Topics in Biology for Senior Secondary School

Bioinformatics is a fascinating subject as it seeks to solve scientific problems using computation. It has become essential in recent years due to increased information about genetic mutations that could lead to diseases or disorders. 

As such, students have grown interested in this field because they are able to use the technology to examine biological systems such as cells, organisms, and ecosystems.

The human brain is one of the most complex organs known today. It plays a critical role in everything that we do, including memory, perception, emotion and many more.

Understanding how the human brain functions will help us develop new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and mental health. Through bioinformatics, students are exposed to a wide range of knowledge, skills, and technologies which enable them to explore various areas within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). BSN candidates will be exposed to an array of coursework, projects, laboratory experiments, and hands-on experiences.

They will also participate in research work under guidance from faculty members who are experts in specific fields of biology. These courses offer a good way for students to gain experience in different disciplines and expand their horizons as far as the sciences go.

There are numerous opportunities available to enhance the understanding of how life works. With this in mind, the following topics provide a broad spectrum of ideas to nurture students on their quest through the discipline of biology.

Cellular Physiology

Cellular physiology involves studying the mechanisms that control the functioning of all parts of the body. Cellular physiology covers the study of cellular structures and organelles – the basic units of life. This class encompasses the study of physiology of all kinds of cells, including microorganisms, such as microbes and protozoa, and eukaryotic, prokaryotic, and other kinds of single-celled organisms.

Such elements include plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, algae and mammals. Each of these organisms has its own unique features and unique ways of operating. By studying them, students get insights into human physiology which enables them to understand how our bodies function and adapt to our environment.

While some of the learning activities will involve laboratory experiments, others students will learn from books, videos, and internet sources. Some of the notable resources available to supplement the curriculum include “Living Systems Research Guide” by National Institute of Health, Nature’s Building Blocks for Evolution by Thomas J. Malthus, The Cell Biology Encyclopedia by John S. Haldeman, A Visual Science Odyssey by Stephen W. Smith, and Molecular Biophysics in Practice by David Eisner.

Cell Biology

This course focuses on the study of the structure and processes of living systems. The major focus is on plants and animal cells, and all cells and tissue types are important aspects. Students must acquire knowledge about how the basic structural components of cell membranes change size, shape, and function to allow passage of ions and water and gas through them. Various methods of analyzing data in the form of experimental design and analyses such as transmission electron microscopy are used to study biological systems in detail.

To achieve this goal, students will receive extensive lab and theoretical work in both theory and practice. Throughout each unit, labs will be conducted for students to undertake practical assignments or hands-on experiments. Lab techniques including computer simulations, imaging techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescent microscopy will be used to measure and observe biological processes.

Students will also benefit from lectures, discussions with peers and instructors, group project work, and additional learning from online course materials. Student feedback will also be sought to incorporate more active participation and engagement with instructor-guided learning. Other core subjects covered within this course include nucleic acid and protein sequencing, enzyme production, DNA repair and replication, transcriptional regulation, gene expression, protein analysis, and genome organization and architecture.

Molecular Genetics

This unit gives a comprehensive overview of principles and methodology in molecular genetics. Students will be given a general introduction of concepts and models of DNA synthesis and translation, RNA transcription, base sequence recognition, mRNA synthesis, transcription, and translational modification.

They will then be introduced to genetic maps, genes, molecular mechanisms, sequences, and proteins. Students will also develop an understanding of what happens at every stage of cell division.

Finally, they will be introduced to methods such as transfection, cloning, selection and mutagenesis. At the end of this unit, students should have acquired understanding of how they can further investigate the fundamental biological concepts that pertain to genetics.

 Afterward, they will be introduced to topics such as computational approaches to analyze large amounts of data, gene expression data sets, and functional genomics, which are instrumental in developing novel means of probing specific genes.

In addition, students will be provided with laboratory equipment and supplies required for performing accurate data analyses (i.e., PCR machines, pipettes, gel electrophoresis apparatus, etc.).

Other core issues addressed in this unit include molecular evolution, the relationship between mutation and natural selection, inheritance, heredity and evolution, genomic instability, comparative genomics, chromosomal studies, and the importance of the immune system. Students will also have access to interactive websites, lecture notes, and reading materials to complete their modules.

Molecular Ecology

This unit provides an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the ecology of DNA and its impacts from multiple angles. Through this course, students are expected to explore topics such as environmental effects, biotic interactions, ecosystem dynamics, community structure, energy cycles and conservation, biodiversity, conservation of carbon and nitrogen cycles, biodiversity and conservation of diversity, ecosystem services to humans (e.g., nutrient cycling), and macroecological management (e.g., urbanization, forestry, agriculture, etc.) among others.

Moreover, students will learn about ecological patterns by examining case studies of the past. Also, they will encounter real-life examples of ecosystem health, restoration, sustainable development, climate change, etc.

During lab sessions, students will engage in analytical techniques, such as quantitative analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) data to quantify genetic material, while they will test hypotheses and theories about how evolutionary pressures may affect species diversity.

Furthermore, students will conduct experiments to quantify changes at various stages of metamorphosis. Apart from this, students make use of social networks to analyze communities. Additionally, they will engage in qualitative/quantitative analysis of ecology data, analyze interactions between individuals, groups, and ecosystems, and make predictions about future trends.

The final component of this module involves making connections between the theoretical and empirical content and integrating findings and ideas with personal worldviews, values, and experiences.

Micro Biology

Micro Biology specialization is concerned with how tiny microorganisms contribute to their environments by aiding in nutrient cycling, increasing resistance to infections, and even fighting disease. Microbial communities are comprised of thousands of microorganisms which interact with one another through chemical reactions, such as oxidation, reduction, and fermentation and competition.

Studying microbial communities allows scientists to not only learn more about how they operate, but also to better predict the behaviors of their communities. However, there are limitations to conducting ecological research on individual-level communities. Therefore, they need to be studied with respect to whole communities over long periods.

Different approaches such as stable isotopes analysis, biogeo-electrical impedance, and mass flow cytometry can be useful tools in this endeavor. Another area of study includes pathogen identification techniques like colony morphology, genetic profiling and genotyping, environmental scanning, and epidemiological investigation.