900.

Major advances leading to the molecular era.

Chapter II: General cell principles from a genetic perspective

• Mitosis

• Meiosis

Chapter III: Mendelian genetics

• Basic concepts: gene, genome, allele, genotype, phenotype, heterozygote, homozygote, hemizygote and pure line.

• Monohybrid crosses: Mendel's first and second laws

• Dihybrid crosses: Mendel's third law and the test cross

• Linkage and crossing-over as exceptions to independent assortment:

Morgan's work

Genetic maps: calculating genetic distance

Chapter IV: Human genetics

• Mendelian inheritance patterns:

Autosomal dominant inheritance, including anticipation and incomplete penetrance

Autosomal recessive inheritance

X-linked dominant inheritance

X-linked recessive inheritance

• Non-Mendelian inheritance patterns:

Mitochondrial inheritance

Y-linked inheritance

Chapter V: Cytogenetics

• Numerical abnormalities:

Aneuploidy

Polyploidy

• Structural abnormalities:

Inversion, insertion, deletion, ring chromosome, Robertsonian translocation, reciprocal translocation and isochromosome

• Cytogenetic techniques:

Conventional karyotyping, banding, FISH and array CGH

Sex-determination systems:

XY system: Lygaeus type

WZ system: Abraxas type

XX/X0 system: Protenor type

• Human sex chromosomes:

The human X chromosome

X-inactivation: the Lyon hypothesis

The human Y chromosome

Chapter VI: Molecular genetics

• DNA organisation:

The Watson–Crick model

Gene organisation

Chromatin organisation: heterochromatin and euchromatin

• DNA replication:

Replication origin

Replication fork

Stages of replication

• DNA transcription

• RNA translation

• Mutations:

Dynamic mutations involving tandem repeats

Point mutations: missense, “sense” as termed in the source, and nonsense mutations

• DNA repair:

SOS response, base excision repair (BER) and nucleotide excision repair (NER)

• Gene regulation:

Inducible and repressible pathways: the lac and trp operons

Chapter VII: Bacterial genetics

• Bacterial genotypic variation

• Prototrophic and auxotrophic bacteria

• Transfer of genetic material:

Conjugation

Transduction

Bacterial transformation

• Conjugation between HFR+ and F− bacteria

Chapter VIII: Plant genetics

• Distinctive features of plant genetics

• Sexual and asexual reproduction

• Plant hybridisation, including wheat and maize

• Plant polyploidy

Developing the desired plant: from hybridisation to polyploidy

• Mutations and plant selection

• Modern techniques: in vitro culture and plant genetic engineering

Chapter IX: Population genetics

• Fundamental definitions: population and gene pool

• The Hardy–Weinberg law

• Factors driving population evolution

• Applications: genetic diseases and biodiversity

Chapter X: Genetic engineering techniques

• Cloning

• Transgenesis

TUTORIALS

Tutorial 1: Mitosis and meiosis

Tutorial 2: Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses

Tutorial 3: Dihybrid crosses, linkage and crossing-over

Tutorial 4: Pedigree analysis and inheritance patterns

Tutorial 5: Chromosomal aberrations

Tutorial 6: Molecular genetics — DNA structure and transcription

Tutorial 7: Genetic mutations

Tutorial 8: Regulation

Tutorial 9: Bacterial genetics

Tutorial 10: Plant genetics — hybridisation and polyploidy

Tutorial 11: Population genetics — applying Hardy–Weinberg

PRACTICAL CLASSES

Practical 1: DNA extraction from animal tissue.

Practical 2: DNA extraction from whole blood using salting out.

Practical 3: DNA quality testing

Practical 4: Cell culture — preparing and analysing human karyotypes.

Practical 5: Demonstrating sex chromatin, or the Barr body, in a buccal smear.

Practical 6: Primer design using bioinformatics tools.

