Subjects: Biology

Analyses how factors such as genetics drift, gene flow, mutation and random mating lead to changes in the gene pool. Talks with a palaeontologist about how natural selection and speciation might have occurred. Takes a journey to the Burgess Shale.

Demonstrates the effect of intraspecific and interspecific competition on populations. Uses simulations and field trips to examine the relationship between predators and prey, and explore the various symbiotic relationships among organisms.

Examines successional events and their causes in various communities and ecosystems. Analyses data on population and community change and examines the impact of human activity on various ecosystems. Presents some new ideas on the concept of succession.

Explores patterns of population growth and population management strategies. Illustrates the J-shaped growth curve of r-selected populations and the S-shaped growth curve for K-selected populations. Discusses biodiversity and sustainable development.

Demonstrates how mathematical formulas can be used to analyse population changes. Explains population growth cycles and outlines the factors that affect density. Introduces the chaos theory and how it is used to study population changes.

Explores what happens when things go wrong during mitosis and meiosis. Presents examples of chromosomal abnormalities and techniques used to determine types of alterations. Reveals how people with Down’s syndrome are able to lead fulfilling lives.

Traces the research leading to the discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick. Replicates the experiment of Frederick Griffith in his search for DNA. Illustrates how X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy reveal the structure of DNA.

Demonstrates the isolation of DNA. Examines the composition of nucleic acids within DNA and the process of DNA replication. Addresses how new technologies such as gel electrophoresis further the study of molecular genetics.

Describes the events that occur once fertilization of the ovum has taken place. Explains the various stages of embryonic development and differentiation using slides and models. Presents theories on various mechanisms that trigger cell differentiation.

Outlines development during each trimester of pregnancy and the hormones involved in regulating fetal development, birth and lactation. Illustrates the mechanism for exchanging nutrients and wastes between mother and fetus.