Embark on an in-depth exploration into the building blocks of life. This course aims to equip students with an understanding of key biological concepts, from the chemical foundation of life to advanced topics in biotechnology and genomics. Through a series of interactive virtual simulations, students will analyze cellular structures, decipher metabolic pathways, and explore the mechanisms of gene expression and inheritance.

Investigating the Building Blocks of Life

Examine and differentiate the essential elements that constitute life, starting with the chemical foundations and biological macromolecules. Apply this knowledge and utilize virtual labs to reveal cellular structures and functions, which in turn, facilitate exploring complex, but essential, cellular processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, and division that power life. 

Traverse the Path from DNA to Biotechnology

Walk the path that begins with Mendel’s Laws, the foundation of our knowledge of traits and inheritance. Assess Mendel’s experiments and extend this understanding to modern genetics, examining the structure and function of DNA, and the processes by which genes are expressed and proteins synthesized. Finally, apply theory in our genomics and biotechnology labs to see how genes and genetic processes can be leveraged to impact society and medicine.