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Introduction to Biology
BIO101 | 3 Credits
Introduction to Biology will teach you about life on Earth. You’ll learn all about cell structure and function, bioenergetics, DNA structure and function, cell reproduction, taxonomy, evolution, and ecology.
Professor: Jenilyn Mulkey
About This Course
What You’ll Learn
Introduction to Biology addresses the fundamentals of biological science, from the structures and processes that demonstrate the unity of life to the variations in organisms and ecosystems that highlight the diversity of life on Earth.
- 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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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Our online Introduction to Biology course includes the chemical basis of life, cellular structures and processes, genetics, evolution, and population ecology.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0017
Flexible Schedule
29-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 3,200 times
$3,500,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take Introduction to Biology.
Course Text
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
Course Checkpoints
The Study of Life
- The Science of Biology
- Themes in Biology
Chemical Foundations of Life
- The Building Blocks
- Water
- Carbon
Biological Molecules
- Synthesis of Biomolecules
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Nucleic Acid
Cell Structure
- Studying Cells
- Prokaryotic Cells
- Eukaryotic Cells
- The Endomembrane System and Proteins
- The Cytoskeleton
- Connections
Structure and Function of the Plasma Membrane
- Components and Structure
- Passive Transport
- Active Transport
- Bulk Transport
Metabolism
- Energy and Metabolism
- Types of Energy
- Laws of Thermodynamics
- ATP
- Enzymes
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
Photosynthesis
- Overview of Photosynthesis
- Light Dependent Reactions
- Using Light Energy to Make Organic Molecules
Cell Communication
- Signaling Molecules and Cell Receptors
- Propagation of the Signal
- Response to the Signal
- Signaling in Single Celled Organisms
Cell Reproduction
- Cell Division
- The Cell Cycle
- Control of the Cell Cycle
- Cancer
- Prokaryotic Cell Division
Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
- The Process of Meiosis
- Sexual Reproduction
Mendel's Experiments and Heredity
- Mendel's Experiments
- Characteristics and Traits
- Laws of Inheritance
Modern Understanding of Inheritance
- Chromosomal Theory and Genetic Linkage
- Chromosomal Basis of Inherited Disorders
- 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
Genes and Proteins
- The Genetic Code
- Prokaryotic Transcription
- Eukaryotic Transcription
- RNA Processing in Eukaryotes
- Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis
Evolution and the Origin of Species
- Understanding Evolution
- Formation of New Species
- Reconnection and Speciation Rates
The Evolution of Populations
- Population Evolution
- Population Genetics
- Adaptive Evolution
Ecology and the Biosphere
- The Scope of Ecology
- Biogeography
- Terrestrial Biomes
- Aquatic Biomes
- Climate and the Effects of Global Climate Change
Population and Community Ecology
- Population Demography
- Life Histories and Natural Selection
- Environmental Limits to Population Growth
- Population Dynamics and Regulation
Ecosystems
- Ecology of Ecosystems
- Energy Flow Through Ecosystems
- Biogeochemical Cycles
Assignments & Grading
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
This course has an open book proctored Final Exam. Scientific and/or graphing calculators are allowed throughout the course.
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Any required course materials
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Course Professor
Jenilyn Mulkey
MS, MLS (ASCP)cm
Jenilyn M. is a science instructor with Masters degrees in Biological Sciences and Curriculum and Instruction. After years behind a microscope as a medical laboratory scientist, she made the switch to education, teaching high school before moving into higher education where she currently teaches full-time as a Senior Lecturer of Biology.
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Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
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Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
Professional development assistance
Resume-building resources
Professional development assistance
Faculty Connect portal
Resume-building resources
Students who enrolled also took:
Introduction to Biology Lab
1st attempt pass rate: 99%
Avg Days to Complete: 27
3 credits
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Getting Started in Your Healthcare Career
Introduction to Biology will help you learn about life on Earth in all its many forms. This will be a relevant skill whether you’re preparing for a role in healthcare or simply looking for a deeper understanding of the world around you.
Why it matters:
- Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries, with 1.8 million new jobs expected between 2022 and 2032.
- Biology will give you the building blocks, teaching you about cells, DNA, evolution, and more.
In-demand careers in this field include:
Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Radiologic Technologist, Surgical Technologist, and Paramedic/EMT
How this course sets you up for success:
Introduction to Biology is just the starting point, whether you’re interested in laboratory work or patient interaction. Get started on your path to a fulfilling healthcare career today.
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