Free Online Courses: Biology 1
Course Description
This course provides an in-depth introduction to fundamental biological concepts, including biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and evolution. Modeled on Harvard’s introductory life sciences curriculum, the lessons emphasize key principles—cell structure and function, energy transformations (respiration/photosynthesis), gene expression, and evolutionary theory—laying a solid foundation for advanced study in biological sciences.
Through integrated lectures, readings, and interactive discussions, you will explore how living systems are organized, how organisms maintain homeostasis, how genetic information is stored and expressed, and how populations evolve over time. This course will also highlight experimental evidence and research methodologies underlying these core concepts.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
Explain the foundational biochemical principles that underlie cell structure, metabolism, and energy flow.
Describe the roles of macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) in cellular processes.
Distinguish prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell organization, analyzing the functions of major organelles.
Outline key aspects of gene expression—transcription and translation—and how genetic information is regulated in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Apply Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics to predict inheritance patterns and interpret genetic data.
Evaluate evolutionary mechanisms (natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow) and their impact on populations.
Assess evidence supporting evolutionary theory and how macroevolutionary patterns shape biodiversity.
Demonstrate familiarity with modern biotechnology tools (DNA sequencing, recombinant DNA, CRISPR) and their societal applications.
