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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
Read more
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
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Accessible molecular biology introduction
According to learners, this course offers a clear and accessible introduction to molecular biology, covering fundamental concepts in energy, cells, and genetics. Many found the instructor's explanations easy to understand, making complex topics approachable even for those with little prior knowledge. The course is praised for its engaging examples from everyday life and thought-provoking ethical discussions in the final module. While it provides a solid foundation, some students noted that certain sections, particularly on energy and cell biology, could feel rushed or too basic for those with existing biology backgrounds, sometimes requiring supplementary external reading.
Offers a strong general understanding, though some seek more depth.
"Overall, a good introductory course. I felt the quizzes were fair. Sometimes I wished for a bit more depth on certain topics..."
"The course covers interesting topics, but I found some parts a bit too basic. If you have any prior biology knowledge, you might find it repetitive in the early modules."
"It's called 'The Little Stuff' for a reason, so I understand it's an overview. Great for general understanding."
Utilizes relatable examples and thought-provoking discussions.
"The examples with food and everyday life really helped make sense of the molecular biology."
"The ethical discussions in the last module were thought-provoking and added a lot of value."
"The instructor made learning enjoyable, making the science relevant and interesting."
Complex molecular biology concepts are made easy to grasp.
"The instructor explained complex topics like DNA and genetics in an easy-to-understand way."
"I came in with very little background, and now I feel I have a solid foundation."
"Fantastic course for anyone wanting to learn about genetics and cell functions without getting bogged down in jargon. The explanations were always clear and concise."
Some sections may feel rushed, requiring external study for deeper understanding.
"I struggled with the pace of some sections. While the instructor tries to simplify, I felt some concepts were glossed over too quickly."
"I needed to do a lot of external reading to grasp certain ideas, especially regarding energy transfer, to feel confident with the material."
"The initial energy and cell biology felt rushed, I would have appreciated more time on those foundational concepts."
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
Show steps
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'
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of concepts covered in the course by reviewing a key text in the field.
View
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)...
on Amazon
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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.
Organize and consolidate course materials
Show steps
Improve your organization and retention by compiling and reviewing course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
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'
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of concepts covered in the course by reviewing a key text in the field.
View
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Improve your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of core concepts by practicing with exercises.
Browse courses on
Cell Biology
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Develop your critical thinking and communication skills by collaborating with peers on genetic case studies.
Browse courses on
Genetics
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Expand your knowledge and stay updated on advancements in genetic technologies by exploring tutorials.
Browse courses on
Genetics
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the Krebs cycle by creating a visual aid that illustrates the process.
Browse courses on
Energy Metabolism
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding genetic technologies by researching and presenting your findings.
Browse courses on
Ethics
Show steps
Show steps
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
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.
Medical Scientist
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.
Genetic Counselor
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.
Biomedical Engineer
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 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 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 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
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 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.
Research Associate
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.
Science Editor
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.
Immunologist
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
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
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
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2t8s4h/the
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.
Is another classic reference work, this one on molecular biology. It provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the subject.
Save
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 biochemistry, the study of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. It commonly used textbook in biochemistry courses at academic institutions.
Save
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 detailed and comprehensive overview of genetic analysis, the study of how genes are inherited and expressed. It commonly used textbook in genetic analysis 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.
Save
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.
Save
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2t8s4h/the
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Rating
4.7
Effort
9 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Melanie Peffer
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Biology Everywhere. It's comprised of four courses:
- The Big Stuff: Evolution and Ecology
- The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics (viewing)
- Biology Everywhere Foundations
- Specialty Topics: Biology Across Disciplines
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