Unit Title: Introduction to organism forms and molecular biology

Prerequisite: A pass in Year 12 examination or equivalent

Semester 1: Offered on F-F mode        Semester 2: Not offered      

This is an expansion of the knowledge learnt in UPC3 and/or Year 12 biology studies. The purpose of this unit is to introduce students to other biological levels of the organism in plants and animals, including the immune system, control of body temperature and water balance, hormones and endocrine system, nutrition and reproduction to embryonic development; and how these systems are coordinated in organisms. Plant growth, hormones and defense mechanism are discussed and compared to the animal kingdom. Students will also be introduced to the detailed structure of DNA and RNA replication, and different roles played by enzymes in the process are highlighted and discussed. Finally further insights are presented on the roles of DNA in the human genome.