Course content:

LECTURES:

Structural biochemistry

Chapter 1: Carbohydrates

Introduction

Biological importance

Carbohydrate classification

Monosaccharides

Monosaccharide representations

Molecular asymmetry

Linear representation: Fischer projections

Stereoisomer diversity

Fischer’s structural relationships between monosaccharides

Cyclic representation: Haworth projections

Physicochemical properties

Monosaccharide derivatives

Glycosidically linked carbohydrates and glycosides

Modes of monosaccharide linkage

Polysaccharides

Enzymatic hydrolysis of glycosides and polysaccharides

Glycosides with a non-sugar aglycone

Chapter 2: Lipids

Introduction

Biological role

Lipid classification

Lipid constituents:

Fatty acids

Nomenclature

Saturated fatty acids

Unsaturated fatty acids

Fatty acid physicochemical properties

Glycerol

Simple lipids

Glycerides

Waxes

Sterol esters

Terpenes

Complex lipids; note that the source’s added label “unsaponifiable” is not synonymous with this category.

Glycerophospholipids

Sphingolipids

Lipoproteins

Chapter 3: Proteins

Introduction

Biological role

Amino acids

Formulae and classification

Amino acid physicochemical properties

Peptides

Linkage

Bond characteristics

Nomenclature

Peptide ionisation

Peptide physicochemical properties

Determination of peptide structure

Peptide bond hydrolysis

Chemical hydrolysis

Enzymatic hydrolysis

Sequence determination

Selected biologically active peptides

Proteins

Protein classification

Spatial conformation

Primary structure

Secondary structure

Tertiary structure

Quaternary structure

Physicochemical properties

Solubility

Ionisation

Colorimetric assay

Protein denaturation

Protein fractionation

Protein purification

Protein separation

Chromatographic techniques

Electrophoretic techniques

Chapter 4: Mechanism of enzyme action

Introduction

Enzyme structure

Enzyme properties

Enzyme nomenclature

Enzyme classification

Enzyme kinetics

Michaelis–Menten hypothesis

Catalytic activity

Units of enzyme activity

Effectors of catalytic activity

Activators

Inhibitors

Enzyme catalysis

Non-Michaelis–Menten kinetics: allosteric enzymes

TUTORIALS

Tutorial 1: Introduction to biochemical principles

Tutorial 2: Structural biochemistry: glycosides with non-sugar aglycones

Tutorial 3: Sugars and polysaccharides: exercise sheet

Tutorial 4: Complex lipids

Tutorial 5: Lipid structure: exercise sheet

Tutorial 6: Protein structure and sequencing

Tutorial 7: Amino acid and protein separation methods

Tutorial 8: Enzyme kinetics

Tutorial 9: Enzyme catalysis

PRACTICALS

Practical 1: UV-visible spectrophotometry, from wavelength selection to quantitative application

Practical 2: Reducing sugar characterisation and volumetric assay: Bertrand method

Practical 3: Carbohydrate polarimetry and demonstration of monosaccharide optical rotation

Practical 4: Total carbohydrate assay: Dubois method

Practical 5: Saponification and determination of iodine, acid and saponification values

c) Course content:

LECTURES

Chapter 1: Introduction to the microbial world

Introduction

History

The place of microorganisms in the living world

Distinction between prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Chapter 2: The bacterial cell

Organisation of the bacterial cell

Observation of the bacterial cell

Bacterial structure

Bacterial cell composition:

Constant components

Non-constant components

Chapter 3: Bacterial classification

Definition

Taxonomic ranks

Classification systems:

Artificial classification

Natural classification

Numerical classification

Major bacterial phyla according to Bergey's Manual

Chapter 4: Bacterial nutrition

Elemental requirements

Nutritional types

Growth-factor requirements

Physicochemical parameters affecting bacterial growth

Chapter 5: Bacterial growth

Measuring bacterial growth

Growth kinetics and growth parameters

Bacterial culture media

TUTORIALS

Tutorial 1: Microbial diversity

Tutorial 2: Bacterial taxonomy

Tutorial 3: Disinfection and sterilisation methods

Tutorial 4: Bacterial structure

Tutorial 5: Culture media

Tutorial 6: Bacterial nutrition

Tutorial 7: Methods of measuring bacterial growth

Tutorial 8: Bacterial growth

PRACTICAL WORK

Practical 1: Introduction to the microbiology laboratory and safety instructions

Practical 2: Preparation of culture media

Practical 3: Isolation of microorganisms from different ecosystems

Practical 4: Study of different inoculation techniques

Course content:

