Course Policy (2022-23) Elements of Biology

Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering

Basic Sci. & Humanities Department
Course Policy
Program/Branch/Semester : B. Tech Artificial Intelligence
MBA Tech. IT
MBA Tech. Computer
MBA Tech Data Science
MBA Tech AI

BTI Mechanical
Academic Year : 2022-23
Course Code & Name : MBCH05008
Elements of Biology (EOB)
Credit Details : L T P C
3 0 0 3

Course Coordinator : Dr. Pravin D. Patil

Faculty
Contact No. & Email : 022-42334791
pravin.patil@nmims.edu
Office : SBMP Phase 2 Bldg, 1st Floor (101, Cubicle 4)
Office hours : 09:00AM – 04:00PM
Other Course Faculty : Course Faculty 2: Mrs. Bhakti Bapat
members teaching this Contact No. & Email: +91 8511150098
course bhaktikbapat@gmail.com
Office Hours: 09:00AM – 05:00PM
Course Faculty 3: Dr. Sugam Shivhare Course Faculty 4: Dr. Suman Verma
Contact No. & Email: +91 9977159739 Contact No. & Email: +91 9098561751
sugam.shivhare@nmims.edu sumanexclusive@gmail.com
Office: Shirpur campus Office: Indore Campus
Office Hours: 09:00AM – 05:00PM Office Hours: 09:00AM – 05:00PM
Queries by Email are encouraged.
Course link : Study Material Link

Page 1 of 10
Course Policy (2022-23) Elements of Biology

1 Introduction to the Course

1.1 Importance of the course

It is very much important for engineering students to understand the basic principles of
engineering and the introduction of biological concepts so that they can effectively interact to
concern for providing solutions to the problems related to biosystems. Today, biology is an
emerging interdisciplinary field that focuses on the application of engineering principles for
the analysis of biological systems and solving the connection problems of these systems that
are plant, animal, or microbiological with man-made machines, structures, processes, and
instruments. It is used in the design of medical devices, diagnostic equipment, biocompatible
materials, renewable energy, ecological engineering, process engineering and catalysis, and
other areas that improve the living standards of societies.

1.2 Course Objectives

The principal objective of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the
biological mechanisms of living organisms from the perspective of engineers. To
encourage engineering students to think about solving biological problems with
engineering tools. To make them aware of the application of engineering principles in
biology and engineering robust solutions inspired by biological examples.

1.3 Pre-requisite
Fundamental knowledge of physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

2 Course Outcomes (CO) and mapping with Program Outcomes (PO)

2.1 Course Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, a student will be able to-
CO1. Convey that all forms of life have the same building blocks and yet the manifestations
are diverse.
CO2. Identify and classify microorganisms while understanding the molecular basis of DNA
as genetic material for information transfer.
CO3. Classify enzymes and distinguish between different mechanisms of enzyme action.
2.2 CO-PO Mapping

PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12
CO1 2 2 - - - - 2 - - - - -
CO2 3 3 1 - - 2 - - - - - -
CO3 3 2 - - - - - - - - - -
Low-1, Medium-2, High-3

Program Outcome [PO]

Page 2 of 10
Course Policy (2022-23) Elements of Biology

3 Syllabus, Pre-class activity and References

3.1 Teaching and evaluation scheme

Teaching Scheme Evaluation Scheme

Internal Continuous
Lecture Assessment (ICA)
Practical Tutorial Theory
Hours Credit As per Institute Norms (3 Hrs,
Hours Hours
per
per week per week (50 Marks) 100 Marks)
week

Marks Scaled to 50 Marks Scaled to

3 0 0 3
50

3.2 Syllabus
Detailed Syllabus: (per session plan)
Unit Description Duration
1. [CO1] Introduction 3
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.
2. [CO1] Classification
Convey that classification per se is not what biology is all about. The 6
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
utilization -Autotrophs, heterotrophs, lithotropes (d) Ammonia
excretion - aminotelic, uricoteliec, ureotelic (e) Habitata- acquatic or
terrestrial (e) 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

Page 3 of 10
Course Policy (2022-23) Elements of Biology

3. [CO2] Genetics
Convey that "Genetics is to biology what Newton's laws are to Physical 6
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
recessive-ness 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.
4. [CO1] Biomolecules 5
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.

5. [CO3] Enzymes 5
Convey that without catalysis life would not have existed on earth
Enzymology: How to monitor enzyme catalyzed reactions. How does
an enzyme catalyze 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.
6. [CO2] Information Transfer 6
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.
7. [CO3] Macromolecular analysis 5
How to analyses biological processes at the reductionistic level
Proteins- structure and function. Hierarch in protein structure. Primary
secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure. Proteins as enzymes,
transporters, receptors and structural elements.

8. [CO1] Metabolism 5
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 exergonic reactions. Concept of Keq and 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.

Page 4 of 10
Course Policy (2022-23) Elements of Biology

9. [CO2] Microbiology 4
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.

