This course presents an entrance-level exploration of the contemporary view of the cell and an introduction to the molecules and mechanisms of genetics. The course will begin with a general introduction to the principles of biology, cell theory, gene concept and evolution. Cellular functions will be discussed in terms of the structural organization of cells, the cellular organelles and the underlying molecular mechanisms of cellular activities. Topics will include membrane dynamics, energetics, the cytoskeleton, cell motility, the cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, and nuclear and chromosome structure. The second section of the course will focus in particular on the DNA molecule as the genetic material and will describe the process of information transfer from the genetic code to protein synthesis. Prokaryotic genetics will be used to demonstrate the concepts of mutation, gene mapping and gene regulation. To demonstrate the scientific process, lectures will stress the experimental basis for the conclusions presented. Students with a particularly good background in biology may be interested in enrolling in the honors level component of this course, BIOL/MB&B225. |