General Biology I: Foundations of Biology from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe the chemical composition of matter
Describe the chemical building blocks of life
Describe the characteristics of life

Describe the scientific method
Describe the nature of molecules

Describe the chemical composition of matter
Describe the chemical building blocks of life
Describe the characteristics of life
Describe the scientific method
Describe the nature of molecules

Syllabus

Introduction

Course overview and introduction to the General Biology series offered here on Udemy.

Intro Quiz

Introduction to Living Systems & The Scientific Method

You will be able to

To recognize and describe the characteristics of living organisms.
Describe the hieararchy of life on Earth

You will be able to

Classify living organisms according to a variety of common features.
Place living organisms into the scientific groups
Describe the three domains of life

You will be able to:

Define and describe biodiversity as it pertains to life on Earth

You will be able to:

Define the Scientific Method
List the steps of the Scientific Method
Differentiate between a hypothesis and a theory
Explain how the Scientific Method is used by Biologists

You will be able to:

Define matter
Describe the structure of an atom
Identify the major elements in the human body
Describe how bonds are formed between atoms
Describe the major type of bonds formed by atoms

You will be able to:

Describe the major types of metabolic reactions that take place in cells
Describe the components of chemical solutions
Describe the pH scale
Describe the major properties of water that support life on Earth

You will be able to:

List the major macromolecules found in living systems
Describe the properties of the carbon atom
Describe how polymers are formed and broken down inside the cell

You will be able to:

Describe what carbohydrates are made of
List and describe the major groups of carbohydrates
Describe how glucose is used metabolically

You will be able to:

Identify and describe the building blocks of proteins
Describe the structural levels of proteins
Describe the physical requirements of protein stabiity
Describe the role of proteins in human diseases

You will be able to:

Describe the physical and chemical properties of lipids
List the major functions of lipids inside the body
Describe the major groups of lipids
Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated lipids

You will be able to:

Describe the building blocks of nucleic acids
Describe the structure and function of DNA and RNA molecules
Compare and contrast DNA and RNA molecules

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers concepts regularly tested on standardized exams such as the MCAT, PCAT, and DAT, which is helpful for students pursuing careers in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry

Explores the hierarchy of life on Earth, from the smallest building blocks to the largest ecosystems, which builds a strong foundation for understanding biological systems

Examines the chemical building blocks of life and the nature of molecules, which are fundamental concepts for understanding more complex biological processes

Relates biology to everyday living, such as the foods you eat, products you use, and the air you breathe, which enhances appreciation for the study of life

Discusses how parents pass genes to their children and technologies like cloning and GMO production, which are key topics in the field of genetics

Explores how cancers develop and spread through the body's tissues, which provides a foundational understanding of disease processes

Reviews summary

Foundations of general biology

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation (positive) in the basics of general biology, covering core concepts like the scientific method (neutral), the chemistry of life (neutral), and biological molecules (neutral). Students say it's particularly beginner-friendly (positive) and a great starting point (positive) for those new to the subject. However, some note that while it covers the essentials, it may not provide enough depth for standardized exams (warning) like the MCAT without supplemental study. Opinions on the pacing and lecture style (neutral) can vary among students.

Some reviewers found the pace or style varied.

"Some sections felt rushed, others very slow."

"I didn't always connect with the presentation style."

"The lectures could be more engaging at times."

Accessible even for newcomers to biology.

"As someone with no science background, I could follow along."

"The pace was perfect for a complete beginner."

"Never took biology before, and this made it easy to start."

Covers the essential basics well.

"It really laid the groundwork for my understanding of biology."

"This course covers all the core foundations you need to start."

"I found the material on chemistry of life very clear."

Might need supplements for advanced exams.

"While good, I'll need other resources for MCAT level detail."

"Doesn't go into the depth required for specific topics on entrance exams."

"Great overview, but lacks the nitty-gritty details for tests."

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 General Biology I: Foundations of Biology with these activities:

Review Basic Chemistry Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts, including atomic structure, bonding, and chemical reactions, to better grasp the chemical basis of life discussed in the course.

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Review your notes from previous chemistry courses.
Work through practice problems on atomic structure and bonding.
Familiarize yourself with common chemical reactions.

Read 'The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry'

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Gain a more intuitive understanding of chemistry principles through a visual and engaging approach, which will help you better understand the chemical processes within living systems.

View The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry (Cartoon Guide... on Amazon

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Read a chapter of 'The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry' each week.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Relate the concepts to the topics covered in the General Biology course.

