I Think Biology

By Multi faculty | Azim Premji University

Learners enrolled: 2250 | Exam registration: 583

ABOUT THE COURSE:
‘I Think Biology’ is a course about fundamental concepts in biology and is different from the traditional biology courses taught in India. By providing an integrated view we highlight the organizing principles of biology. The course focuses on capacity building rather than content knowledge by introducing the scientific process and tools, quantitative reasoning, reading and interpreting, and problem-solving. We also highlight the relationship between biology and our society. All case studies used in the course are from India and we also make use of free online learning resources that are curated and reliable. The course will provide students with an overview of biology and the process of science and develop analytical skills that will allow them to take their interest forward. It can be taken by students studying at the undergraduate level, especially in arts and sciences, by enthusiasts interested in learning biology and by educators looking to expand their repertoire of teaching skills.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Undergraduates in biology/life sciences. Educators that are looking to expand their teaching skills. We also welcome enthusiasts who are interested in the field of biology.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT: Any biology-related research industry.

Summary

Course Status :	Ongoing
Course Type :	Core
Duration :	12 weeks
Category :	Biological Sciences & Bioengineering Biosciences
Credit Points :	3
Level :	Undergraduate
Start Date :	22 Jan 2024
End Date :	12 Apr 2024
Enrollment Ends :	05 Feb 2024
Exam Registration Ends :	16 Feb 2024
Exam Date :	21 Apr 2024 IST

Note: This exam date is subjected to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

Page Visits

Course layout

Week 1: What is life?

What is Biology?

Pillars of Biology

Biology and the City

The Process of Science

A tale of forgotten scientists

Week 2: Understanding Scientific Practices

Numbers and Scales in Biology

Experimentation vs Theory in Biology

How to find reliable information?

How to read a Scientific Article?

Week 3: Building Blocks of Biology

Biomolecules

Central Dogma

Gene Regulation

Non-coding RNA

Week 4: Cell Biology

Introduction to cells

Our favourite cells

Cell Cycle and control

Cancer Biology

Week 5: Genetics and its Application

Mendelian Genetics

Modern Genetics

Gene Mutations and Genetic Disorders

Studying Human Genetic Disorders Using Transgenic Animals

Week 6: Cell and Molecular Biology Techniques

Bead Microscopy

Molecular Biology Techniques

Bacterial DNA Isolation and PCR - Laboratory experiment

BT Cotton

Week 7: Evolution

Introduction to Evolution

Evidences of Evolution

Mechanism of Evolution

Misconceptions about evolution

Human Evolution

Week 8: Species, Speciation, and Diversity

Species, Speciation and Biodiversity

Measuring Biodiversity (Tutorial)

Speciation

Week 9: Ecological Interactions

Introduction to Ecological Interactions

Mutualism - Figs (Case Study)

Seed Dispersal (Case study)

Week 10: Public Health

Public Health in India

Rotavirus (Case study)

Malaria (Case study)

Week 11: The Earth in Crisis

Biology and Climate Change

Biodiversity Conservation

Week 12: Biology, Society and the Environment

Biology and Society

Art and Science

Urbanscapes - Stray Dogs (Case Study)

Nature relatedness

Course wrap-up

Books and references

https://ithinkbiology.in/
https://explorebiology.org/
Concepts in Biology (OpenStax)
Biochemistry Free and Easy
https://www.ibiology.org/
https://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolution-101/

Instructor bio

Click here to view instrctor details.

Course certificate

The course is free to enroll and learn from. But if you want a certificate, you have to register and write the proctored exam conducted by us in person at any of the designated exam centres.

The exam is optional for a fee of Rs 1000/- (Rupees one thousand only).

Date and Time of Exams: 21 April 2024 Morning session 9am to 12 noon; Afternoon Session 2pm to 5pm.

Registration url: Announcements will be made when the registration form is open for registrations.

The online registration form has to be filled and the certification exam fee needs to be paid. More details will be made available when the exam registration form is published. If there are any changes, it will be mentioned then.

Please check the form for more details on the cities where the exams will be held, the conditions you agree to when you fill the form etc.

CRITERIA TO GET A CERTIFICATE

Average assignment score = 25% of average of best 8 assignments out of the total 12 assignments given in the course.
Exam score = 75% of the proctored certification exam score out of 100

Final score = Average assignment score + Exam score

YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE ONLY IF AVERAGE ASSIGNMENT SCORE >=10/25 AND EXAM SCORE >= 30/75. If one of the 2 criteria is not met, you will not get the certificate even if the Final score >= 40/100.

Certificate will have your name, photograph and the score in the final exam with the breakup.It will have the logos of NPTEL and IIT Madras .It will be e-verifiable at nptel.ac.in/noc.

Only the e-certificate will be made available. Hard copies will not be dispatched.

Once again, thanks for your interest in our online courses and certification. Happy learning.

- NPTEL team

SWAYAM Helpline / Support