Lectures

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter objectives

Importance and applications of statistical methods

Variability: defining a representative sample and a population

The scope of statistics

The statistical method

Some definitions

Chapter 2: Univariate descriptive statistics

Basic concepts

Description of the different types of qualitative and quantitative variables

Frequency distributions

Constructing and interpreting graphs

Measures of central tendency

Measures of dispersion

Chapter 3: Bivariate descriptive statistics

Introduction

Contingency tables

Frequency distributions

Graphical representation of bivariate data

Characteristics of a bivariate statistical series

The regression curve

Studying the relationship between two variables

Linear fitting: the regression line

Principle of the least-squares method

Correlation coefficient

Chapter 4: Probability

Counting and combinatorial analysis

Basic probability concepts

Probability distributions on finite sets

Conditional probabilities

Bayes' theorem and formula

Law of total probability

Independent events

Multiplication rule for probabilities

Law of total probability

Chapter 5: Random variables and the main probability distributions

Probability distributions

Common probability distributions

Bernoulli, binomial, Poisson and normal distributions

Convergence in distribution

Standard normal distribution

Using statistical tables

Chapter 6: Sampling distributions

Sampling distribution of means

Sampling distribution of relative frequencies

Sampling distribution of variances; expected fluctuation interval for a sample mean.

Expected fluctuation interval for the relative frequency of a category of a qualitative variable

Chapter 7: Estimation theory

Parameter estimation

Estimating a mean

Estimating a relative frequency

Estimating a variance

Chapter 8: Statistical tests

Introduction

Definition of error probabilities

Two-sided and one-sided tests

Formulating test conclusions

Steps in carrying out a statistical test

Principles of hypothesis tests

Decision-making

Main statistical tests used:

Comparing an observed mean with a theoretical mean for large samples

Comparing two observed means for large samples

Comparing an observed proportion with a theoretical proportion

Comparing two observed proportions

Comparing an observed mean with a theoretical mean for small samples

Comparing two observed means for small samples

Comparing two variances

Chi-square test and goodness-of-fit tests

Test of independence

Test of homogeneity

Course content:

Lectures

Part 1: Waves

Chapter 01: Propagation phenomena

Chapter 02: Interference

Chapter 03: Sound waves

Chapter 04: Ultrasound

Part 2: Radiation, nuclear physics and radioactivity

Chapter 01: General nuclear characteristics

Chapter 02: Nuclear binding energy

Chapter 03: Radioactivity: transformations, α, β and γ radiation, radioactive decay, activity and half-life; radiometric dating, radiation protection and dosimetry.

Chapter 04: Nuclear reactions

Chapter 05: Radiation–matter interactions

Part 3: Cell biophysics

Chapter 01: Introduction to electrolyte solutions

Chapter 02: Definitions and properties: conductivity, resistivity and resistance of electrolyte solutions

Chapter 03: Solid–liquid and liquid–gas interfaces

Chapter 04: Diffusion phenomena

Chapter 05: Diffusion in aqueous phases.

Chapter 06: Diffusion across biological and artificial membranes.

Tutorials

Tutorial 1: Introduction to waves

Tutorial 2: Sound-wave properties

Tutorial 3: Introduction to nuclear physics

Tutorial 4: α, β and γ radiation

Tutorial 5: Radioactivity

Tutorial 6: Cell biophysics, aqueous solutions and electrolyte solutions

Tutorial 7: Diffusion in aqueous phases.

Fundamental teaching unit

Animal physiology

Biochemistry 2

Immunology

Microbiology 2

Botany

Methodology teaching unit

Ecology

Communication and expression techniques in English

Course content:

LECTURES

1 — Introduction to language

- Definition of language

- Properties of language

- The English language

- Scientific language

2 — Communication

- The English pronunciation system

a — Phonetic symbols (IPA)

b — Phonetic transcription (oral and written practice)

- How to ask and answer questions

3 — Vocabulary

- English words (roots, prefixes and suffixes)

- The natural world

- Plants (morphological study of plants); animals (classification of animals)

4 — Writing techniques

Reports / presentations (application letters)

