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Melanie Peffer

In this course, we will explore the smaller side of biology: molecular biology. We’ll cover basic topics including cell biology and how cells can go “rogue” and turn into cancer, how energy from the sun is transferred to fuel our bodies, basics of genetics and inheritance, and genetic technologies. At the end of this course, we will discuss ethical and moral implications of several exciting and new genetic technologies.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Cells Gone Wild: Cancer
In this module, we will explore cell biology with particular attention to one application of cell biology: cancer.
Energy: From The Sun to Your Granola Bar
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In this module, we will discuss energy, including why the plants are the basis for (most) of life on earth. We will also examine how we can harness these fundamental biochemical reactions for making certain foods and beverages, such as bread and beer.
Mom Genes: DNA, Genetics, and Parenthood
In this module, we will explore the basics of genetics, including a discussion of epigenetics.
Oh, Brave New World
In this module, we will explore new genetic technologies, with a particular eye to the ethical and moral implications of these technologies.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores current topics and ideas in molecular biology
Examines the fundamentals of genetics
Suitable for learners who want to enhance their understanding of essential biological principles
Offers a broad overview of the subject matter relevant to molecular biology
Provides a foundation in molecular biology for further exploration in the field

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Reviews summary

Informative and well-structured biology course

Learners say this biology course is well-structured and informative. Lectures, readings, quizzes, and homework assignments are all mentioned as components of the course. Many students also remark on the knowledgeable instructors and the ease of the course materials.
Course is easy to understand.
""I've learned everything at ease with the help of the videos, readings, and quizzes!""
""It was very interesting and everything was presented in an easy-to-understand way.""
""I am currently happy to learn Biology Everywhere. Thank you for teach me very specific and simple""
Course is well-structured.
""Concise and clear with a good balance of learning materials.""
""It was a great experience for me.""
""Excellent course . Great instructor""
Assignments reinforce learning.
""I've learned everything at ease with the help of the videos, readings, and quizzes!""
""really informative and interesting and not tedious at all. all the notes were comprehensive and the quizzes were fun to do.""
""It is a course with good information. ""
Instructors are knowledgeable.
""awesome and knowledgeable""
""Excellent course . Great instructor""
""As a Molecular Biology student this course helped me remind information i once learned and also reinforce it, also i learned new perspectives while evaluating other students assingments. It is a complete course for anyone interested in the topic actually. You dont have to be in the biological area to fully understand the content.""
Content is informative and important.
""I've learned so much!""
""It was very interesting and everything was presented in an easy-to-understand way.""
""I​t was very interesting and everything was presented in an easy-to-understand way. Many topics were introduced that are important to know and think about in my opinion. Great course!""
Peer grading can be frustrating.
""The instructor is brilliant, but it was a nightmare trying to get my Peer Graded assignments marked.""
""Just so you know peer graded assignments are graded by people, like you who have enrolled on the course. If your assignment does not graded on time, your date of completion gets pushed further and further back and that means you pay more and more money.""