Form a Study Group

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Collaborate with peers to discuss course concepts, clarify doubts, and reinforce your understanding of the material through active learning and teaching.

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Find classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Schedule regular meeting times to discuss course material.
Prepare discussion questions and practice problems.
Share notes and insights with each other.

Four other activities

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Create Flashcards for Key Terms

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Reinforce your understanding of key biological terms and definitions by creating flashcards, which will aid in memorization and recall during exams.

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Identify key terms and definitions from each lecture.
Create flashcards with the term on one side and the definition on the other.
Review the flashcards regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Read 'Biology' by Campbell and Reece

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Deepen your understanding of biological principles with a comprehensive textbook that provides detailed explanations and examples, enhancing your overall knowledge of the subject.

View Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition on Amazon

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Read the relevant chapters in 'Biology' by Campbell and Reece.
Take detailed notes on key concepts and examples.
Compare and contrast the textbook's explanations with the course lectures.

Create a Concept Map of the Scientific Method

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Visualize the steps of the scientific method and their interrelationships by creating a concept map, which will improve your understanding of the scientific process.

Browse courses on Scientific Method

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Review the steps of the scientific method.
Identify the relationships between the steps.
Create a concept map that visually represents the scientific method.

Answer Questions in Online Forums

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Solidify your understanding of course material by helping other students with their questions in online forums, which will reinforce your knowledge and improve your communication skills.

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Monitor the course discussion forums for student questions.
Answer questions accurately and thoroughly.
Provide helpful explanations and examples.

Career center

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

Biochemist

A biochemist investigates the chemical processes and substances that occur in living organisms. This role often involves experimentation and analysis of complex biological systems at the molecular level. The General Biology I course helps build a foundation for understanding the chemical building blocks of life, the major elements in living systems, and the nature of molecules, all of which are essential for a biochemist. Further, the course's coverage of macromolecules, metabolic reactions, and chemical solutions directly corresponds to the work done in this field. Those seeking to become a biochemist should take this course to begin their understanding of how living things interact with chemistry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Microbiologist

A microbiologist studies microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These professionals investigate microbial growth, function, and interactions with other organisms and environments. The General Biology I course provides crucial fundamental insights into the characteristics of life, the hierarchy of living organisms, and the chemical composition of matter, all essential for understanding microbial life. The course also discusses the major elements in living systems and the scientific method, which are key aspects of a microbiologist's work. Specifically, the course's focus on how cells grow, produce energy, and keep living systems organized aligns directly with the study of microbes. This course would be valuable for aspiring microbiologists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist

Science Educator

A science educator teaches scientific principles to students of all ages. The role requires a thorough understanding of core scientific concepts and the ability to explain these clearly and effectively. The General Biology I course is highly beneficial for a science educator, since the course provides foundational knowledge on the central ideas of biology such as the scientific method, nature of molecules, and chemical composition of matter. By covering topics such as the hierarchy of life, how cells grow, and how DNA is produced, the course provides a broad base of knowledge helpful for an educator. This course will be helpful to any aspiring science educator.

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Geneticist

A geneticist studies genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms. This work involves analyzing DNA and investigating how traits are passed from parents to offspring. The General Biology I course offers crucial foundations for a geneticist by covering topics like how DNA is produced by cells, how parents pass genes to their children, and the production of genetically modified organisms. The course's syllabus includes chemical building blocks of life and the nature of molecules, which are essential for working with genetic material. The course’s mention of topics such as cloning and GMOs is especially relevant to future geneticists. This course may be useful to those who wish to enter the field of genetics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist

Research Scientist

A research scientist designs and conducts experiments to investigate various scientific phenomena. This can range from studying diseases to developing new technologies. The General Biology I course offers essential concepts such as the scientific method, chemical building blocks of life, and the nature of molecules, which are fundamental to any biological research. Learning how cells grow, produce energy, and communicate, as taught in the course, is foundational to the work of a research scientist. The course's focus on how living systems survive and the major themes in biology makes it particularly useful for those aiming for a career in biological research. This course may be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a role as a research scientist.

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Laboratory Technician

A laboratory technician performs tests and experiments in a lab setting. This role requires precision and a strong understanding of basic scientific protocols. The General Biology I course provides foundational knowledge in the scientific method, chemical building blocks of life, and the major elements of living systems, all of which are helpful for a laboratory technician. The course’s introduction to the nature of molecules and how cells grow allows technicians to better understand the processes they will be working with. For those interested in working in a laboratory, this course provides important introductory material for that.

