Fundamentals of Biology: Molecular and Cell Biology

BIOL 102/3.0

Overview

The essential biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and metabolic pathways underlying the survival and success of all living organisms. Themes and case studies could range from the application of genetic engineering in biotechnology to the role of cellular dysregulation in inheritable diseases.

Please note: This course is typically offered in the summer and/or winter term 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

  • explain and interpret how major macromolecules of living organisms interrelate to create cellular function, diversity and evolution
  • explain and interpret how cells function normally, respond to environmental signals and propagate the next generation
  • explain and interpret how genes work to facilitate life and inheritance and apply this knowledge to scientific experimentation and molecular biotechnologies

Topics

  • Biology and the Tree of Life
  • Water and Carbon: The Chemical Basis of Life
  • Protein Structure and Function
  • Nucleic Acids and the RNA World and an Introduction to Carbohydrates
  • Lipids and Membranes
  • Cell Ultrastructure and Cell Communication
  • Cell Respiration and Fermentation
  • Photosynthesis
  • The Cell Cycle Mitosis and Meiosis
  • Mendel and the Gene
  • DNA and the Gene: Synthesis and Repair
  • How Genes Work
  • Translation and Transcription
  • Control of Gene Expression in Bacteria
  • Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes
  • Genetic Technologies

Terms

Summer (May–July) 2024
Course Dates
Exam Dates (if applicable)
Delivery Mode
Online

Evaluation

Virtual Research Lab20%
Case Study Integration Assignment20%
Two Quizzes15%
Three Round Table Assignments15%
Proctored Final Exam30%

**Evaluation Subject to Change**

Proctored Exams

If a student is enrolled in ONLY online courses (section 700), they may choose either of the following options to write the exam:

  • Write the final exam online: you will write in onQ with Examity proctoring. A $100 online exam fee will be charged to your SOLUS account.  
  • Write the final exam in-person: you will write on Queen’s campus in Kingston. You will not be charged an extra fee to write on campus. 

If a student is enrolled in ANY in-person courses (section 001, 002, etc), you MUST write all your final exams in-person on Queen’s campus, including for an online course. You may not choose to write your exams online. 

Location and Timing of Final Exams

Once the exam schedule has been finalized the exam date will be posted on your SOLUS account. The exam dates for each Term are listed in the Academic Calendar. Student exam schedules for the Fall Term are posted via SOLUS immediately prior to the Thanksgiving holiday; for the Winter Term they are posted on the Friday before Reading Week, and for the Summer Term they are individually noted on the Arts and Science Online syllabi. Students should delay finalizing any travel plans until after the examination schedule has been posted. Exams will not be moved or deferred to accommodate employment, travel/holiday plans or flight reservations. 

Textbook and Materials

ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.

The following materials are available from the Queen's Campus Bookstore.

Required Textbooks and Labs

Package ISBNPackage ComponentsItem Titles
Package ISBN: 9780134694009

MasteringBiology Access Code Card

  • with eText  

Biological Science, Third Canadian Edition Freeman, Harrington & Sharp

Custom PCL: Biology on the Cutting Edge Gillies & Hewitt

Mastering Biology with etext with Full Suite for Freeman, Biological Science Direct Integration for OnQ for Queen's University - Standalone Access Code Card Freeman

Time Commitment

To complete the readings, assignments, and course activities, students can expect to spend on average, about 111 hours on the course.

Winter 2025
Course Dates
Delivery Mode
Online

Evaluation

Virtual Research Lab 20%
Case Study Integration Assignment20%
Two Quizzes15%
Three Round Table Assignments15%
Proctored Final Exam30%

**Evaluation Subject to Change**

Proctored Exams

If a student is enrolled in ONLY online courses (section 700), they may choose either of the following options to write the exam:

  • Write the final exam online: you will write in onQ with Examity proctoring. A $100 online exam fee will be charged to your SOLUS account.  
  • Write the final exam in-person: you will write on Queen’s campus in Kingston. You will not be charged an extra fee to write on campus. 

If a student is enrolled in ANY in-person courses (section 001, 002, etc), you MUST write all your final exams in-person on Queen’s campus, including for an online course. You may not choose to write your exams online. 

Location and Timing of Final Exams

Once the exam schedule has been finalized the exam date will be posted on your SOLUS account. The exam dates for each Term are listed in the Academic Calendar. Student exam schedules for the Fall Term are posted via SOLUS immediately prior to the Thanksgiving holiday; for the Winter Term they are posted on the Friday before Reading Week, and for the Summer Term they are individually noted on the Arts and Science Online syllabi. Students should delay finalizing any travel plans until after the examination schedule has been posted. Exams will not be moved or deferred to accommodate employment, travel/holiday plans or flight reservations. 

Textbook and Materials

ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.

The following materials are available from the Queen's Campus Bookstore.

Required Textbooks and Labs

Package ISBNPackage ComponentsItem Titles
Package ISBN: 9780134694009

MasteringBiology Access Code Card

  • with eText  

Biological Science, Third Canadian Edition Freeman, Harrington & Sharp

Custom PCL: Biology on the Cutting Edge Gillies & Hewitt

Mastering Biology with etext with Full Suite for Freeman, Biological Science Direct Integration for OnQ for Queen's University - Standalone Access Code Card Freeman

Time Commitment

To complete the readings, assignments, and course activities, students can expect to spend on average, about 111 hours on the course.