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.
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
Evaluation
| Virtual Research Lab | 20% |
| Case Study Integration Assignment | 20% |
| Two Quizzes | 15% |
| Three Round Table Assignments | 15% |
| Open-Book Exam | 30% |
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
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.
Instructor Message
I am a Professor in the Department of Biology at Queen’s University. I have been teaching a variety of courses here at Queen’s for over 20 years, from introductory biology to the commercialization of biological research at the graduate level. I tend to be experimental in my teaching approaches and have taught in many ways, from traditional lectures to lectures as study sessions. I also offer a course on the business of science where we study various aspects of the plant biotechnology industry using experiential approaches. For me, this online course represents an opportunity to develop online approaches that build on my experiences acquired from the different courses.
As a scientist, I have 30 years of experience conducting research on various molecular problems using a range of organisms, from bacteria to plants. My main research focus is on protein transport mechanisms and rhomboid proteins. I have expertise from gene characterization to protein engineering. My team routinely manipulates genes for these research endeavors. I also have expertise in conducting applied research and have considerable experience in commercialization and the business of science.
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 ISBN | Package Components | Item Titles |
| Package ISBN: 9780134694009 | MasteringBiology Access Code Card
| 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.
Evaluation
| Virtual Research Lab | 20% |
| Case Study Integration Assignment | 20% |
| Two Quizzes | 15% |
| Three Round Table Assignments | 15% |
| Open-Book Exam | 30% |
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
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 EXAMINATIONS
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 on our Dates & Events webpage. 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.
Instructor Information
Chris Moyes (chris.moyes@queensu.ca)
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 ISBN | Package Components | Item Titles |
| Package ISBN: 9780134694009 | MasteringBiology Access Code Card
| 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.