Dagon University

This course traces the emergence and adaptive radiation of major vertebrate lineages, including jawless fishes, cartilaginous and bony fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, emphasizing their phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary significance. Topics include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, endocrine, nervous, sensory, and reproductive systems. Students will investigate how these systems have evolved in response to environmental pressures and how structural modifications have enabled vertebrates to adapt successfully to aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial habitats.

The course also examines biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, climate change, wildlife conservation, endangered species management, and the sustainable utilization of vertebrate resources.

This includes diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion, active transport and endocytosis, as well as the physiological implications of these processes in various cell types. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how cellular transport affects homeostasis and cellular functions. Students will understand how molecules move from high to low concentration, and how to differentiate between hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic solutions for animal and plant cells.

This module includes thermodynamic principles in biological contexts, cellular respiration, photosynthesis and the role of ATP in energy transfer. It covers the relationship between energy dynamics and ecological interactions, as well as the implications for evolution and adaptation in various organisms.

This course includes microbial metabolism, genetics and physiology, as well as techniques for the isolation, identification and control of microorganisms. Emphasis will be placed on laboratory practices and safety protocols, equipping students with practical skills essential for microbiological research and applications. Students will develop a solid foundation in microbiological principles.

Emphasis will be placed on the clinical application of immunological principles, including immunotherapy and the immune response to infections and autoimmune diseases. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of immunological processes and their significance in biomedical research and clinical practice.

This module provides students with knowledge of the lympho-reticular system, antigen and antibody functions.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of microbial DNA organization, gene expression, mutation, genetic recombination, and horizontal gene transfer through transformation, transduction, and conjugation. Students will explore the molecular basis of microbial adaptation, antimicrobial resistance, changes in genetic material, types of mutation, and regulation of gene expression.

The course also introduces modern genetic and genomic techniques such as recombinant DNA technology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gene cloning, sequencing, and their applications in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental microbiology.

Students will learn systematic Zoology and the important role of taxonomic hierarchy usually employed in nomenclature. It provides students with an understanding of systematic principles and the provisions of articles and operative principles of nomenclature in biology. By the end of the course, students will be able to classify animals accurately and apply nomenclature rules.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of physiology, emphasizing the normal functions of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems in animals and humans. Topics include cell physiology, nerve and muscle function, blood and circulation, respiration, digestion, excretion, homeostasis and endocrine regulation.

Students will study the discipline of ecology including the development and improvement of skills in the modern scope of scientific inquiry in the field of ecology. The course prepares students to understand ecological relationships and apply ecological principles to wildlife management, conservation and environmental problem solving.

This course provides students with fundamental knowledge of the classification, morphology, life cycles, transmission, pathogenicity, diagnosis, prevention, and control of parasites of medical and veterinary importance. It helps students understand ectoparasites and endoparasites, monogenia and digenia of helminth parasites, symptoms of diseases caused by parasitic organisms, and methods to prevent infection.

Students will also learn laboratory techniques used in parasite identification and understand the public health significance of parasitic diseases.

Zoogeography is the scientific study of the geographic distribution of animal species and the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape these patterns. Students will integrate principles from evolutionary biology, ecology, paleontology and plate tectonics to analyze the historical and contemporary factors influencing animal distributions across space and time.

Students study the fascinating world of insects through the perspectives of evolutionary history, anatomy, physiology, behavior and ecology. The course highlights the critical roles insects play in maintaining global systems, their complex interactions with plants and other animals, and their profound impact on human society, both as vectors of disease and as essential pollinators.

The course covers techniques such as tables, graphs, charts, measures of central tendency (mean, median and mode) and measures of dispersion (range, variance and standard deviation). It helps students understand data and communicate statistical information effectively for decision-making and research purposes.

Students will learn general statistical principles, statistical methods, descriptive materials and mathematical background needed for an understanding of arithmetic and the elements of algebra.

It examines the mechanisms that drive evolutionary change, including mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and speciation. Students will also study the application of evolutionary principles to fields such as medicine, agriculture, and conservation biology.

Moreover, students will understand the changing life forms and ecosystems that have arisen and changed over billions of years, as well as the mechanisms that have brought about those changes.

Students will learn about the principles of genomics and epigenetics and their roles in gene regulation, inheritance, and biological function. Topics include genome organization and structure, genome sequencing technologies, comparative and functional genomics, and bioinformatics approaches used in genomic research.

