General Biology

Birla Institute Of Technology And Science–Pilani (BITS–Pilani) via Coursera

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Overview

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Build a strong foundation in biological sciences—from molecular mechanisms to complex physiological systems. This course covers essential concepts in cell biology, genetics, and human anatomy, providing practical frameworks to explore life processes through scientific inquiry and experimentation. Learn to apply the scientific method, understand cellular structures and energy transformations, and master genetic principles from Mendelian inheritance to epigenetics. Explore biotechnology applications such as recombinant DNA, genetic engineering, and cloning that drive modern medicine and research. Study human systems—circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, immune, and reproductive—to see how they maintain homeostasis and adapt to change. Gain expertise in cell division, cancer biology, and immune defenses. Whether you aim for a career in medicine, health sciences, biotechnology, or research, this course equips you with the biological knowledge and analytical skills needed to understand and solve challenges at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.

Syllabus

Principles of Scientific Method, Properties of Life, and Introduction to Biomolecules

In this module, you will learn the structure and functions of the cells, the major categories of cells, and the cell theory. you will also understand the structure and function of many cell organelles such as the plasma membrane, cell wall, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, the endomembrane system lysosomes, central vacuoles, chloroplast mitochondria, ribosome, cytoskeleton, flagella and cilia in cell growth and function.

Cell Structure and Function

In this course, you will learn the structure and functions of the cells, the major categories of cells, and the cell theory. You will also understand the structure and function of many cell organelles such as the plasma membrane, cell wall, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, the endomembrane system lysosomes, central vacuoles, chloroplast mitochondria, ribosome, cytoskeleton, flagella and cilia in cell growth and function.

Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis

In this module, you will learn about autotrophs and heterotrophs, salient features of aerobic respiration, and the major processes involved in it, namely: Glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (Citric Acid Cycle), and the Electron Transport Chain. You will also learn about the concept and the two major types of anaerobic respiration (lactic acid fermentation in human muscle cells and alcoholic fermentation in micro-organisms). Lastly, you will learn about photosynthesis, the most important energy transformation reaction that is crucial for the existence of life on the planet.

Structure and Function of Genetic Material

In this module, you will learn how nucleic acids DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) serve as genetic material along with their structure and functions. You will also learn how DNA replicates, and genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein, through the processes called transcription and translation, different types of mutations and mutagens that cause mutations. Lastly, the module talks about why and how genes are regulated in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and different infectious agents, such as viruses, viroids, bacteriophages, and prions.

Recombinant DNA and Applications of Biotechnology

In this module, you will learn about recombinant DNA technology and how it is employed in the field of genetic engineering to study gene functions, synthesize therapeutic proteins, resolve disputes or solve criminal cases as part of forensic sciences, and genetically modify organisms to improve their traits. Along with the applications of biotechnology, we also discuss the ethical/regulatory concerns. This module also introduces you to cancer biology with a focus on the types of genes involved in causing cancer, the progression of cancer, and preventive measures. Lastly, you will be introduced to the field of computational biology/bioinformatics, which is an interface of biology and computer science that involves analyses of large data sets of genome and protein sequences.

Cell Division

This module deals with the details of cell division. We will understand the two different types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Specific topics in this module will include: a) Cell cycle and mitosis; b) Stages of mitosis; c) Cancer and cell cycle; d) Meiosis--stages and generation of genetic diversity; e) Chromosomal abnormalities; f) Genetic basis of cancer.

Patterns of Inheritance

In this module, we will be studying about the way characteristics and traits are inherited from one generation to another. Different inheritance patterns will be covered. Mendelian genetics: laws of heredity; extensions to Mendel; other influences on phenotype will also be discussed.

Animal Structure and Function

This module discusses the unifying concepts of animal structure and function; how material exchange takes place in multicellular organisms; how homeostasis is maintained inside the living beings; and how the circulatory, digestive, respiratory and excretory systems work.

Body’s Control Mechanism

This module describes how different systems in humans coordinate, collaborate, and work together through different systems of communication to control various body processes, such as the ability to respond to stimulus, to reproduce, and maintain immunity. The reading also discusses the complex and unifying concepts of animal structure and functions involving the nervous, sensory, locomotor and hormonal systems.

Body’s Defence Mechanism and Reproduction

This module deals with the complex mechanisms of human immunity, human development, and reproduction. The body’s defense mechanisms in fighting infections and their protective role will be discussed. Human reproductive anatomy, functioning, and reproductive health will also be discussed. This unit also covers human development, starting from fertilization to fetal development and birth.