100708 Biology for Engineers 2L:1T:0P 3 Credits

Module 1: Introduction
Purpose: To convey that Biology is as important a scientific discipline as Mathematics,
Physics and Chemistry.
Bring out the fundamental differences between science and engineering by drawing
a comparison between eye and camera, Bird flying and aircraft. Mention the most exciting
aspect of biology as an independent scientific discipline. Why we need to study biology?
Discuss how biological observations of 18th Century that lead to major discoveries.
Examples from Brownian motion and the origin of thermodynamics by referring to the
original observation of Robert Brown and Julius Mayor. These examples will highlight the
fundamental importance of observations in any scientific inquiry.
Module 2: Classification
Purpose: To convey that classification per se is not what biology is all about. The
underlying criterion, such as morphological, biochemical or ecological be highlighted.
Hierarchy of life forms at phenomenological level. A common thread weaves this
hierarchy Classification. Discuss classification based on (a) cellularity- Unicellular or
multicellular (b) ultrastructure- prokaryotes or eucaryotes. (c) energy and Carbon
utilisation -Autotrophs, heterotrophs, lithotropes (d) Ammonia excretion – aminotelic,
uricoteliec, ureotelic (e) Habitata- acquatic or terrestrial (f) Molecular taxonomy- three
major kingdoms of life. A given organism can come under different category based on
classification. Model organisms for the study of biology come from different groups. E.coli,
S.cerevisiae, D. Melanogaster, C. elegance, A. Thaliana, M. musculus.
Module 3: Genetics
Purpose: To convey that “Genetics is to biology what Newton’s laws are to Physical
Sciences”
Mendel’s laws, Concept of segregation and independent assortment. Concept of
allele. Gene mapping, Gene interaction, Epistasis. Meiosis and Mitosis be taught as a part of
genetics. Emphasis to be give not to the mechanics of cell division nor the phases but how
genetic material passes from parent to offspring. Concepts of recessiveness and dominance.
Concept of mapping of phenotype to genes. Discuss about the single gene disorders in
humans. Discuss the concept of complementation using human genetics.
Module 4: Biomolecules Lecture: 4 hrs.
Purpose: To convey that all forms of life has the same building blocks and yet the
manifestations are as diverse as one can imagine.
Molecules of life. In this context discuss monomeric units and polymeric structures.
Discuss about sugars, starch and cellulose. Amino acids and proteins. Nucleotides and
DNA/RNA. Two carbon units and lipids.
Module 5: Enzymes Lecture: 4 hrs.
Purpose: To convey that without catalysis life would not have existed on earth
Enzymology: How to monitor enzyme catalysed reactions. How does an enzyme catalyse
reactions? Enzyme classification. Mechanism of enzyme action. Discuss at least two
examples. Enzyme kinetics and kinetic parameters. Why should we know these parameters
to understand biology? RNA catalysis.
Module 6: Information Transfer Lecture: 4 hrs.
Purpose: The molecular basis of coding and decoding genetic information is universal
Molecular basis of information transfer. DNA as a genetic material. Hierarchy of DNA
structure- from single stranded to double helix to nucleosomes. Concept of genetic code.
Universality and degeneracy of genetic code. Define gene in terms of complementation
and recombination.
Module 7: Macromolecular analysis Lecture: 5 hrs.
Purpose: How to analyse biological processes at the reductionist level Proteins- structure
and function. Hierarch in protein structure. Primary secondary, tertiary and quaternary
structure. Proteins as enzymes, transporters, receptors and structural elements.
Module 8: Metabolism Lecture:
Purpose: The fundamental principles of energy transactions are the same in physical and
biological world.
Thermodynamics as applied to biological systems. Exothermic and endothermic
versus endergonic and exergoinc reactions. Concept of Keqand its relation to standard free
energy. Spontaneity. ATP as an energy currency. This should include the breakdown of
glucose to CO2 + H2O (Glycolysis and Krebs cycle) and synthesis of glucose from CO2 and
H2O (Photosynthesis). Energy yielding and energy consuming reactions. Concept of Energy
charge.
Module 9: Microbiology
Purpose: Concept of single celled organisms. Concept of species and strains. Identification
and classification of microorganisms. Microscopy. Ecological aspects of single celled
organisms. Sterilization and media compositions. Growth kinetics.

Suggested Reference Books:
1. Biology: A global approach: Campbell, N. A.; Reece, J. B.; Urry, Lisa; Cain, M, L.;
Wasserman, S. A.; Minorsky, P. V.; Jackson, R. B. Pearson Education Ltd
2. Outlines of Biochemistry, Conn, E.E; Stumpf, P.K; Bruening, G; Doi, R.H. John Wiley
and Sons
3. Principles of Biochemistry (V Edition), By Nelson, D. L.; and Cox, M. M.W.H.
Freeman and Company
4. Molecular Genetics (Second edition), Stent, G. S.; and Calender, R. W.H. Freeman and
company, Distributed by Satish Kumar Jain for CBS Publisher
5. Microbiology, Prescott, L.M J.P. Harley and C.A. Klein 1995. 2nd edition Wm, C.
Brown Publishers