(45 hours of instruction) In this course, you'll learn the basic principles of biology, the science of life. You'll gain an understanding of life's origin and the relationships between all living things. You'll find out how a significant number of organisms are structured and how they work-enabling you to intelligently discuss the various forms of life and their processes.

Have you ever wondered what living things are made of? Have you pondered how so many different types of organisms come about? Have you contemplated how we affect our planet and how it affects us? These are just some of the questions that we'll answer together as we embark on this amazing journey through life on earth.

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

Recommended Courses:

Students who enrolled in Introduction to Biology were also interested in the following courses:

This course includes all required textbooks and access to expert instructors who can be reached by phone or e-mail.

Course Schedule:

Week 1:

The Characteristics and Chemistry of Life
Required Reading—Pages 2-16 and 18-31
Day 1: Welcome to the Course/Characteristics of Life
Required Discussion Area Posting—Introduction and Practice
Day 2: Biochemistry
Day 3: Acids, Bases, and pH
Self-Quiz

Week 2:

The Building Blocks of Life
Required Reading—Pages 32-49 and 78-81
Day 1: Structures and Functions
Day 2: Amino and Nucleic Acids
Day 3: Enzymes and ATP
Self-Quiz

Week 3:

Structure and Function of Cells and Cellular Respiration
Required Reading—Pages 50-71, 74-91, and 106-121
Day 1: Cell Biology
Day 2: Cell Membrane
Day 3: Cellular Respiration
Self-Quiz

Week 4:

Photosynthesis, Cell Reproduction, and Introduction to Genetics
Required Reading—Pages 92-105, 123-149, and 150-165
Day 1: Photosynthesis
Day 2: Cell Cycle; Cell Division; Mitosis vs. Meiosis
Day 3: Genes; Chromosomes; Mendel's Laws of Inheritance
Self-Quiz

Exam 1: Weeks 1-4

Week 5:

Genetics, DNA, and Protein Synthesis
Required Reading—Pages 166-183, 184-193, and 194-205
Day 1: Patterns of Inheritance
Day 2: DNA Structure, Function, and Replication
Day 3: Protein Synthesis and Genetic Code
Self-Quiz

Week 6:

Biotechnology
Required Reading—Pages 218-232
Day 1: Biotechnology, Part I
Day 2: Biotechnology, Part II
Required Discussion Area Posting—Cloning
Self-Quiz

Week 7:

Introduction to Evolution and Biodiversity
Required Reading—Pages 236-257, 258-285, and 722-729
Day 1: Evolution and Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection
Day 2: Speciation
Day 3: Biodiversity
Self-Quiz

Week 8:

Origin of Life, Plant Structure, Plant Growth
Required Reading—Pages 286-298, 334-351, and 416-431
Day 1: Origin of Life
Day 2: Plant Structure
Day 3: Plant Growth
Self-Quiz

Week 9:

Plant Life and Reproduction
Required Reading—Pages 432-445 and 446-466
Day 1: Plant Reproduction
Day 2: The Importance of Water
Day 3: Plant Hormones
Self-Quiz

Exam 2: Weeks 5-9

Week 10:

Animal Cell Structures and Functions
Required Reading—Pages 468-481, 536-549, and 610-629
Day 1: Cells, Tissues, and Organs
Day 2: Animal Structure and Function
Day 3: Digestion
Self-Quiz

Week 11:

Respiration, the Cardiovascular System, and the Urinary System
Required Reading—Pages 550-571, 592-609, and 630-638
Day 1: Respiration
Day 2: Circulation and the Cardiovascular System
Day 3: The Urinary System
Self-Quiz

Week 12:

Temperature Regulation, Immunity, and the Endocrine System
Required Reading—Pages 518-535, 572-591, and 639-641
Day 1: Temperature Regulation
Day 2: Immunity
Day 3: The Endocrine System
Self-Quiz

Week 13:

The Nervous System, Reproduction, and Development
Required Reading—Pages 482-503, 504-517, and 644-682
Day 1: Nervous System and Senses
Day 2: Reproduction
Day 3: Development
Self-Quiz

Exam 3: Weeks 10-13

Week 14:

The Biosphere, Cycles, and Populations
Required Reading—Pages 684-703, 730-751, and 752-777
Day 1: Earth's Biosphere; Dynamics of Food Chains
Day 2: Biogeochemical Cycles
Day 3: Dynamics of Populations
Self-Quiz

Week 15:

Human Activity and the Biosphere
Required Reading—Pages 778-795
Day 1: Effects of Human Activity on the Biosphere: An Overview
Day 2: Human Activities: Solid Wastes, Deforestation, Pollution
Required Discussion Area Posting—How Well Do You Know Your Water?

Final Examination

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

This is an Self-Study syllabus.

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

Requirements:

Microsoft Windows Vista or XP, Microsoft Office 2007 (Home and Student Edition, Standard Edition, Small Business Edition, or Professional Edition are all acceptable), Internet access, e-mail, Macromedia Flash Player, Macromedia Shockwave Player, Apple Quicktime, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:

Student Reviews:

Reviews coming soon! Please check back next month.

To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below: