REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND COURSE MATERIALS

Campbell Biology, 11th Edition, with Mastering Biology (an online system for homework, review, etc.).

The purchase of this textbook is not mandatory to pass the course, but it is highly recommended for use as a reference to revise, clarify and/or go beyond the contents taught in class.

DESCRIPTION

All living things share the common feature of being composed of one or more of the fundamental unit of life: the cell. In this course, we will explore the common features and activities of the cell, how those are encoded and orchestrated by the instructions for life within that cell, how cells interact with their environment, and how the diversity of life can be achieved.

This course is a survey of fundamental principles in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology, with special focus on the cellular and genetic basis of life.

This course includes a parallel program of practical, laboratory sessions along the course. The laboratory experience is designed to illustrate principles of scientific investigation and to complement class topics.

PROGRAM CONTEXT

1. Chemical bonds; properties of water
2. Carbon; polymers; protein structure and function
3. Protein folding and disease
4. Cell structure, with a focus on the cytoskeleton
5. Lipids and membranes
6. Transport of solutes across membranes
7. Free energy and coupled reactions
8. Enzyme function and regulation
9. Cellular respiration and fermentation
10. Photosynthesis
11. Cell signaling
12. Cell cycle regulation, and cancer
13. Meiosis
14. Mitosis and the cell cycle
15. Mendel and the gene
16. Extending beyond Mendel
17. Connecting genes to chromosomes
18. Linked genes; chromosomal abnormalities
19. DNA as the chemical basis of genes
20. DNA replication in vivo-challenges and solutions
21. DNA replication in vitro (specifically PCR)
22. Transcription
23. Translation
24. Protein targeting in eukaryotic
25. Classic scientific investigations-protein targeting in eukaryotic cells*
26. Prokaryotic regulation of gene expression
27. Eukaryotic regulation of gene expression
28. DNA sequencing and analysis
29. Cancer and viruses
30. Finding disease-related genes*
31. Modifying organisms-transgenics, knock-outs and knock-ins
32. CRJSPR/Cas and gene therapy, stem cells and regenerative medicine

STUDENT LEARNING/COURSE OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Establish a strong foundation for understanding both current knowledge and new developments in the context of the fundamental concepts in cell and molecular biology.
• Recognize the elements and application of the scientific method and being able to relate experimental methods to the data they generate and information they provide
• Apply knowledge of inorganic chemistry and major groups of biological molecules to understand the structural components of a living cell (prokaryotic and eukaryotic), the plasma membrane and the metabolic reactions happening in this environment.
• Evaluate the role of respiration and photosynthesis in the cycling of chemicals and flow of energy in ecosystems.
• Develop an understanding of cell communication, growth, and division.
• Describe the foundations of Mendelian genetics and chromosomal theory and apply these to contemporary concepts in genetics.
• Analyze the structure of DNA and the process and regulation of gene expression.
• Demonstrate knowledge of precise scientific vocabulary as presented in primary research articles and text material and assessed via exams and quizzes.

*Course content subject to change