MB&B205 - Principles of Biology I: Cell Biology and Molecular Basis of Heredity

[ Wesleyan Home Page ] [ WesMaps Home Page ] [ WesMaps Archive ] [ Course Search ] [ Course Search by CID ]
Academic Year 2003/2004

Principles of Biology I: Cell Biology and Molecular Basis of Heredity
MB&B 205 FA

Crosslistings:
BIOL 205

This course presents an entrance-level exploration of the contemporary view of the cell and an introduction to the molecules and mechanisms of genetics. The course will begin with a general introduction to the principles of biology, cell theory, gene concept and evolution. Cellular functions will be discussed in terms of the structural organization of cells, the cellular organelles and the underlying molecular mechanisms of cellular activities. Topics will include membrane dynamics, energetics, the cytoskeleton, cell motility, the cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, and nuclear and chromosome structure. The second section of the course will focus in particular on the DNA molecule as the genetic material and will describe the process of information transfer from the genetic code to protein synthesis. Prokaryotic genetics will be used to demonstrate the concepts of mutation, gene mapping and gene regulation. To demonstrate the scientific process, lectures will stress the experimental basis for the conclusions presented. Students with a particularly good background in biology may be interested in enrolling in the honors level component of this course, BIOL/MB&B225.

MAJOR READINGS

Klug & Cummings, GENETICS: A MOLECULAR PERSPECTIVE
Wolfe, MOLECULAR & CELLULAR BIOLOGY

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Four one-hour exams.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

In addition to the lecture hours, the course will have multiple scheduled office hours by faculty and teaching assistants. MB&B215 is to be taken concurrently except by permission of the instructor. MB&B205 and MB&B215 must be registered for separately. It is recommended that students, especially those intending to major in the life sciences, should have taken chemistry, or should be taking it concurrently.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM MB&B Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): McAlear,Michael A.

Times: .M.W.F. 10:00AM-10:50AM; Location: SCIE150

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: UNL)

Special Attributes:

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004