Introduction to Biology

Learn important information about subject matters like cell structure and function, bioenergetics, DNA structure and function, cell reproduction, taxonomy, evolution, and ecology.

Course Highlights

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Introduction to Biology

$79

Plus membership

3 Credits

All courses include:

eTextbooks

2 to 3-day turnaround for grading

Multiple chances to improve your grade

On-demand tutoring & writing center

Student support 7 days a week

$79

Plus membership

3 Credits

All courses include:

eTextbooks

2 to 3-day turnaround for grading

Multiple chances to improve your grade

On-demand tutoring & writing center

Student support 7 days a week

Introduction to Biology

$79

Plus membership

3 Credits

About This Course

|
ACE Approved 2025

Introduction to Biology addresses the fundamentals of biological science, from the structures and processes which demonstrate the unity of life, to the variations in organisms and ecosystems which highlight the diversity of life on Earth.

What You'll Learn

Identify the molecular structure of major components of cells and determine their use for cellular metabolism and functions.

Compare and contrast the structures, organization, and role in the environment of prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses.

Compare and contrast the different forms of cellular reproduction and their effects on the genetic components of the cell and/or organism.

Outline the biochemical pathways used by plant and animal cells to maintain their metabolism and synthesize necessary molecules.

Analyze the effects of hereditary mechanisms and mutations on the genetics and phenotypes of organisms.

Identify methods of cellular communication and determine how these methods affect homeostasis and overall functioning of the cell.

Analyze the mechanisms involved in the microevolution of organisms.

Identify how the structures, behaviors, and resource needs of organisms determine their role in their environment and in the biosphere.

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Course Details

BIO101

|

Introduction to Biology

Our online Introduction to Biology course includes the chemical basis of life, cellular structures and processes, genetics, evolution and population ecology.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to take Introduction to Biology.

Topic Subtopics
Checkpoint 1: The Study of Life
  • The Science of Biology
  • Themes in Biology
Checkpoint 2: Chemical Foundations of Life
  • The Building Blocks
  • Water
  • Carbon
Checkpoint 3: Biological Molecules
  • Synthesis of Biomolecules
  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids
  • Proteins
  • Nucleic Acid
Checkpoint 4: Cell Structure
  • Studying Cells
  • Prokaryotic Cells
  • Eukaryotic Cells
  • The Endomembrane System and Proteins
  • The Cytoskeleton
  • Connections
Checkpoint 5: Structure and Function of the Plasma Membrane
  • Components and Structure
  • Passive Transport
  • Active Transport
  • Bulk Transport
Checkpoint 6: Metabolism
  • Energy and Metabolism
  • Types of Energy
  • Laws of Thermodynamics
  • ATP
  • Enzymes
Checkpoint 7: Cellular Respiration
  • Energy in Living Systems
  • Glycolysis
  • Oxidation of the Pyruvate and the Citric Acid Cycle
  • Oxidative Phosphorylation
  • Metabolism without Oxygen
  • Connections
  • Regulation of Cellular Respiration
Checkpoint 8: Photosynthesis
  • Overview of Photosynthesis
  • Light Dependent Reactions
  • Using Light Energy to Make Organic Molecules
Checkpoint 9: Cell Communication
  • Signaling Molecules and Cell Receptors
  • Propagation of the Signal
  • Response to the Signal
  • Signaling in Single Celled Organisms
Checkpoint 10: Cell Reproduction
  • Cell Division
  • The Cell Cycle
  • Control of the Cell Cycle
  • Cancer
  • Prokaryotic Cell Division
Checkpoint 11: Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
  • The Process of Meiosis
  • Sexual Reproduction
Checkpoint 12: Mendel's Experiments and Heredity
  • Mendel's Experiments
  • Characteristics and Traits
  • Laws of Inheritance
Checkpoint 13: Modern Understanding of Inheritance
  • Chromosomal Theory and Genetic Linkage
  • Chromosomal Basis of Inherited Disorders
Checkpoint 14: DNA Structure and Function
  • Historical Basis of Modern Understanding
  • DNA Structure and Sequencing
  • Basics of DNA Replication
  • DNA Replication in Prokaryotes
  • DNA Replication in Eukaryotes
  • DNA Repair
Checkpoint 15: Genes and Proteins
  • The Genetic Code
  • Prokaryotic Transcription
  • Eukaryotic Transcription
  • RNA Processing in Eukaryotes
  • Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis
Checkpoint 16: Evolution and the Origin of Species
  • Understanding Evolution
  • Formation of New Species
  • Reconnection and Speciation Rates
Checkpoint 17: The Evolution of Populations
  • Population Evolution
  • Population Genetics
  • Adaptive Evolution
Checkpoint 18: Ecology and the Biosphere
  • The Scope of Ecology
  • Biogeography
  • Terrestrial Biomes
  • Aquatic Biomes
  • Climate and the Effects of Global Climate Change
Checkpoint 19: Population and Community Ecology
  • Population Demography
  • Life Histories and Natural Selection
  • Environmental Limits to Population Growth
  • Population Dynamics and Regulation
Checkpoint 20: Ecosystems
  • Ecology of Ecosystems
  • Energy Flow Through Ecosystems
  • Biogeochemical Cycles

Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.

Assignments for this course include:

  • 6 Benchmarks
  • 20 Checkpoints

No need to track down a textbook; the readings are built right into this course. We adapted the lessons from the following source:

Clark, M. A., Douglas, M., & Choi, J. (2018, March 28). Biology. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e

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