Foundation Course in Biology
Contents: Preface 1. Origin of Life 2. Evolution 3. Cell As AUnit of Life 4. Cell Cycle: Mitosis and Meiosis 5. Microscopy 6. Chemistry of Life 7. Water and Life 8. Carbon and Life 9. Biomolecules–Structure and Function 10. Metabolism and Energy 11. Five Kingdom Classification 12. Systematics and Phylogeny 13. Biodiversity 14. Hierarchy of Biological Organization and Ecological Concepts 15. Nutrition 16. Growth and Reproduction 17. Structural and Functional Organization of Genomes 18. Recombinant DNA Technology and Transgenic Microbes, Plants and Animals 19. Tissue Culture--Applications, Additional Readings, Index.
"Biology, till recently, was being taught as two different subjects namely Botany and Zoology. This approach did not expose the students to the dynamic vibrancy of Natural Sciences and the interdependence of plant and animal life to sustain life on this planet. This treatment is getting changed now and it is presented as an integrated discipline to highlight the unifying concepts of life.
During the last five to six decades, Biology has undergone a tremendous change with explosion of knowledge in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, environment and biodiversity, with focus on the role of Biology in food production, environment protection, diagnosis and control of diseases besides the large scale production of products useful to mankind through biotechnology.
The purpose of this text is to provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying the field of Biology in a simple manner. At the same time it exposes the students to the wonderful aspects of life and provides them with a platform for advanced study of the subject. Covering a broad spectrum of scientific concepts, this text is designed to build a strong foundation for students at the undergraduate level.
Considering the need as per the revised curriculum, several new topics like Cell Cycle, Microscopy, Chemistry of Life, Water & Life, Carbon & Life and Biomolecules have been included in this edition."
