Course Contents at a Glance

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The following list shows the chapter-level topics and assignments for the course. To see all of the course pages, visit the Table of Contents.

Module 1: Introduction to Biology

  • The Characteristics of Life
  • Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
  • Taxonomy
  • The Study of Biology

Module 2: Chemistry of Life

  • Atoms and Elements
  • Atomic Bonds
  • Functional Groups
  • The pH Scale
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Thermodynamics
  • Assignment: Biological Astronaut

Module 3: Important Biological Macromolecules

  • Proteins
  • Lipids
  • Carbohydrates
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Comparing Biological Macromolecules
  • Assignment: Nutritionist for a Day

Module 4: Cellular Structure

  • Microscopy
  • Organelles
  • The Cytoskeleton
  • The Cell Surface
  • Assignment: Cell Builder

Module 5: Cell Membranes

  • Structure of the Membrane
  • Kinds of Transport
  • Endocytosis and Exocytosis
  • Assignment: Membranes Alive!

Module 6: Metabolic Pathways

  • Redox Reactions
  • Photosynthesis
  • Cellular Respiration
  • Fermentation
  • Assignment: Observing Energy Transactions

Module 7: Cell Communication

  • Signaling Molecules and Cellular Receptors
  • Propagation of the Signal
  • Response to the Signal
  • Signaling in Single-Celled Organisms

Module 8: Cell Division

  • Chromosomes and DNA Packaging
  • The Cell Cycle
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints
  • Meiosis
  • Genetic Diversity
  • Errors in Chromosome Number
  • Assignment: Mitosis and Meiosis Internet Quests

Module 9: DNA Structure and Replication

  • Storing Genetic Information
  • DNA Base Pairs and Replication
  • DNA Mutations
  • Assignment: Which Has More DNA?

Module 10: DNA Transcription and Translation

  • Transcription
  • Translation
  • Prokaryotic Transcription and Translation
  • The Central Dogma

Module 11: Gene Expression

  • Regulation of Gene Expression
  • Prokaryotic Gene Regulation
  • Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
  • Assignment: How Mutations Work

Module 12: Trait Inheritance

  • The Father of Genetics
  • Beyond Dominance and Recessiveness
  • Heredity and Disease
  • Genetics and the Environment
  • Assignment: Dragon Genetics

Module 13: Theory of Evolution

  • Charles Darwin
  • Evidence for Evolution
  • Mutations and Evolution
  • Phylogenetic Trees

Module 14: Modern Biology

  • Key Technologies
  • Biotechnology Applications
  • Risks and Benefits of Genomic Science
  • Assignment: When Jabberjays Attack!