Total 45

3.3 Pre-class activity

Outline for a preliminary study to be done for each unit, will be provided prior to
commencement of each unit. Preliminary study material (video links, presentation, notes, etc.)
will be made available on the student portal. Students are expected to go through this material
before attending the upcoming session. It is expected that the students put in at least two hours
of self-study for every one hour of classroom teaching. During the lecture session, more
emphasis will be given to in-depth topics, practical applications, and doubt solving.

3.4 References

Textbooks:
1. Arthur T. Johnson, "Biology for Engineers" CRC Press Taylor & Francis group, 2nd
edition 2018.
2. Prescott, L.M J.P. Harley and C.A. Klein, "Microbiology", McGraw-Hill Higher
Education. 12th edition 2022.

Reference Books:
1. Campbell, N. A.; Reece, J. B.; Urry, Lisa; Cain, M, L.; Wasserman, S. A.; Minorsky,
P. V.; Jackson, R. B., "Biology: A global approach", Pearson Education Ltd. 12th
edition 2020.
2. Nelson, D. L.; Lehninger, A. L.; and Cox, M. M., Principles of Biochemistry, W.H.
Freeman, 8th edition 2020.

Note: The latest edition of books should be referred.

4 Laboratory/Tutorial details
No labs/Tutorials for this course

5 Assessment Policy
5.1 Component wise Continuous Evaluation Internal Continuous Assessment (ICA) and
Term End Examination (TEE)

Page 5 of 10
Course Policy (2022-23) Elements of Biology

Assessment ICA (100 Marks) TEE (100

Component (Marks scaled to 50) marks)
(Marks scaled to
50)
Class Test1 Subject Class Presentations on
and Enrichment particip advanced topics
Class Test 2 Exercise (SEE) ation related to biology
(beyond syllabus)

Weightage 20% 10% 5% 15% 50%

Marks 20+20 20 10 30 100

Date/Week Test 1: SEE 1: Weekly Once a week (2 10th to 19th May

of activity 06th to 11th 18th Feb 2023 presentations) 2023
Feb 2023
SEE 2:
Test 2: 18th Mar 2023
06th to 11th
Mar 2023 SEE 3:
8th April 2023

SEE 4:
29th April 2023

5.2 Assessment Policy for Internal Continuous Assessment (ICA)

Assessment of ICA comprises the following components.

1. Class test 1 and 2 (20+20 marks)

a. Two class tests will be conducted as per the academic calendar.

b. It may be conducted offline for 20 marks each

2. Subject Enrichment Exercise (SEE) (20 marks)

i. Continuous assessment for subject enrichment exercises will be
conducted. There are 4 exercises that will be conducted. At the end of
the course, an average of total marks will be taken to obtain marks out
of 20.
ii. The main objective of these exercises would be to provide an
opportunity for students to learn, practice, and demonstrate they have
achieved their learning goals while enriching their subject knowledge.
iii. Discussion of your work with your peers is allowed. However, each
student is expected to submit his/her original work. Submissions that are
very similar will be marked zero. Assessment of the exercises will be
carried out based on parameters such as understanding of the topic,
originality in the work, involvement of the student (15 marks), timely
completion, regularity, discipline etc. (5 marks). during the session.
There would be 20% per week penalty on late submissions.

Page 6 of 10
Course Policy (2022-23) Elements of Biology

Submission Deadlines:
SEE No. Units Deadline for submission

1 1,2,4 18th Feb 2023

2 3,6 18th Mar 2023
3 5,7 8th April 2023
4 8,9 29th April 2023

3. Class participation (10 marks)

Continuous assessment for class participation will be conducted. The faculty will
ask some questions in every class based on the content being taught. The question
could be asked to a chosen student or a student group (which is formed at the
beginning of the semester). One mark can be given to the correct answer. The
idea is to encourage students to pay attention in class and actively participate.
These marks will be added to the ICA class participation component. The main
learning objectives for each module and for the course will be considered and
learner-centered assessment will be encouraged.

4. Presentations on advanced topics (30 marks)

Students will be assigned a presentation topic based on advanced concepts of the
application of biology in engineering. The core engineering-related topics where
biology-inspired designs/processes/ecosystems are explored will be preferred for
the presentation. Assessment of the presentations will be carried out based on
parameters like literature research (5 marks), quality of presentation (5 marks),
understanding of the topic originality in topic selection (20 marks), timely
completion, involvement of the student, etc. (5 marks).
Process:
i. Faculty will make a group of 2 students
ii. Identify a topic/research paper based on some topic relevant to the
course.
iii. Students must get the topic approval.
iv. Assessment will be based on the presentation, originality, and
understanding, etc.

5.3 Assessment Policy for Term End Examination (TEE)

A written examination of 100 marks will be conducted for the course as per the academic
calendar.

