August 2023

Hong Kong Community College

Subject Description Form

Subject Code SEHH1109

Subject Title General Biology

Credit Value 3

Level 1

Medium of English
Instruction

Pre-requisite / Nil
Co-requisite/
Exclusion

Prior Nil
Knowledge

Objectives This subject serves as an introduction to the basic knowledge and concepts in
various areas of biology at the university entry level. It provides the main
framework for biology, including fundamentals of cellular structure and
function, genetics and inheritance, zoology, botany and ecology.

Intended Learning Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
Outcomes
(a) describe the basic structure and functions of the cell;

(b) explain the principle of genetics and inheritance;

(c) examine the structure and function of animals;

(d) explain the structure and function of plants;

(e) discuss the importance of evolution and biological diversity;

(f) define current issues relating to professional ethics in the biological fields.

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Subject Synopsis/ Science of Biology
Indicative Syllabus Characteristics of living things; Level of biological organisation; Three major
domains: Bacteria, Arachea, and Eukarya; Six Kingdoms of life.

Structure and Function of the Cell

Structure and functions of the cellular components; Energy harvest and trap
with chemical bonding; Photosynthesis.

Genetics and Inheritance

Reproduction and inheritance; Molecular biology of gene; Control of gene
expression at the cellular level; DNA structure and DNA technology, and the
associated ethical issues.

Evolution and Biological Diversity

Darwin’s theory of evolution; Origin and evolution of life; Diversity of life;
Professional social responsibility in the protection of diversity of life.

Animal Form and Function

Animal structure and functions; Homeostasis conferred by various systems;
digestion and metabolism, gases exchange and circulation, immune,
osmoregulation, hormone and endocrine, nervous systems and sensation and
locomotion.

Plant Form and Function

Plant Structure; Reproduction and development; Nutrition and transport;
Control and growth.

Ecology
The Biosphere; Behaviour adaptations to environment; Population ecology;
Communities and ecosystems; Human activity and the maintenance of
ecosystem.

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Teaching/Learning Lectures will focus on the fundamentals of various aspects of biology
Methodology followed by elaboration of the key concepts and the underlying principles to
ensure that students have the basis for further science education.

Tutorials are used to stimulate students’ interest and reinforce their

knowledge and concepts. The activities in tutorials normally include
discussions of tutorial questions and problems.

Laboratory session is used to enable students to apply learnt theories from

lectures and acquire basic laboratory skills.

Assessment A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess students’
Methods in achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.
Alignment with
Intended Learning Specific assessment % Intended subject learning
Outcomes methods/tasks weighting outcomes to be assessed

a b c d e f

Continuous Assessment 50

▪ Test 20 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

▪ Individual Assignment 15 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

▪ Group Project 15 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

▪ Examination 50 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Total 100

To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in both
the Continuous Assessment and Examination.

Test is used to assess students’ knowledge on characteristics of living things,

cellular structures and functions, genetic inheritance, evolution, biodiversity,
botany and human biology.

Individual assignment is used to assess students’ ability to demonstrate

knowledge in the functions of the cell, genetics and inheritance, animal biology
as well as their professional ethics.

Group project is used to assess students’ analytical and critical skills when
conducting the experiment and interpretation of results and/or applying related
theories in biological issues.

Examination is used to assess students’ understanding on the fundamental,

biological knowledge from cellular level to ecology.

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Student Study Class contact Hours

Effort Expected
▪ Lecture 26

▪ Tutorial 13

▪ Laboratory 3

Other student study effort

▪ Self-study 91

Total student study effort 133

Reading List and Recommended Textbooks

References
Hoefinagels, M., & Taylor, M. S. (2020). Biology: Concepts and
Investigations (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Simon, E. J., Dickey, J. L., & Reece, J. B. (2019). Campbell Essential

Biology with Physiology (6th ed.). Pearson.

References

Johnson, G.B., & Bergh, J. (2023). The Living World (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Taylor, M.R., Simon, E.J., Dickey, J.L., Hogan, K., & Campbell, N. A.
(2022). Campbell Biology: Concepts and Connections. (10th ed.). Pearson.

The Reading List and References are indicative. Relevant reading materials will
be suggested and assigned from time-to-time when they are deemed appropriate.