The course explores genome organization, sequencing technologies, gene structure and function, and approaches used in genome analysis. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in personalized medicine, biotechnology, and environmental adaptation.

Students will study the evolutionary relationships among the major domains of life — Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya — with emphasis on the structural, functional, and ecological adaptations of fungi, plants, and animals.

This module also addresses critical contemporary issues, including biodiversity loss, conservation strategies, and the vital role taxonomy plays in environmental management and policy. Students will develop skills to identify and classify organisms based on observable traits, genetic information, and other diagnostic features.

The course covers topics such as genetic engineering, cloning, reproductive technology, animal breeding, and the use of biotechnology in animal agriculture, medicine, and research.

This course focuses on animal-cell culture and applications. Cell culture is defined as the growth of cells dissociated from the parent tissue by spontaneous migration or mechanical or enzymatic dispersal.

The course covers techniques such as tables, graphs, charts, measures of central tendency (mean, median and mode), and measures of dispersion (range, variance and standard deviation).

It helps students understand data and communicate statistical information effectively for decision-making and research purposes. Students will learn general statistical principles, statistical methods, descriptive materials, and mathematical background needed for an understanding of arithmetic and elements of algebra.

Students will learn the principles and methods used in scientific research. In addition, students will understand methods of data analysis, interpretation of results, report writing, and ethical considerations in research.

Students will collect data using different methods and analyze data using appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis techniques. The course develops skills in preparing research proposals and presenting research findings.

Students will learn how proteins are identified, quantified, characterized, and analyzed using advanced technologies such as electrophoresis, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics tools.

The course covers protein structure and function, protein extraction and purification, protein–protein interactions, quantitative proteomics, and systems biology approaches.

Students will explore the nutritional requirements and metabolic diversity of bacteria, examining how different microorganisms obtain energy and nutrients for growth.

The course covers the structure, classification, and replication strategies of viruses, including bacteriophages and animal viruses, with emphasis on their unique biological properties.

Practical applications of microbiology are integrated throughout, highlighting the roles of microorganisms in medicine, biotechnology, food production, and environmental management.

Students will examine the structure of genes and chromosomes, the mechanisms of DNA replication, and the regulatory processes governing gene expression in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

The course provides practical training in genetic engineering, including cloning strategies and CRISPR-based gene editing, alongside skills in genome analysis and interpretation of sequencing data.

By the end of the module, students will be able to predict inheritance patterns using molecular markers and evaluate how mutations affect gene function and phenotype. Graduates will gain theoretical knowledge and laboratory competencies required for advanced research in genetics and biotechnology.

Students will examine the diversity of cultured species, production systems, and farming intensities, alongside the design and operation of facilities such as ponds, cages, and recirculating systems.

A key focus is water quality management and disease prevention, as both are essential for maintaining stock health and system performance. The curriculum also addresses environmental sustainability, evaluating impacts such as waste discharge while promoting practices like integrated multi-trophic aquaculture.

Through lectures, students will gain managerial skills to design and operate responsible aquaculture systems.

Students will examine ecosystem structure and function, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, population dynamics, and ecological processes that sustain life on Earth.

The course explores biotic and abiotic components, types of pollutants, greenhouse effects, pollution control, wastewater treatment, wildlife preservation strategies, and protection methods.

Students will also study conservation biology principles, protected area management, ecosystem restoration, sustainable resource management, environmental management, and environmental ethics.

The course covers biodiversity, including ecosystem diversity, species diversity, genetic diversity, environmental trends and responses, status of biodiversity, and threats to Myanmar biodiversity.

Students will study the basic principles of rDNA technology, DNA structure and function, gene cloning, restriction endonucleases, DNA ligases, cloning vectors, polymerases, bacteriophages, and strategies for constructing recombinant DNA molecules.

The course covers essential molecular techniques such as DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gene cloning, DNA sequencing, hybridization, genomic and cDNA library construction, and gene expression analysis.

Advanced topics include genome editing, transgenic organisms, synthetic biology, and recombinant protein production. Applications in medicine, agriculture, industry, environmental science, and forensic biology are emphasized along with ethical, legal, and biosafety considerations.

Laboratory exercises provide hands-on experience in DNA extraction, restriction enzyme digestion, PCR amplification, cloning, plasmid analysis, gel electrophoresis, and interpretation of molecular data.