Course content

LECTURES

Chapter 1: Nervous system

Nervous tissue structure

General nervous system organisation

Central nervous system

Brain

Spinal cord

Meninges

Cerebrospinal fluid

Brain cavities

Blood supply

Peripheral nervous system

Somatic nervous system

Autonomic nervous system

Sympathetic nervous system

Parasympathetic nervous system

Central nervous system physiology

Autonomic nervous system physiology

Reflex concept

Neuron physiology

Neuronal excitability

Conductivity

Neuronal communication

Role of the nervous system

Chapter 2: Endocrine system

Endocrine organs and hormones

Pituitary and hypothalamus

Pineal gland

Thyroid gland

Parathyroid gland

Adrenal gland

Pancreas

Hormonal communication

Chapter 3: Cardiovascular system

Heart anatomy

Cardiac muscle

Cardiac physiology

Cardiac rhythm

Control of cardiac rhythm

Blood components

Plasma

Red blood cells

White blood cells

Platelets

Functions of blood

Oxygen transport

Carbon dioxide transport

Transport of other substances

Haemostasis

Chapter 4: Respiratory system

Respiratory anatomy

Respiratory physiology

Respiratory mechanics and ventilation

Regulation of breathing

Chapter 3: Digestive system

Digestive tract anatomy

Anatomy of associated digestive glands

Digestive physiology

Mechanical processes: chewing, swallowing and peristalsis

Chemical processes: gastric and intestinal secretions

Chapter 4: Skeletal muscle

Striated skeletal muscle

Molecular basis of contraction

Control of muscle contraction

Reflex movement

TUTORIALS

Tutorial 1: Animal physiology and anatomical body plan

Tutorial 2: Blood components and functions

Tutorial 3: Haemostasis physiology

Tutorial 4: Nervous control of cardiac rhythm

Tutorial 5: Internal environment and homeostasis

Tutorial 6: Regulation of breathing

Tutorial 7: Excretory system anatomy

Tutorial 8: Renal physiology

Tutorial 9: Water, electrolyte and acid–base balance

Tutorial 10: Integumentary system

PRACTICALS

Practical 1: Mammalian dissection, rat/mouse

Practical 2: Comparative cardiovascular anatomy and sheep heart dissection

Practical 3: Haemolysis

Practical 4: Washed-liver experiment and glucose/glycogen homeostasis

Practical 5: Biochemical lipid profiling and physiological interpretation

Practical 6: Enzymatic protein hydrolysis in digestion: pepsin and trypsin

Module content

Lectures:

Metabolic biochemistry

Chapter 6: Carbohydrate metabolism

Introduction

Carbohydrate digestion, absorption and transport

Carbohydrate catabolism

The glycolytic pathway

Glucose catabolism

Catabolism of other carbohydrates

Fates of pyruvate

Regeneration of reduced coenzymes

The Krebs cycle

The mitochondrial respiratory chain

Energy balance of carbohydrate catabolism

The pentose phosphate pathway

Carbohydrate anabolism: gluconeogenesis

The Cori cycle

Carbohydrate reserves and glycogen metabolism

Glycogen catabolism

Glycogen synthesis

Chapter 6: Lipid metabolism

Introduction

Lipid digestion, absorption and transport

Lipid catabolism

Lipolysis

Regulation of lipolysis

Beta-oxidation

Energy balance of fatty acid catabolism

Ketogenesis and ketolysis

Lipid biosynthesis

Fatty acid biosynthesis

Glycerol phosphate biosynthesis

Chapter 7: Protein metabolism

Introduction

Protein digestion, absorption and transport

Protein catabolism

Amino acid transamination

Amino acid deamination

Fate of ammonia

The urea cycle

Fate of the carboxyl group

Catabolism of amino acid carbon skeletons

Amino acid biosynthesis

Regulation of protein metabolism

TUTORIALS

Tutorial 10: Biochemistry of nucleotides, nucleosides and nucleic acids.

Tutorial 11: Energy metabolism

Tutorial 12: Metabolic biochemistry — carbohydrate metabolism; exercise sheet 1

Tutorial 13: Metabolic biochemistry — carbohydrate metabolism; exercise sheet 2

Tutorial 14: Metabolic biochemistry — metabolism of physiologically important lipids

Tutorial 15: Lipid metabolism; exercise sheet

Tutorial 16: Characterisation of amino acids

Tutorial 17: Metabolic biochemistry — amino acid transformations

Tutorial 18: Metabolism of porphyrins and bile pigments

Tutorial 19: Xenobiotic metabolism

Tutorial 20: Metabolic biochemistry — protein metabolism; exercise sheet

PRACTICAL CLASSES

Practical 6: Characterisation and spectrophotometric determination of amino acids

Practical 7: Spectrophotometric protein determination using the Bradford method

Practical 8: Introduction to amino acid or protein electrophoresis

Practical 9: Extraction and determination of bioactive compounds and assessment of antioxidant activity in a medicinal plant

c) Course content:

Lectures

Chapter 1. Historical background and basic concepts.

