Biol-104 Principles Of Biology I

I. Course Description:

• Part 1: The Chemistry of Life; the chemical context of life; water and the fitness of the environment; carbon and molecular diversity; the structure and function of macromolecules; an introduction to metabolism.
• Part 2: The Cell: Cell structure and function; membrane structure and function; cellular Energy I: Photosynthesis; Cellular Energy II: Cellular respiration; Cellular Reproduction I: Mitosis; Cellular Reproduction II: Meiosis.
• Part 3: The Genetic basis of life; Mendelian patterns of inheritance; Chromosomes and genes; The molecular basis of inheritance (DNA); From gene to protein (the “central dogma” of biology); Genetics of viruses, bacteria and gene expression in eukaryotes.
• Students who enroll in BIOL-104 must enroll also in a lab section.

II. Course Objective:

• To provide a basic introduction to biology, the study of life.
• At the end of the course, the student should have a clear understanding of basic biological principles and concepts.
• Laboratory sessions will complement the material covered in class.

III. Course Outline:

• Week1: The Chemistry of Life, the Chemical context of life.
• Week 2: Water and the fitness of environment; Carbon and molecular diversity.
• Week 3 & 4: The structure and function of macromolecules.
• Week 5: An introduction to metabolism.
• Week 6 & 7: Cell structure and Function. Mid-term exam I.
• Week 8: Membrane structure and function.
• Week 9 & 10: Photosynthesis and Cellular respiration.
• Week 11: Mitosis and Meiosis. Mid-term exam II.
• Week 12 & 13: The Genetics basis of life; Mendelian patterns of inheritance. Chromosomes and genes.
• Week 14: The genetics of viruses and bacteria. Eukaryotic genomes.
• Week15: Review week and Final exam.