Molecule to Organism

This program develops and interrelates concepts in experimental biology, organic chemistry and biochemistry, thus providing a foundation for students who plan to continue studies in chemistry, laboratory biology, field biology and medicine. Students will carry out upper-division work in biochemistry, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, and organic chemistry in a year long sequence.

The program examines the subject matter through the central ideas of structure, property and integrating two themes, one at the "cell" level and the other at the "molecule" level. In the cell theme, we start with the cell and microbiology and proceed to the whole organism with the examination of structure/function relationships at all levels. In the molecule theme, we will examine organic chemistry, the nature of organic compounds and reactions and carry this theme into biochemistry and the fundamental chemical reactions of living systems. As the year progresses, the two themes continually merge through studies of cellular and molecular processes in biological systems.

Each aspect of the program will contain a significant laboratory component. On a weekly basis, students will be writing papers and maintaining laboratory notebooks. All laboratory work, and approximately one half of the non-lecture time will be spent working in collaborative problem solving groups. Group work will also include reading and discussion of topics of current or historical significance in science. This is an intensive program; the subjects are complex, and the sophisticated understanding we expect to develop will require students to work for many hours each week, both in and out of class.

This program will give students the prerequisites needed for health careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, naturopathy, optometry and pharmacology. If you intend to pursue a career in an allied health field (e.g. physical therapy, nursing, nutrition), you do not need as many science prerequisites and may find the program Foundations of Health Science more applicable.