BIO2: Molecules to Cells (4 Units)

Overview

Students learn about basic molecular and cellular biology including metabolism, molecular basis of inheritance, cell structure and bacterial diversity. Units: 3 lecture, 1 discussion.

Topical Description and Schedule

Key Topics

Students learn about photosynthesis, glycolysis, fermentation, and the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Basic bacterial diversity is also introduced.

Curriculum Changes
  • Reduced emphasis on chemistry compared to BIS 2A.
  • Designed for students without prior chemistry experience.
  • Students will learn:
    • Critical metabolic processes such as photosynthesis, glycolysis, fermentation, and the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. 
    • Basic cell structure and function.
    • Diversity of major prokaryotic groups and their metabolic roles.
Discussion Format
  • Shortened to 1 hour, making room for an optional lab course (BIO2L).
  • Discussions follow the BIS 2A model but with a focus on foundational concepts.

BIO2 Lecture and Discussion Topics

  • What is a cell and how do we know about them?  What will we need to know to understand how they evolved and function.
  • Biomolecules: What are biomolecules and how to they form the basis of all cellular structures?
  • Cellular metabolism: How do cells obtain the raw materials to grow? How are these materials processed into usable building blocks and energy? What different kinds of metabolism exist?
  • Genes to function: How do cells make the proteins and other biomolecular components necessary to live and reproduce? How is genetic information stored and transmitted?
  • Cellular structure and function: How are processes organized within cells? What are organelles and how are proteins targeted to them? What is the cytoskeleton and how does it contribute to cellular processes? How do cells divide?
  • Integration: How did unicellular organisms originate? How did they alter the environment throughout the Earth’s history? How do they influence the cycling and distribution of elements, and how has human activity affected these cycles?