General Molecular Cell Biology

Catalog description

Advisory: Completion of a general biology course is recommended and eligibility for ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000H or placement by multiple measures. Prerequisite: Completion of Intermediate Algebra or higher or placement by multiple measures and completion of or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 110 or CHEM 110H. A comprehensive and in-depth introduction for all biology majors (as well as physics, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and math majors who will concern themselves with biology) to the unifying principles of modern cellular biology, molecular biology and biochemistry. Topics include the structure of the atom, quantum mechanics, the nature of the chemical bond, general principles of thermodynamics and equilibrium, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure, lipid chemistry and membrane biology, protein structure and function, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and their role in protein synthesis, principles of classical and molecular genetics, the control of gene expression, cell signaling systems, molecular embryology, evolutionary developmental biology, and biotechnology. Lab work includes investigations with live bacteria, protists, flowering plants and fruit flies as model organisms, and includes experiments in photosynthesis, enzymology, gel electrophoresis, genetics and biotechnology. This course stresses evolutionary mechanisms. (C-ID: BIOL 190) (UC, CSU, AVC)