In this course, we will explore the smaller side of biology: molecular biology. We’ll cover basic topics including cell biology and how cells can go “rogue” and turn into cancer, how energy from the sun is transferred to fuel our bodies, basics of genetics and inheritance, and genetic technologies. At the end of this course, we will discuss ethical and moral implications of several exciting and new genetic technologies.
The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics
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The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics
This course is part of Biology Everywhere Specialization
Instructor: Melanie Peffer
8,540 already enrolled
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(106 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Explain how the body maintains control of cells and how loss of control can lead to cancer.
Describe how energy is passed through the biosphere and why (most) of life is dependent on the sun.
Explain the basics of genetics, including epigenetics, and how each relates to our phenotype.
Describe at least three different genetic technologies currently impact society and give pro and against arguments for each.
Details to know
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Assessments
2 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Biology Everywhere Specialization
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There are 4 modules in this course
In this module, we will explore cell biology with particular attention to one application of cell biology: cancer.
What's included
3 videos2 readings2 peer reviews
In this module, we will discuss energy, including why the plants are the basis for (most) of life on earth. We will also examine how we can harness these fundamental biochemical reactions for making certain foods and beverages, such as bread and beer.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 plugin
In this module, we will explore the basics of genetics, including a discussion of epigenetics.
What's included
3 videos2 readings1 assignment2 peer reviews
In this module, we will explore new genetic technologies, with a particular eye to the ethical and moral implications of these technologies.
What's included
4 videos4 readings1 peer review1 discussion prompt
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.7 (30 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Basic Science
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Imperial College London
University of Pennsylvania
University of Colorado Boulder
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