COURSE DESCRIPTION
Biology, the scientific study of life, encompasses a vast array of topics and concepts that explain the existence and functioning of living organisms. The course “Biology: Origins of Life” delves into the fundamental principles of biology, exploring the chemical and molecular basis of life, the structure and function of cells, genetic mechanisms, and the intricate processes that sustain life.
Through this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how life originated, evolved, and diversified into the myriad forms we observe today.
Key Points
- Basic Chemistry of Life: This key point covers the essential chemical principles that underpin biological processes. Students will learn about the structure of atoms, the formation of molecules, and the types of chemical bonds that are crucial for life.
- Macromolecules and Their Functions: This section focuses on the four major types of macromolecules—carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Students will explore their structures, roles, and significance in biological processes.
- Cell Structure and Function: An in-depth look at the cell, the basic unit of life. This point covers the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the functions of cellular organelles, and the importance of the cell membrane.
- Genetic Inheritance and Biotechnology: This key point explores the principles of genetic inheritance and the impact of biotechnology. It covers Mendelian genetics, the role of DNA and RNA, and modern techniques in genetic engineering.
- Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration: A detailed examination of the processes by which organisms convert energy. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are fundamental metabolic pathways that sustain life by converting light energy into chemical energy and vice versa.
- Cellular Communication and Regulation: This section focuses on how cells communicate and regulate their functions. It covers signal transduction pathways, the role of hormones, and mechanisms of cellular regulation.
Core Learning Outcomes
- Understand the Chemical Basis of Life: Students will gain foundational knowledge of atomic structure, molecular bonding, and the chemistry essential to biological processes.
- Identify and Describe Macromolecules: Students will be able to classify carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and understand their roles in cell function and structure.
- Analyze Cellular Structures and Functions: Students will distinguish between cell types and organelles, detailing their functions and contributions to the cell’s overall operation.
- Apply Principles of Genetics and Biotechnology: Students will understand genetic inheritance patterns, the structure of DNA/RNA, and contemporary applications of genetic engineering.
- Explain Energy Transformation in Cells: Students will describe the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, emphasizing their roles in energy conversion.
- Understand Cellular Communication Mechanisms: Students will explore cellular communication pathways, hormonal roles, and regulatory mechanisms essential for cellular coordination.
REFERENCE MATERIALS for Full-CLC Students
“A full CLC award signifies that the student has attained the knowledge, through either prior education or experience, equivalent to or greater than what would be learned in a traditional college course. Physical attendance is not required; however, successful completion of a final exam for each course is mandatory.”
Reference Materials
- (2016) Introduction to Cells: The Grand Cell Tour by Amoeba sisters
- (2016) Biological Levels in Biology: The World Tour by Amoeba sisters
- (2016) Introduction to Cells: The Grand Cell Tour by Amoeba sisters
- (2016) Biological Levels in Biology: The World Tour by Amoeba sisters
- (2015) Biology: Cell Structure by Nucleus Medical Media
- (2015) Overview of Animal and Plant Cells
- (2015) Extracellular matrix | Structure of a cell | Biology
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Additional Resource Materials:
USILACS is committed to the success of its students. For those needing a knowledge refresher or wishing to expand their understanding of the subject, it is recommended that they review some of the online education resources below:
FREE Online College Courses:
- Khan Academy Link
- edX Link
- Coursera Link
- Open Culture Link
- MIT Link
- Carnegie Mellon Link
- Stanford Online Link
Tips for Success
Some reference materials are extensive books with hundreds of pages. To quickly find answers within these books, follow these steps:
- Use the Table of Contents: Start by reviewing the table of contents to identify relevant chapters or sections that pertain to your topic of interest.
- Utilize the Index: The index at the back of the book can be an invaluable tool. Look up specific keywords or topics to find the exact pages where they are discussed.
- Perform a Keyword Search: If the book is in a digital format (PDF, eBook, etc.), use the search function (often accessed with Ctrl+F or Command+F) to find specific terms or phrases within the text.
- Read Summaries and Abstracts: Focus on chapter summaries or abstracts, which often provide concise overviews of the main points covered.
- Skim Strategically: Skim through headings, subheadings, and highlighted or bolded terms to quickly locate sections that are likely to contain the information you need.
- Consult Study Guides or Companion Materials: If available, use any study guides, companion materials, or outlines that accompany the book to direct you to key information.
By employing these strategies, you can efficiently navigate extensive reference materials to find the answers you need.