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This course includes self-guiding materials and activities, and is ideal for independent learners, or instructors trying out this course package.

OLI does not provide any verification of completion. If you would like to receive credits for completing this course, please make arrangements with your local institution.

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Modern Biology

OLI Biology courseModern Biology covers topics found in the fields of cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. This intro-level course provides the background biology students will need for advanced biology classes.

Published research for this course

Improving Animation Tutorials by Integrating Simulation, Assessment, and Feedback to Promote Active Learning

Improving the Feedback Cycle to Improve Learning in Introductory Biology Using the Digital Dashboard

Constructing Computer Models to Provide Accurate Visualizations and Authentic Online Laboratory Experiences in an Introductory Biochemistry Course.


Course Description

This introductory course in "Modern Biology" covers topics found in the fields of cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. It does not cover organismal biology or taxonomy. This course is a requirement for biology majors at Carnegie Mellon University. The course is carefully planned to provide the background biology students will need for advanced biology classes. Non-biology majors will also find this course useful as it explains many of the concepts and techniques currently discussed in the popular press.

This Modern Biology course is built around six Key Concepts that provide unifying explanations for how and why structures are formed and processes occur throughout your study of biology. Because it is not possible to cover the breadth of modern molecular biology in one semester, an understanding of these Key Concepts will provide a basis for extension of your knowledge to biological systems beyond the specifics covered in this course. One of the major goals of the course therefore is for you to not only learn the definitions of the concepts but also learn to recognize when they are operating the process being studied.

The Key Concepts

  • Bioselectivity
  • Energy
  • Equilibrium
  • Ionic State
  • Rate Control
  • Solubility

Course Structure

Unit 1: Modern Biology

Unit 2: Biological Chemistry

  • Atoms, Functional Groups, and Water
  • Equilibrium and pH
  • Carbohydrates and Polysaccharides
  • Amino Acids and Proteins
  • Enzymes and Regulation

Unit 3: Cell Biology Module

  • Lipids and Membranes
  • Membrane Transport

Unit 4: Basis of Molecular Biology

  • DNA and RNA
  • DNA Replication
  • DNA Transcription
  • RNA Translation
  • Protein Synthesis

Unit 5: Metabolism

  • Pathways
  • Energetics
  • Enzyme Nomenclature
  • Glycolysis
  • TCA Cycle
  • Electron Transport and Ox. Phos.
  • Integrated Metabolism

Appendix: Glossaries

  • Instructions for Activities
  • Tutorial Animations
  • Functional Groups
  • Structure and Function of the Cell Membrane
  • Images of Living Cells