General Biology I
BIOL-40360
This course is designed to provide an introduction to fundamental concepts of molecular and cellular biology. Topics include chemical foundations of life; importance of water in supporting life; Cell- the structural and functional unit of life; prokaryotes; eukaryotes; cellular conversion of nutrients into usable energy; relationship between genotype and phenotype, practical applications of biotechnology and a spotlight on human form and function. This course is appropriate for students interested in a refresher biology class, professionals in other disciplines considering a career change to the biological sciences, biology majors and pre-health professionals.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Explain fundamental biology concepts and terms
- Outline the basic chemical processes and chemical composition of organisms
- Summarize the structure and functions of cellular components
- Explain the importance of cells in our understanding of biology
- Analyze transport across the plasma membrane
- Analyze energy flows in cells
- Explain the flow of genetic information from DNA, through RNA, to protein
- Analyze the structure of the DNA molecule in relation to its function of information storage
- Analyze control of genetic expression
- Analyze the use of molecular biology tools in different fields of biology and industry
- Relate animal form to function
- Apply knowledge to interpret and analyze environmental and medical case studies
- Synthesize and integrate knowledge to explain the molecular basis of diseases
Course Information
Course sessions
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This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Modified Mastering Biology for Campbell Biology 12th
by Urr
ISBN / ASIN: 9780136780809
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/13/2025
Schedule:
Instructor: Nidhi Ahuja
Nidhi Ahuja, Ph.D., has a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, a Master's degree in Biotechnology and a Doctorate degree in Biotechnology. Her research interests lie at the interface of invading pathogenic bacteria and the susceptible human hosts. After completing her postdoctoral research at University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Ahuja dedicated herself to sharing what she had learned with others. Since 2008, she has been teaching various disciplines of biology—both in the classroom and online. She has taught Human Physiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, General Biology, Biochemistry and Medical Microbiology courses. She encourages her students to break the traditional disciplinary boundaries and make interdisciplinary connections in order to appreciate the beauty of learning.