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics with these activities:
Organize and consolidate course materials
Improve your organization and retention by compiling and reviewing course materials.
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, including notes, slides, assignments, and readings.
  • Organize materials by topic or module.
  • Review and summarize key concepts from each section.
Review 'Molecular Biology of the Cell'
Reinforce your understanding of concepts covered in the course by reviewing a key text in the field.
Show steps
  • Review the table of contents and identify chapters relevant to the course.
  • Read assigned chapters thoroughly and take notes.
  • Summarize key concepts in each chapter.
Solve practice problems on cell biology and genetics
Improve your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of core concepts by practicing with exercises.
Browse courses on Cell Biology
Show steps
  • Identify practice problems and questions related to the course material.
  • Solve the problems independently, checking your work for accuracy.
  • Review solutions and identify areas where you need further clarification.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in peer review of genetic case studies
Develop your critical thinking and communication skills by collaborating with peers on genetic case studies.
Browse courses on Genetics
Show steps
  • Join a study group or connect with classmates.
  • Select a genetic case study relevant to the course.
  • Share your analysis and insights with the group, providing evidence-based reasoning.
Follow tutorials on genetic technologies
Expand your knowledge and stay updated on advancements in genetic technologies by exploring tutorials.
Browse courses on Genetics
Show steps
  • Identify tutorials and online resources that cover genetic technologies relevant to the course.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and experimenting with the provided examples.
  • Apply what you learn to the course material and explore additional applications.
Create a visual representation of the Krebs cycle
Enhance your understanding of the Krebs cycle by creating a visual aid that illustrates the process.
Browse courses on Energy Metabolism
Show steps
  • Gather information about the Krebs cycle from course materials and other sources.
  • Design a visual representation, such as a diagram, flowchart, or infographic.
  • Label and explain the key components and steps of the Krebs cycle.
Develop a presentation on the ethical implications of genetic technologies
Deepen your understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding genetic technologies by researching and presenting your findings.
Browse courses on Ethics
Show steps
  • Research ethical frameworks and case studies related to genetic technologies.
  • Develop a presentation outline that covers the key ethical issues.
  • Create visual aids and supporting materials to enhance your presentation.
  • Practice your presentation and seek feedback from peers or instructors.

Career center

Learners who complete The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Laboratory Manager
Laboratory Manager's need to have a solid background in cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. This course will help you reach that goal and provide the foundation for future career growth.
Genetic Counselor
Genetic Counselors help people understand and make decisions about their genetic risks. This course can provide you with a foundation in genetics and help you develop the skills needed to work with patients and families.
Medical Scientist
Medical Scientists study the causes and treatments of disease. This course can help you build a foundation in cell biology, genetics, and other topics relevant to medical science.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers use engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine. This course can help you build a foundation in cell biology, genetics, and other topics relevant to biomedical engineering.
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. This course can help you develop the skills needed to write about cell biology, genetics, and other scientific topics.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys help protect the intellectual property of inventors. This course can provide you with a foundation in cell biology, genetics, and other topics relevant to patent law.
Secondary School Teacher
Secondary School Teachers teach a variety of subjects to high school students. This course can help you develop the skills needed to teach cell biology, genetics, and other scientific topics.
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course can help you develop the skills needed to teach and conduct research in cell biology, genetics, and other scientific topics.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for products and services. This course can help you develop the skills needed to write technical documents about cell biology, genetics, and other scientific topics.
Science Editor
Science Editors edit scientific articles and books. This course can help you develop the skills needed to edit scientific content about cell biology, genetics, and other scientific topics.
Research Associate
Research Associates conduct research under the supervision of a principal investigator. This course can help you develop the skills needed to conduct research in cell biology, genetics, and other scientific fields.
Immunologist
Immunologists study the immune system and how it protects the body from disease. This course may provide you with a foundation in cell biology and genetics, which are relevant to immunology.
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. This course may provide you with a foundation in cell biology and genetics, which are relevant to microbiology.
Biochemist
Biochemists study the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. This course may provide you with a foundation in cell biology and genetics, which are relevant to biochemistry.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. This course may be useful if you want to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of bioenergetics, the study of how cells obtain and use energy. It commonly used textbook in bioenergetics courses at academic institutions.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of human biology, including cell biology, genetics, and evolution. It commonly used textbook in human biology courses at academic institutions.
Provides a popular account of the theory of evolution by natural selection. It is written in a clear and engaging style. This book can help students better understand the evolutionary basis of biological processes by demonstrating how evolution operates on the molecular level.
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Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the human genome. This book can help students better understand the ethical implications of genetic technologies by exploring the history and mapping of the human genome.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the potential future of human evolution. This book can help students better understand the ethical implications of genetic technologies by exploring the potential future directions of human evolution.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the history of genetics. This book can help students better understand the ethical implications of genetic technologies by exploring historical advancements and controversies in genetics.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the life of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were used to create the first immortal human cell line. This book can help students better understand the ethical implications of genetic technologies by illustrating the historical exploitation of patients in medical research.

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