Chapter 2. Components of the immune system.

1. Cells involved in the immune response

2. Lymphoid organs and tissues:

1.1. Primary lymphoid organs: bone marrow and thymus

1.2. Secondary lymphoid organs: spleen and lymph nodes

1.3. Tertiary tissues: mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and intraepithelial lymphocytes

Chapter 3. Antigens and immunogens

1. Characteristics of antigens and factors affecting immunogenicity

2. The major histocompatibility complex and human leukocyte antigens (MHC and HLA)

3. Cellular antigen receptors

Chapter 4. Innate immunity

1. Components of innate immunity

2. Phagocytosis:

3. Inflammation

4. Natural killer (NK) cells

5. The complement system

Chapter 5. Adaptive immunity

Cell-mediated immunity.

Humoral immunity.

2.1. Immunoglobulin structure

2.2. Stages of the immune response

Chapter 6. Immune tolerance: self and non-self

Chapter 7. Immune system disorders

1. Hypersensitivity

2. Autoimmune diseases

3. Immunodeficiencies

Chapter 8. Introduction to immunological therapies

1. Vaccination and serum therapy

2. Immunosuppressants: organ transplantation

Tutorials

Tutorial 1: Antigens

Tutorial 2: Immunoglobulins

Tutorial 3: Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses

Tutorial 4: The major histocompatibility complex

Tutorial 5: The complement system

Practical work

Practical 1: Haemagglutination for blood group determination and preparation of a blood smear.

Practical 2: Blood cell counting: red and white blood cell counts.

Practical 3: Immunization and blood sampling.

Practical 4: Double immunodiffusion: the Ouchterlony test.

Practical 5: Laurell electroimmunodiffusion.

Course content:

Lectures

Chapter 6: Control of bacterial growth

Definitions

Antimicrobial effects

Mechanisms of action of antimicrobial agents

Physical antimicrobial agents

Chemical antimicrobial agents

Chemotherapeutic antimicrobial agents

Factors affecting microbial destruction

Antibiotic resistance

Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance

Approaches to combating antibiotic resistance

In-vitro evaluation of an antibiotic

Chapter 7: Food microbiology

General concepts concerning foods

Microorganisms in foods

Factors promoting microbial growth

Roles of microorganisms in foods

Beneficial microorganisms

Harmful microorganisms: spoilage organisms and pathogens

Food preservation methods

Chapter 8: Industrial microbiology

Definitions and history

Advantages of microorganisms in industry

Applications of industrial microbiology

Bioremediation, bioaugmentation, biotransformation and biodegradation

The bacterial cell as an industrial tool

Optimisation of industrial culture media

Production of metabolites and molecules of industrial interest

Main product families in industrial microbiology

Chapter 9: Introduction to virology

Introduction to general virology

Viral structure, replication and classification

Viral multiplication and life cycle

Chapter 10: Introduction to mycology

Introduction to mycology

Fungal biology, classification and reproduction

Fungal structure, ecology and importance

TUTORIALS

Tutorial 9: Pathogenicity

Tutorial 10: Antimicrobial agents

Tutorial 11: Microorganisms causing foodborne infections and intoxications

Tutorial 12: Microbiology of fermented foods

Tutorial 13: Microbial ecology and microorganism–environment interactions

Tutorial 14: Virology

Tutorial 15: Mycology

PRACTICAL WORK

Practical 5: Microscopic examination of isolated microorganisms

Practical 6: Selected biochemical characteristics of isolated bacteria

Practical 7: Antimicrobial activity of different agents

Practical 8: Study of yeasts and fungi

c) Course content:

