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!