The purpose of this module is to introduce students to fundamental concepts in cellular reproduction and genetics; diversity of life, introductory plant physiology, evolution and ecological principles. Syllabus: Cellular reproduction; binary fission, mitosis and meiosis. Introduction to genetics; Mendelian inheritance, chromosomes and genes, mutations. DNA; structure, replication and organisation in cells. Gene activity; the genetic code, transcription, translation and expression. Plant structure and function; transport in plants, reproduction, seed structure, germination, growth and development, plant adaptations. Introduction to taxonomy and classification. Introduction to animal kingdom (Protozoa, Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Arthropoda, Chordata). Introduction to fungi, algae and plants (Bryophyta Pterophyta, Coniferophyta, Anthophyta). Evolutionary theories, evidence for evolution, evolutionary process, origins of life. Principles and scope of ecology; ecosystems; cycles in nature; energy flows; population and community dynamics; limiting factors; food chains: succession, environmental concerns.