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The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics

The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics

This course is part of Biology Everywhere Specialization

Instructor: Melanie Peffer

11,707 already enrolled

Included with

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

123 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

123 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain how the body maintains control of cells and how loss of control can lead to cancer.
Describe how energy is passed through the biosphere and why (most) of life is dependent on the sun.
Explain the basics of genetics, including epigenetics, and how each relates to our phenotype.
Describe at least three different genetic technologies currently impact society and give pro and against arguments for each.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

2 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

91%

of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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This course is part of the Biology Everywhere Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 4 modules in this course

In this course, we will explore the smaller side of biology: molecular biology. We’ll cover basic topics including cell biology and how cells can go “rogue” and turn into cancer, how energy from the sun is transferred to fuel our bodies, basics of genetics and inheritance, and genetic technologies. At the end of this course, we will discuss ethical and moral implications of several exciting and new genetic technologies.

Module details

In this module, we will explore cell biology with particular attention to one application of cell biology: cancer.

What's included

3 videos3 readings2 peer reviews

In this module, we will discuss energy, including why the plants are the basis for (most) of life on earth. We will also examine how we can harness these fundamental biochemical reactions for making certain foods and beverages, such as bread and beer.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 plugin

In this module, we will explore the basics of genetics, including a discussion of epigenetics.

What's included

3 videos2 readings1 assignment2 peer reviews

In this module, we will explore new genetic technologies, with a particular eye to the ethical and moral implications of these technologies.

What's included

4 videos4 readings1 peer review1 discussion prompt

4 videosTotal 18 minutes

Introduction 3 minutes
Part 1: Genetically Modified Organisms2 minutes
Part 2: Genetically Modified Organisms 2 minutes
Genetic Technologies in the News: CRISPR, PDG, De-extinction, Three-parent babies12 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Gene Sequencing10 minutes
TED-ED video10 minutes
GMO TED-ED video10 minutes
Biology Everywhere Post-Assessment10 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Ethics in the classroom60 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Research on your own10 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(31 ratings)

Melanie Peffer

University of Colorado Boulder

8 Courses40,887 learners

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

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Reviewed on May 7, 2023

I am currently happy to learn Biology Everywhere. Thank you for teach me very specific and simple

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2022

It was very interesting and everything was presented in an easy-to-understand way. Many topics were introduced that are important to know and think about in my opinion. Great course!

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2022

This course has helped me understand more about genetics and the certificate earned would help in the future when finding a job.

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