Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology

Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biography

 

 

 

This introductory course in biology starts at the microscopic level, with molecules and cells. Before we get into the specifics of cell structure and behavior, however, let’s take a cursory glance at the field of biology more generally. Though biology as we know it today is a relatively new field, we have been studying living things since the beginning of recorded history. The invention of the microscope was the turning point in the history of biology; it paved the way for scientists to discover bacteria and other tiny organisms and ultimately led to the modern cell theory of biology. You will notice that, unlike the core program courses you took in chemistry and physics, introductory biology does not have many mathematical “laws” and “rules” and does not require much math. Instead, you will learn a great number of new terms and concepts that will help you describe life at the smallest level. Over the course of this semester, you will recognize the ways in which the tiniest of molecules are involved in the way we go about our everyday lives. 

  

Learning Outcome  

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

 describe in general terms how life began on Earth;

 identify early scientists that played important roles in furthering our understanding of cellular life;

 describe the characteristics that define life;

 list the inorganic and organic molecules that are necessary for life;

 list the structure and function of organelles in animal and plant cells;

 list the similarities and differences between animal and plant cells;

 describe the reactions in photosynthesis;

 explain how the different photosynthetic reactions are found in different parts of the chloroplast;

 describe the sequence of photosynthetic reactions;

 explain the use of products and the synthesis of reactants in photosynthesis;

 explain how protein is synthesized in eukaryotic cells;

 describe the similarities and differences between photosynthesis and aerobic respiration;

 list the reactions in aerobic respiration;

 explain the use of products and the synthesis of reactants in aerobic respiration; and

 describe the similarities and differences between anaerobic and aerobic respiration.

 

 

Course Requirements 

In order to take this course, you must:

 have access to a computer;

 have continuous broadband Internet access;

 have the ability/permission to install plug-ins or software (e.g., Adobe Reader or Flash);

 have the ability to download and save files and documents to a computer;

 have the ability to open Microsoft files and documents (.doc, .ppt, .xls, etc.);

 have competency in the English language; and

 have read the Saylor Student Handbook.

 

 

Course Information 

Welcome to BIO101A: Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology. General information about this course and its requirements can be found below.

 

Course Designers: Liang Wang, Johanna Choo, Ann Schlosser and Katie George

 

Primary Resources: This course is comprised of a range of different free, online materials. However, the course makes primary use of the following materials: 

 Estrella Mountain Community College: Michael J. Farabee’s On-Line Biology Book

 National Institutes of Health: Geoffrey Cooper et al.’s The Cell

 YouTube: Saylor Foundation’s General Biology Lectures

 National Institutes of Health: Harvey Lodish and Arnold Berk et al.’s Molecular Cell Biology

 National Institutes of Health: Jeremy Berg and John Tymoczko et al.’s Biochemistry

 National Institutes of Health: Bruce Alberts and Alexander Johnson et al.’s Molecular Biology of the Cell

 McGraw-Hill Higher Education: Seeley, Stephens, and Tate’s Anatomy & Physiology, 7e

 Professor John W. Kimball’s Biology Pages

 University of California, Davis’s ChemWiki: The Dynamic Chemistry Textbook

 

Requirements for Completion: In order to complete this course, you must review the material from all units (1–8). You will also be required to complete:

 Unit 1 Quiz - Subunit 2.8 Problem-Based Learning Assessment

 Unit 2 Quiz

 Unit 3 Quiz - Subunit 4.7 Problem-Based Learning Assessment

 Unit 4 Quiz

 Unit 5 Quiz

 Unit 6 Quiz

 Unit 7 Quiz

 Unit 8 Quiz

 Final Exam