Lectures

Chapter 01: ALGAE

1.1. Morphology and evolution of thalli

1.2. Cytological characteristics

1.3. Reproduction and life cycles: monogenetic haplontic, monogenetic diplontic, digenetic and trigenetic

1.4. Systematics

Chapter 02: FUNGI AND LICHENS

2.1. Problems in fungal classification

2.2. Thallus structure

2.3. Asexual and sexual reproduction; monogenetic haplontic, digenetic and trigenetic life cycles

2.4. Systematics

2.5. A distinctive alga–fungus association: lichens

• Structure

• Reproduction

• Classification

Chapter 03: BRYOPHYTES

3.1. Morphological characteristics

3.2. Reproduction and the digenetic life cycle

3.3. Systematics

Chapter 04: PTERIDOPHYTES

4.1. Morphological characteristics

4.2. Reproduction: endosporic gametophyte development, heterospory, gametophyte reduction and the digenetic life cycle

4.3. Systematics

Chapter 05: SEED PLANTS

5.1. Prephanerogams, using the classification in the programme

5.1.1. Evolutionary significance of this group

5.1.2. Reproduction and the concept of the ovule

5.1.3. Systematics

5.2. Gymnosperms

5.2.1. Morphological, anatomical and chemotaxonomic characteristics

5.2.2. Reproduction: concepts of flowers, inflorescences and seeds

5.2.3. Systematics

5.3. Angiosperms

5.3.1. Morphological, anatomical and chemotaxonomic characteristics

5.3.2. Reproduction and double fertilisation

5.3.3. Systematics

PRACTICAL WORK

Practical 1: Algae

Practical 2: Fungi and lichens

Practical 3: Bryophytes and pteridophytes

Practical 4: Gymnosperms

Practical 5: Angiosperms

c) Course content:

Lectures

Chapter 1: General concepts

Definition and history of ecology.

Fields of intervention and modern applications.

The ecological system: ecosystems and biomes.

Chapter 2: The environment and its components

Ecological niches and habitats.

Environmental factors and their influence on organisms.

Ecological resilience and species adaptation.

Chapter 3: Abiotic factors

Climatic factors: temperature, humidity, light, wind and precipitation.

Edaphic factors: soil composition, pH and essential nutrients.

Influence of climate change on abiotic factors.

Chapter 4: Biotic factors

Intraspecific and interspecific interactions.

Interspecific relationships: competition, predation, parasitism and mutualism.

Impacts of invasive species on ecosystems.

Chapter 5: Ecosystem structure and functioning

Organization of the biosphere and food chains.

Energy transfer and ecological efficiencies.

Effects of anthropogenic disturbances on ecosystem stability.

Chapter 6: Ecology and sustainable development

Definition and principles of sustainable development.

Impacts of human activities on ecosystems.

Conservation strategies and sustainable management of natural resources.

Chapter 7: Pollution and ecosystem degradation

Types of pollution: atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial.

Effects of pollutants on biodiversity and human health.

Solutions and regulations to limit pollution.

Chapter 8: Climate change and species adaptation

Causes and consequences of climate change.

Species adaptation to new environmental conditions.

Mitigation and ecological resilience measures.

Tutorials

Theme 1: Introduction to ecology and fundamental concepts

Tutorial 01: The environment and its components.

Tutorial 02: Habitat and ecological niche.

Theme 2: Ecological factors influencing ecosystems

Tutorial 03: Climatic abiotic factors.

Tutorial 04: Edaphic abiotic factors.

Tutorial 05: Biotic factors and ecological interactions.

Theme 3: Ecosystem structure and functioning

Tutorial 06: Food chains and food webs.

Tutorial 07: Energy transfer and efficiencies.

Tutorial 08: Biogeochemical cycles: the water and carbon cycles.

Tutorial 09: Biogeochemical cycles: the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles.

Theme 4: Anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems

Tutorial 10: Environmental pollution: diagnosis and responses.

Tutorial 11: Global warming: impacts and species responses.

Course content:

LECTURES

1 — Introduction to language

- Definition of language

- Properties of language

- The English language

- Scientific language

2 — Communication

- The English pronunciation system

a — Phonetic symbols (IPA)

b — Phonetic transcription (oral and written practice)

- How to ask and answer questions

3 — Vocabulary

- English words (roots, prefixes and suffixes)

- The natural world

- Plants (morphological study of plants); animals (classification of animals)

4 — Writing techniques

Reports / presentations (application letters)

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