Annexure-96. (Bsc Hons Biological Science)
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दिल्ली दिश्िदिद्यालय UNIVERSITY OF DELHI Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biological Science (Effective from Academic Year 2019-20) Biological Science Sri Venkateswara College University of Delhi New Delhi-110021 Revised Syllabus as approved by Academic Council Date: No: Executive Council Date: No: Applicable for students registered with Regular Colleges List of Contents Page No. Preamble 1. Introduction to Programme …….(e.g. Biological Sciences Department) 1 2. Learning Outcome-based Curriculum Framework in Programme B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Science 1 2.1. Nature and Extent of the Programme in B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Science 2.2. Aims of Bachelor Degree Programme in B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Science 3. Graduate Attributes in B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Science 2 4. Qualification Descriptors for Graduates B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Science 3 5. Programme Learning Outcomes for in B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Science 4 6. Structure of in B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Science. 4 6.1. Credit Distribution for B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Science 6.2. Semester-wise Distribution of Courses. 7. Courses for Programme B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Science 9 PREAMBLE The undergraduate level education in basic science as well as in applied science has to be broad based. Well established disciplines like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Geology and many others have long developed interfaces with each other so much that areas like Chemical Physics, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Mathematical Biology or Geophysics have themselves emerged as major disciplines. Conceptualization in each of the above fundamental disciplines has made much of the information gathered meaningful. Mechanisms underlying many biological phenomena have been discovered. These mechanisms have been shown to transcend the boundaries between plant kingdom, animal kingdom and the microbial world. As a matter of fact the new knowledge in Biology essentially deals with developmental, genetic, environmental and molecular aspects. The teaching of such a course that is truly interdisciplinary is best achieved through Choice-based Credit System (CBCS) since it offers sound foundations in the form of Core Courses at the same time allowing freedom to students to select discipline specific courses that augment the understanding of the subject at various levels. This freedom is further extended by giving students a choice in selecting the Generic Elective courses that broaden their learning horizons and widen the scope for higher education and the employment avenues. The Learning Outcome-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) built into the CBCS mode offers focus and purpose to the programme. The combination of LOCF and CBCS also allows for lateral movement of students between institutes of higher learning offering another level of flexibility. Education in the 21st century has undergone a paradigm shift, which necessitates frequent updates in any curriculum to reflect the dynamic changes in knowledge outcome, more so for biological sciences where advances are rapid and far-reaching. The revised Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) curriculum to be introduced in the academic session 2019-2020 conforms to Learning Outcome Based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) and aims at imparting concept based learning with emphasis on skill development and research. B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Science 1. Introduction Biological Science is an inter-disciplinary science and relies on strong foundations of Chemistry, Biophysics Biochemistry, Botany and Zoology. It aims to study the structure and function of different constituent parts/biomolecules of living organisms and their complex inter relationships to maintain and perpetuate various life forms. The scope of Biological Science as an interdisciplinary subject is very broad. The Biological Science programme at the undergraduate level has been envisioned in order to emphasize the importance of inter- disciplinary nature underlying the study of all the aspects of structure and function of living organisms. The programme has been envisioned and developed with the following ideas and features: It tries to integrate the quantum of information from the interface areas of related sciences. It brings various biology related areas under a single umbrella of Biological Science It provides a balanced emphasis to courses like Chemistry, Biophysics, Biodiversity, Light and Life, Proteins and Enzymes, Cell Biology, Ecology, Systems Physiology, Molecular biology, Metabolism and Integration, Growth and Reproduction, Genetics, Defense Mechanisms and Evolutionary Biology. It tries to remove in effect, artificial barriers among the existing sub-disciplines of Biology like Botany and Zoology with an aim to study and understand Biology with a holistic view. It emphasizes the importance of living processes and phenomena rather than individual life forms. 2. Learning Outcome-based Curriculum Framework in B.Sc. Hons. Biological Sciences The learning outcomes-based curriculum framework for a B. Sc (Honours) degree in Biological Science is intended to provide a broad framework within which Biological Science programme that responds to the needs of students and to the evolving nature of Biological Science as a subject could be developed. Its objective is to enable students to acquire a skill set that helps them to understand and appreciate the vast and fascinating world of living organisms. The framework is expected to assist in the maintenance of the standard of Biological Science programme across the country and to facilitate a periodic programme review within a broad framework of agreed expected graduate attributes, qualification descriptors, programme learning outcomes and course-level learning outcomes. The framework, however, does not seek to bring about uniformity in syllabi for a programme of study in Biological Science or in teaching-learning process and learning assessment procedures. Instead, the framework is intended to allow for flexibility and innovation in programme design and syllabi development, teaching-learning process, assessment of student learning levels. 2.1 Nature and Extent of the B.Sc. (Honours) Programme in Biological Science 1 Biological Science essentially deals with the complexity of living organisms, the microscopic and macroscopic structures within organisms that have specific functions and the mechanisms for extracting and transforming energy from the environment. It also explains how organisms exist in hormony with other organisms and how they adapt to their changing environments and gradually evolve. The key areas of study within the disciplinary/subject area of Biological Science comprise: Biodiversity, Light and Life, Proteins and Enzymes, Cell Biology, Ecology, Systems physiology, Molecular biology, Metabolism, Growth and Reproduction, Genetics, Defense mechanisms and Evolutionary Biology. The Honours degree programme in Biological Science includes core courses in Chemistry and Biophysics so as to provide a strong fundamental background for studying the complex nature of biological interactions and regulatory framework operating in a cell. As a part of the efforts to motivate the students of Biological Science programme to pursue research, the curricula for the programme are designed to incorporate learning experiences that offer opportunities for in depth study and hands-on laboratory experience. 2.2 Aims of the Programme The overall objective of the Bachelors (Honours) Programme in Biological Science is to enable students to learn and integrate knowledge in Biophysics and Chemistry and Biology that is relevant to study and understand the complex biological processes and thus prepare them for post-graduate education and careers in research, medicine and industry. The program aims to: Provide students with learning experiences that help instill deep interests in learning Biological Science; to develop an understanding of the complex nature of biomolecules, tissues and organs and their inter-relationship and inter-dependence. Encourage students to study the structure and function of specific molecules and pathways and their interactions and networking in biological systems with particular emphasis on regulation of chemical reactions in living cells. Encourage students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to develop solutions for various applications in medicine like developing vaccines and drugs. Provide students with the knowledge and skill base that would enable them to undertake further studies in Biological Science and related areas or in multidisciplinary areas that involve Biological Science and help develop a range of generic skills that are relevant to pursue research, self-employment and entrepreneurship. 3. Graduate Attributes in B.Sc. Hons. Biological Science A graduate in the Biological Science programme is expected to demonstrate the following attributes: Disciplinary knowledge and skills: Capable of demonstrating (i) comprehensive knowledge and understanding of major concepts, principles and experimental findings in Biological Science and other related fields of study, including broader 2 interdisciplinary areas such as Microbiology, Biotechnology, Plant sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental sciences (ii) ability to use modern instrumentation/techniques for separation, purification and identification of biologically important molecules. Skilled communicator: Ability to convey complex technical information relating to Biological Science in a clear and concise manner both in writing as well as orally. Critical thinker