General Biology I: Foundations of Biology
What you'll learn
- Describe the chemical composition of matter
- Describe the chemical building blocks of life
- Describe the characteristics of life
- Describe the Scientific Method
- Describe the nature of molecules
Requirements
- Any general biology textbook can be used as a supplement
- Optional online Biology textbook (http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookTOC.html OR https://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/biology
Description
Welcome to Part I of The General Biology Course series here on Udemy.
Biology is the study of life. In this course you will learn the concepts of General Biology from two complementary perspectives. First, you will gain the knowledge you need for academic and or professional development. Second, you will learn how Biology relates to day to day living.
The General Biology Series will allows you to Master the principles and concepts of biology at your own pace.
- Learn about the hierarchy of life on Earth.
- Learn how cells grow, produce energy, communicate, and keep living systems organized
- Learn how DNA is produced by cells
- Learn how cancers develop and spread through the body's tissues
- Learn how parents pass genes to their children from generation to generation
- Learn about technologies like cloning and the production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Part 1 of the General Biology Series will allow you to master the foundations of Biological study.
- Learn about the Scientific Method
- Learn about the chemical building blocks of life
- Learn about the major elements found in living systems
- And much, much more
Learning the fundamentals of biology equips you with a working knowledge of how living systems survive. This basic understanding can prepare you for a future in many different professions ranging from medicine, dentistry, nursing and pharmacy to public health and epidemiology.
Suitable for learners of all ages, through this course of lecture videos, PowerPoint presentations and online activities you will improve your scientific literacy in Biology. You will become knowledgeable of the major themes, concepts, and theories in biology that are regularly tested on standardized exams such as the MCAT, PCAT, and DAT. In addition, you will be able to explain how Biology relates to the foods you eat, products you use, air you breathe, and your overall health.
At the end of this course, I hope that you will have the materials you need to meet your educational goals. Equally important, I also hope that this course will enhance your appreciation for the study of life on our planet.
Who this course is for:
- Freshmen/Sophomore college students in a General Biology course
- Adult learners/Non-traditional students enrolled in a General Biology course
- High School and Home-schooled students
- Pre-dental, Pre-medical, and Pre-pharmacy students who are studying for the DAT, MCAT, and PCAT
Instructor
After earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, I initially planned to pursue an MSc in Microbiology. However, while registering for classes, I discovered a course titled Bioinformatics I, which was cross-listed in Biology, Chemistry, and Computer Science. That moment changed the course of my academic journey and career forever.
Within two weeks of enrolling, I informed my advisor that I wanted to major in Bioinformatics. I later graduated with an MSc in Bioinformatics after completing a research project titled A bioinformatics analysis of sex determination and sexual differentiation in vertebrates. Since then, I’ve also earned additional graduate degrees in Bioengineering and Biostatistics (Public Health).
Professionally, I began my career as a bench scientist, conducting research on bacterial growth and mutations, as well as on viruses like HCV. After this, I transitioned into bioinformatics and omics research, where I leveraged my formal training in bioinformatics to analyze complex biological data. In parallel, I spent several years as a Biology instructor, teaching courses such as Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and General Biology.
Eventually, I moved into the field of artificial intelligence, where I now work across various AI types, including discriminative and generative AI. Today, as an AI Solutions Lead/Senior Data Scientist in the bio-pharmaceutical sector, I apply AI to solve complex problems, drive innovation, and improve healthcare outcomes.
I stumbled across hydroponics and was immediately captivated by its revolutionary approach to growing plants without soil. What started as a discovery quickly turned into a profound passion, combining my love for biology, sustainability, and innovation. I find immense joy in sharing this enthusiasm with others, helping home gardeners of all levels explore the simplicity and power of hydroponic systems.
One of my greatest missions is to enhance scientific literacy for learners of all ages. I believe education is the ultimate equalizer, opening doors to endless possibilities. My long-term goal is to create a non-profit organization that promotes education and literacy in my home country of Jamaica.
Through my Udemy courses, I aim to share my love for biology, computing, and hydroponics with you. I hope you find as much excitement in learning as I do in teaching.
Happy Learning!