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Biology Everywhere Foundations

In this course, we will explore the nature of science and biology. We will discuss what the “biology everywhere” philosophy means and the history of the “biology everywhere” project. We will also discuss what science (and biology) are as a discipline of inquiry and how chemistry is foundational to understanding biology.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Why Biology Everywhere?

In this module, we'll explore the principles behind biology everywhere and Dr. Peffer's motivation for writing Biology Everywhere: How the science of life matters to everyday life, including the creation of this specialization.

...because Science

In this module, we'll discuss the foundations of what science is (and isn't).

What is Life and Consequently Biology?

In this module we'll discuss what it means to be alive.

Chemical Basis of Biology

Chemistry is foundational to understanding biology. In this module, we'll explore the chemical basis of biology.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Designed for learners who have an interest in biology

Engages learners with discussion around the philosophy of “biology everywhere”

Introduces fundamental concepts relevant to biology

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Reviews summary

Beginners' biology refresher

Learners say that Biology Everywhere Foundations is an introductory course that provides a refresher on basic biology concepts and principles. It emphasizes the nature of science and the importance of critical thinking skills. Students appreciate the engaging assignments and the opportunity to apply biology to everyday life. However, some students found the content to be too basic or that a lot of time was spent reviewing peers assignments.

Engaging assignments & opportunities to apply biology to daily life.

"I enjoyed this course a lot! It showed me a different way of viewing the sciences."

"This course is very simple, but amazing."

"This actually makes Biology fun."

Beginning course; reviews basic biology with an emphasis on critical thinking.

"an introductory course that provides a refresher on basic biology concepts and principles."

"It emphasizes the nature of science and the importance of critical thinking skills."

"a nice refresher on basic biology principles."

Lots of time spent reviewing peer assignments.

"Annoying having to wait for others to review assignments"

"The ratio of peer-reviews assignments to quizzes is too high and does not assure that you learn the notions, it's a case of blind leading the blind."

"It will be helpful if you are in middle grade or if you are taking classes at University of Colorado Boulder. the content is very dull and basic."

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 Biology Everywhere Foundations with these activities:

Read 'Biology Everywhere: How the Science of Life Matters to Everyday Life'

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the course's main themes, making it an excellent resource for building a foundational understanding.

View Biology Everywhere on Amazon

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Read the introduction
Read chapters on selected topics
Take notes and highlight key concepts

Review High School Biology

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This course builds on foundational high school biology concepts, so reviewing these topics will provide a stronger foundation for learning.

Browse courses on Biology

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Review cell biology
Review genetics
Review evolution

Explore Khan Academy's Biology Modules

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Khan Academy offers a range of interactive tutorials that can help reinforce the course's concepts.

Browse courses on Biology

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Create an account
Select Biology
Choose a module and start watching videos
Complete practice exercises

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Attend a Workshop on Basic Chemistry for Biology

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This workshop will provide a deeper understanding of the chemical principles essential for biology.

Browse courses on Chemistry

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate
Take notes and ask questions

Develop a Concept Map of Biology's Core Concepts

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Creating a concept map will help you visualize and organize the relationships between key biological principles.

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Identify the main concepts
Establish relationships between concepts
Use visual aids like colors, shapes, and lines
Review and refine the concept map

Become a Biology Tutor at Your School or Community Center

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Teaching others can enhance your understanding and retention of biological concepts.

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Contact your school or community center
Inquire about tutoring opportunities
Prepare lesson plans and materials
Tutor students and provide guidance

Contribute to Open-Source Biology Projects

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Involving yourself in open-source projects allows you to apply biological knowledge and contribute to the wider community.

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Identify open-source biology projects
Select a project and understand its goals
Contribute code, documentation, or other resources
Engage with the project community

Career center

Learners who complete Biology Everywhere Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Biochemist

A biochemist studies the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. They may research the structure and function of proteins or focus on how organisms metabolize food. They typically need a bachelor's degree in biochemistry or a related field. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** may be useful for biochemists to improve their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and the nature of science. The course will provide context for their research and may give them insight into potential career paths.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Biology Teacher

Biology teachers educate students about the science of life, including the structure and function of living organisms, evolution, and genetics. They typically need a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field, along with a teaching certification. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** may be useful for biology teachers to improve their knowledge of biology and the nature of science. The course can also assist them in developing lesson plans and activities that align with the course's principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biology Teacher

Biomedical Engineer

A biomedical engineer applies engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine. They may design medical devices or develop new treatments for diseases. They typically need a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or a related field. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** will provide biomedical engineers with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and the nature of science. The course can help them understand the biological systems they work with and the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Biostatistician

A biostatistician uses statistical methods to analyze biological data. They may work in academia, industry, or government. They typically need a master's degree in biostatistics or a related field. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** will provide biostatisticians with a strong foundation in biology and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the biological data they work with and the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Environmental Scientist

An environmental scientist studies the environment and its interactions with humans and other organisms. They may work in academia, industry, or government. They typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** may be useful for environmental scientists to improve their knowledge of biology and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the biological systems they work with and the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Science Writer

A science writer communicates scientific information to the public. They may write articles for magazines, newspapers, or websites. They typically need a bachelor's degree in science or a related field. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** may be useful for science writers to improve their knowledge of biology and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the scientific research they write about and the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Forensic Scientist

A forensic scientist applies scientific methods to legal problems. They may analyze evidence in criminal cases or help to identify victims of disasters. They typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** may be useful for forensic scientists to improve their knowledge of biology and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the biological evidence they work with and the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Scientist

Physician Assistant

A physician assistant provides medical care under the supervision of a physician. They typically need a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, followed by a physician assistant program. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** may be useful for physician assistants to improve their knowledge of biology and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the biological processes that underlie diseases and the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Medical Doctor

A medical doctor diagnoses and treats diseases. They typically need a bachelor's degree in pre-medicine or a related field, followed by a medical degree. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** may be useful for medical doctors to improve their knowledge of biology and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the biological processes that underlie diseases and the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor

Microbiologist

A microbiologist studies microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They may work in academia, industry, or government. They typically need a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related field. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** will provide microbiologists with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist

Geneticist

A geneticist studies genes and heredity. They may work in academia, industry, or government. They typically need a bachelor's degree in genetics or a related field. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** will provide geneticists with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

A clinical laboratory scientist analyzes body fluids and tissues to diagnose and treat diseases. They typically need a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** may be useful for clinical laboratory scientists to improve their knowledge of biology and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the biological processes that underlie diseases and the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Toxicologist

A toxicologist studies the effects of toxic substances on humans and the environment. They may work in academia, industry, or government. They typically need a bachelor's degree in toxicology or a related field. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** will provide toxicologists with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Toxicologist

Pharmacist

A pharmacist dispenses medications and provides advice on their use. They typically need a bachelor's degree in pharmacy. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** may be useful for pharmacists to improve their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the medications they dispense and the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Registered Nurse

A registered nurse provides care to patients in a variety of settings. They typically need an associate's degree in nursing or a bachelor's degree in nursing. **Biology Everywhere Foundations** may be useful for registered nurses to improve their knowledge of biology and the nature of science. The course will help them understand the biological processes that underlie diseases and the ethical implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Biology Everywhere Foundations.

Biology Everywhere

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Great companion to the course, as it provides a more in-depth look at the "biology everywhere" philosophy and its applications to everyday life.

Biology Everywhere Foundations

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Beginners' biology refresher

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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