6. Lesson Plan

Session Mapped Reference

Topics
No. CO
1 Convey that Biology is as important [CO1]

Page 7 of 10
Course Policy (2022-23) Elements of Biology

Discuss how biological observations of 18th Century [CO1]

2
that lead to major discoveries.
Discuss examples from -Brownian motion and the [CO1]
3
origin of thermodynamics
4 Convey that classification [CO1]
5 Discuss the underlying criterion for classification [CO1]
Discuss classification based on (a) cellularity- (b) [CO1]
6
ultrastructure.
Discuss classification based on (c) energy and Carbon [CO1]
7 utilization (d) Ammonia excretion (e) Habitata (e)
Molecular taxonomy- three major kingdoms of life.
8 Discuss model organisms [CO1]
9 Discuss different groups of model organisms [CO1]
10 Explain briefly building blocks of life [CO1]
11 Explain Carbohydrates [CO1]
12 Explain Lipids [CO1]
13 Explain Protein [CO1]
14 Explain Nucleic acid [CO1]
CLASS TEST 1 Unit 1, 2, 4
15 Explain Basic of Genetics [CO2]
16 Explain Mendel's laws [CO2]
Explain the concept of segregation and independent [CO2]
17
assortment. Concept of allele.
18 Discuss Gene mapping, Gene interaction, Epistasis. [CO2]
Discuss the concepts of recessiveness and dominance. [CO2]
19
Concept of mapping of phenotype to genes.
20 Explain the Genetic diseases. [CO2]
Discuss the molecular basis of coding and decoding [CO2]
21
genetic information
22 Explain hierarchy of DNA structure [CO2]

23 Explain the concept of genetic code [CO2]

24 Discuss central dogma of life [CO2]

25 Explain Transcription [CO2]

26 Explain Translation [CO2]
27 Introduce Enzymology [CO3]
28 Explain enzyme catalyzed reactions [CO3]

Page 8 of 10
Course Policy (2022-23) Elements of Biology

29 Discuss enzyme classification [CO3]

30 Explain mechanism of enzyme action [CO3]

31 Discuss enzyme kinetics [CO3]

CLASS TEST 2 Unit 3, 5, 6, 7

32 Analyses biological processes [CO3]
33 Introduce Protein structure and function [CO3]
34 Discuss hierarchy in protein structure [CO3]
Discuss proteins as enzymes, transporters, receptors [CO3]
35
and structural elements.
36 Explain an overview of role of proteins [CO3]
37 Discuss the principles of energy transactions [CO1]

38 Explaim Metabolism [CO1]

39 Beirfly overview of photosynthesis [CO1]

40 Explain Cellular respiration [CO1]

41 Discuss Bioenergetics [CO1]

42 Discuss Single celled organisms [CO2]

43 Identification and classification, Growth kinetics. [CO2]

44 Introduction of Microscopy [CO2]

45 Discuss sterilization and media compositions. [CO2]

7. Teaching-learning methodology
Faculty will make a group of 2-3 students for any group-based activity such as class
participation, project, presentation, etc. The lecture will be conducted as follows-
Lectures:
o Outline for a preliminary study to be done for each unit will be provided prior to
commencement of each unit.
o Deeper concepts and applications will be explained through presentations and Video
Lectures.

Active learning techniques

Active learning is a method of learning in which students are actively or experientially involved
in the learning process. Following active learning techniques will be adopted for the course.

1. Muddiest topic: Faculty will find out the least understood point/topic in the session. This
topic is then further explained to ensure that it is understood well.
2. The "One Minute Paper": The faculty will ask students to take out a blank sheet of paper,
pose a question (either specific or open-ended), and give them one (or perhaps two - but
not many) minute(s) to respond.

Page 9 of 10
Course Policy (2022-23) Elements of Biology

3. Blended Learning: Students will be introduced to the topic at home while the in-depth
topics will be discussed by the faculty during the lecture session. Outline for a preliminary
study to be done for each unit will be provided prior to commencement of each unit.
Preliminary study material (video links, presentation, notes, etc) will be made available on
the student portal.
4. Frame a question: Students will be asked to design and frame their own questions
pertaining to the topic being taught. The idea is to stimulate students’ curiosity, engage the
students in collaborative teaching and learning, and motivate students to develop a deeper
understating of the topic.
o Frame questions for each unit of the course: At the beginning of each use, the faculty
will create a new page in OneNote Class Notebook in a collaborative section where
every student will post his/her question.
5. Brainstorming: Students will be asked to generate ideas on a certain topic, category, or
question while the faculty will facilitate and record the answers on the
blackboard/whiteboard.

8. Course Material
The following course, material is uploaded on the student portal: (give student portal link)
• Course Policy
• Lecture Notes
• Lecture Videos
• Lecture Presentations
• Books / Reference Books / NPTEL video lectures link
• Subject Enrichment Exercises
• List of Program Outcomes

9. Course Outcome Attainment

The following means will be used to assess the attainment of course learning outcomes.
• Use of formal evaluation components of continuous evaluation, assignments,
laboratory work, semester-end examination
• Informal feedback during course conduction

10. Academic Integrity Statement

Students are expected to carry out assigned work under Internal Continuous
Assessment (ICA) independently. Copying in any form is not acceptable and will invite
strict disciplinary action. Evaluation of the corresponding components will be affected
proportionately in such cases. Plagiarism detection software will be used to check
plagiarism wherever applicable. Academic integrity is expected from students in all
components of course assessment.

Page 10 of 10