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Science Writer

A science writer communicates complex scientific information to a general audience through various media. This career requires a strong grasp of scientific principles, as well as the ability to describe these in a clear and concise manner. The General Biology I course provides a comprehensive overview of important biological concepts such as the scientific method, the chemical building blocks of life, and the basic characteristics of living organisms. The course's focus on making biology relatable to everyday life can be useful to a science writer. The coverage of basic biological processes, such as how cells grow and how DNA is produced, are also relevant to the work of a science writer. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to be a science writer.

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Public Health Officer

A public health officer works to improve community health through education, policy development, and health program implementation. The General Biology I course may be useful to a future public health officer by providing some background in the biological processes that underlie health and disease, as it gives an overview of the hierarchy of life, how cells function, and how disease can develop. The course also includes information about how biology relates to daily life, and this can be helpful for addressing public health challenges. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to be a Public Health Officer.

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Environmental Scientist

An environmental scientist studies the interactions between living organisms and their environment. This career involves fieldwork, data analysis, and research to address environmental issues. While not a primary focus, the General Biology I course may be helpful to an environmental scientist by giving a background on the foundations of life and the scientific method. The course's introduction to the hierarchy of life and how living systems survive may contribute to a broader understanding of ecological systems. This course may be useful for those who wish to become environmental scientists.

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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

A pharmaceutical sales representative promotes and sells pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals. The General Biology I course provides a basic understanding of biological processes and the chemical composition of matter, which may be useful in this field. The course’s description of how DNA is produced, how cells function, and how cancers develop may be useful in understanding the mechanisms of action for medical treatments. For those interested in pharmaceutical sales, this course may be helpful in this career field. It is best if combined with other sales training.

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Physician Assistant

A physician assistant practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. The General Biology I course may be helpful by providing a basic understanding of biological systems, particularly in the chemical building blocks of life and the nature of molecules. A physician assistant uses this kind of base knowledge in understanding how disease and treatment affect patients. Although the course discusses the scientific method and some fundamental aspects of cells and DNA, it does not provide the practical knowledge needed for direct patient care. This course may not be the primary type of training needed for this role.

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Medical Technician

A medical technician assists medical professionals in diagnosing and treating patients. This role involves performing tests and analyses on bodily fluids and tissues. While this course may provide a basic understanding of living systems, it does not delve into the details needed for medical practice. The General Biology I course introduces the hierarchy of life, the basic chemistry of living organisms, and the scientific method. These are not directly tied to the requirements of a medical technician, and this course alone will be insufficient for this career track. This course may not be useful for those who wish to work primarily as a medical technician.

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Dentist

A dentist diagnoses and treats diseases of the teeth and gums. While the General Biology I course may provide a basic introduction to some biological concepts, it is not directly tied to the practice of dentistry. The course covers the scientific method, chemical components of living systems, how cells grow and how DNA is created. These aspects may be relevant to a dentist, but are not a primary focus of their work. This course may not be the best fit for those who are looking for a path directly into the field of dentistry.

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Medical Sonographer

A medical sonographer uses ultrasound technology to create images of internal body structures. While this role primarily involves technical skills using specific equipment, a grasp of the underlying biological systems may be beneficial. The General Biology I course introduces the foundations of biology, including the chemical elements of life, how cells grow, and how diseases develop, which may be useful for someone in this role. This may be helpful to a medical sonographer looking to expand their base knowledge of biology, but not the primary focus of the role. The course is likely not the most helpful entry point for the career.

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Registered Nurse

A registered nurse provides direct patient care, administers medications and treatments, and monitors patient health. While this course introduces the fundamentals of biology, it does not cover the specific clinical skills needed for nursing. The General Biology I course goes over the chemical building blocks of life and how cells grow, which may be useful in understanding the effects of disease. While this information may be helpful to a nurse, the course does not delve into practical nursing techniques or patient care. Additionally, the registered nurse has a focus on direct care and interaction with patients. This course may not be the primary course to take for such a career.

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Reading list

We've selected two 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 General Biology I: Foundations of Biology.

Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition

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This comprehensive textbook provides an in-depth exploration of all major biological concepts. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions. It offers detailed explanations, illustrations, and examples to enhance understanding. adds more depth and breadth to the existing course, and useful reference tool.

Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition

Paperback

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Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition

Kindle Edition

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The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry

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Provides a lighthearted and accessible introduction to chemistry concepts. It uses cartoons and humor to explain complex topics, making it easier to understand the chemical building blocks of life. It is particularly helpful for students who struggle with traditional chemistry textbooks. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry (Cartoon Guide...

Paperback

General Biology I

Foundations of Biology

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Foundations of general biology

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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