The Chemistry of Life

Overview

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Explore what it means for something to be "alive" by building a foundational understanding of the chemistry that underpins all biological systems. This course takes you on a journey from the subatomic particles that form atoms and molecules up to the unique and essential biomolecules that serve as the building blocks of cells. By the end of this course, you will be able to explain how fundamental chemical interactions give rise to the complexity and function of all living things.

Syllabus

The Chemistry of Life

This course begins with an overview of the science of biology and a discussion of what we mean when we say something is “alive.” Then we will start our journey into biology at the basis of all living things, their chemistry. We’ll see how subatomic particles, protons, neutrons, and electrons interact to form atoms and how these atoms interact to form molecules. We’ll then look at the biomolecules that make up cells and see what makes them special.