BIOL15b - Cells and Organisms
Summer Session 1 2015
Dr. Kene Piasta
Office - SSC 0-16E
Office Hours - TBA
Email - kpiasta@brandeis.edu
Class Meeting Time - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 11:00am - 1:20pm
Class Location - TBA
Summary:
This course introduces contemporary biology with an emphasis on cells, organs, and
organ systems. Topics include the forms and functions of macromolecules, organelles,
and cells, the integration of cells into tissues, and the physiology of fundamental life
processes. The course is intended to prepare students to understand the biology of
everyday life, and to provide a strong foundation for those who continue to study the life
sciences.
Learning Objectives:
After completion of this course students should be able to:
• Explain basic concepts in biology including cellular structure, bio-macromolecule
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composition, structure, and synthesis
Explain the concept of central dogma and its role in the cell.
Describe how and why cells make and use energy.
Describe the major characteristics of human organ systems and their
functionality at the molecular level.
Gain familiarity with reading primary literature and applying biological concepts to
practical applications.
Course Format:
This course is an INTENSIVE summer course. It is NOT a watered down version of
BIOL15 course offered during a full semester. Not attending a single day of class means
you are going to miss approximately 10% of the total class material. Attendance is
therefore of the utmost importance.
The class will meet three days a week for two hours and twenty minutes at a time. A
majority of the course will be lecture based, with weekly activities designed to
supplement the material being presented. Homework assignments will be assigned and
graded to monitor student progress throughout the course.
The readings should be completed PRIOR to coming to class. The material may not be
clear at this point, but the important points will be discussed in class. Read for the big
picture and do not get bogged down in the minutia. After class, the readings should be
much clearer. Not reading will almost certainly hurt your performance on the exams.
DO NOT let your reading lapse; the class moves too quickly for you to easily catch up
once behind.
If you have a documented learning disability and would like to have an accommodation
made in taking this class, please inform me immediately.
Academic Integrity:
Students are expected to work independently on all homework and exams unless
otherwise stated. Conduct inconsistent with the policies on academic honesty in "Rights
and Responsibilities" will be treated seriously. http://www.brandeis.edu/studentaffairs/
srcs/rr/
Text Book:
Biology: How Life Works. 2013. Morris, Hartl, Knoll and Lue. 1st ed. Freeman.
Other readings may be assigned and will be posted to Latte.
Grading:
Your ultimate grade will be determined by homework problem sets, four cumulative
exams, and your participation in class. The lowest exam grade will be dropped meaning
your top three exam grades each will be worth 25% of your final grade, the homework
problem sets will be worth 15%, and participation in class will be worth 10%.
The problem sets are due at the beginning of class as set forth in the schedule.
Absolutely no late problem sets will be accepted.
Absolutely no exams will be allowed to be made up since the lowest grade will be
dropped.
Schedule:
Date
Topic
Reading/Assingments
Mon, Jun 1 Biology’s Building Blocks: DNA, RNA,
Protein, Lipid,
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3: 3.1 and 3.2
Tue, Jun 2 Replication
Transcription
Chapter 12: 12.1 and 12.2
Chapter 3: 3.3 and 3.4
Thu, Jun 4
Problem Set 1 Due
Chapter 4: 4.2
Chapter 4: 4.1
Translation
Protein Structure and Function
Mon, Jun 8 EXAM 1
Energy and Thermodynamics
Chapter 6: 6.1 - 6.4
Tue, Jun 9 Enzymes and Reactions
Cellular Respiration
Chapter 6: 6.5
Chapter 7: 7.1
Thu, Jun 11
Glycolysis
acetyl-CoA
Citric Acid Cycle (TCA Cycle)
Electron Transport Chain
Problem Set 2 Due
Chapter 7: 7.2
Chapter 7: 7.3
Chapter 7: 7.4
Chapter 7: 7.5
Mon, Jun 15 EXAM 2
Cell Signaling
Chapter 9: 9.1 and 9.2
Tue, Jun 16 Signal Transduction
Chapter 9: 9.3 - 9.5
Thu, Jun 18
Problem Set 3 Due
Chapter 10: 10.1 and 10.2
Chapter 10 : 10.3 and 10.4
Cytoskeleton
Cellular Movement and Adhesion
Mon, Jun 22 EXAM 3
Reproduction and Development
Chapter 42
Tue, Jun 23 Digestion and Nutrition
Chapter 40
Thu, Jun 25
Problem Set 4 Due
Chapter 35
Nervous System
Mon, Jun 29 Immune System
Tue, Jun 30 Review Day
Wed, Jul 1 EXAM 4
Chapter 43