Students will examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, blastulation, gastrulation, neurulation, organogenesis, and fetal development.

The course explores the formation and differentiation of tissues and organ systems, emphasizing the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors that influence normal development. Students will also study spermatogenesis, oogenesis, egg types, stages of development, fertilization, cleavage, blastula formation, gastrulation, and embryonic differentiation.

Students will examine the structure and function of endocrine glands, hormone biosynthesis, secretion, transport, receptor interactions, signal transduction, and hormonal regulation.

The course also investigates endocrine disorders including diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, adrenal dysfunction, growth abnormalities, and reproductive endocrine disorders, with applications in medicine, veterinary science, biotechnology, and biomedical research.

Students will explore evolution, speciation, adaptation, ecological interactions, taxonomy, systematics, phylogenetics, and biogeography.

The course discusses biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, threats to biodiversity, habitat restoration, protected area management, GIS applications, molecular techniques, and biodiversity databases through laboratory and field activities.

Students will explore microbial growth, viral replication, host-pathogen interactions, antimicrobial agents, antibiotic resistance, microbial physiology, and beneficial microorganisms.

Laboratory work includes microbial culture, staining methods, PCR, genome sequencing, bioinformatics, bacterial identification, viral detection methods, and analysis of clinical and environmental samples.

Students will learn research design, hypothesis formulation, literature review, sampling methods, data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, statistical concepts, research ethics, and scientific reporting.

Practical activities include proposal writing, literature review, data analysis, presentation of research findings, and responsible conduct of research.

Students will explore the historical foundations of evolutionary theory, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, genetic variation, mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, and population evolution.

The course examines evolutionary patterns, selective processes, evidence from paleontology, comparative anatomy, embryology, genetics, molecular biology, and biogeography. It also covers the origin of life, human evolution, evolutionary ecology, and applications of evolutionary principles in conservation biology, medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Practical activities include phylogenetic analysis, population genetics exercises, interpretation of evolutionary data, and analysis of evolutionary relationships using computational tools.

Students will explore fossil formation, preservation, classification, interpretation, and methods used to reconstruct ancient organisms and environments.

The course covers major evolutionary events, mass extinctions, diversification of life, and the development of major plant and animal groups through geological time.

Students will examine the relationships between paleontology, evolution, geology, and ecology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the fossil record and the evolutionary history of life on Earth.

Students will explore the fundamental concepts of molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry that support biotechnology.

Topics include genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, molecular cloning, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), genome editing, and cell and tissue culture.

The course emphasizes applications in medicine, agriculture, industry, environmental management, and food production, while also addressing ethical, legal, and biosafety issues related to biotechnology.

Students will learn data collection, organization, probability, sampling methods, hypothesis testing, experimental design, correlation, regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

The course emphasizes the application of quantitative techniques in ecology, genetics, physiology, biotechnology, and biomedical sciences.

Practical exercises include the use of statistical software for data management, graphical representation, and analysis of biological datasets, enabling students to design experiments and draw evidence-based conclusions.

Students will study the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), taxonomic classification, species naming, biological systematics, and the relationship between taxonomy, phylogenetics, and biodiversity.

The course also develops research skills, including scientific writing, literature review, research methodology, data interpretation, academic communication, and the principles of priority, typification, validity, availability of names, synonymy, homonymy, species description, and nomenclatural changes.

It covers major environmental challenges including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity decline, together with their impacts on ecosystems and human well-being.

The course also examines conservation strategies, protected area management, sustainable resource use, wildlife management, environmental policies, and the role of communities in conservation.

Emphasis is placed on developing knowledge and practical skills for assessing environmental problems and applying sustainable approaches to biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.

Students will study the genetic principles underlying continuous variation in characteristics such as height, weight, growth rate, yield, and disease resistance.

Topics include genetic variance, heritability, gene action, selection, breeding values, prediction of genetic improvement, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, mutation, migration, genetic drift, and inbreeding.

The course also explores applications of population genetics in conservation biology, agriculture, medicine, and evolutionary studies.

Students will examine mechanisms of evolution including natural selection, adaptation, speciation, sexual selection, and phylogenetic relationships.

The course also covers the evolution of animal behavior, focusing on foraging, communication, mating systems, parental care, social behavior, cooperation, competition, migration, predator-prey interactions, and behavioural adaptation from ecological and evolutionary perspectives.