TsinghuaX: Introduction to Modern Biology | 现代生物学导论

Students are welcome to participate in the study of "Introduction to Modern Biology". In this semester, we will learn basic and cutting-edge knowledge related to life. This course first explains the basic theories of biology according to a layer-by-layer framework: at the molecular and cellular level, we will learn about cell structure, growth, division, and cell communication; at the individual level, we will learn about heredity and development Principle; at the population level, you will understand biological evolution, that is, the gradual change of the entire population between generations, which ultimately led to the variety of organisms we see today through natural selection; at the level of biological communities and ecosystems, you will learn about ecology Science, the study of how organisms interact with each other and with their environment. This course will also specifically explore the products of evolution---organisms, focusing on their structure and function, which is the most interesting and important part for most students. Biology is a rapidly developing discipline, which is not only reflected in the discovery and understanding of more and more biological phenomena, but also in the application of new biological technologies and the intersection of disciplines. Therefore, this course pays special attention to understanding the latest advances in modern biology including gene therapy, stem cell research, recombinant DNA, biochips and other frontiers. Moreover, the cross-application of biology with physics, chemistry, mathematics, computers, psychology and other disciplines will be discussed. Biology is also an experimental science. We will introduce some classic, interesting, and even controversial biological experiments and their designs. We hope that students can develop critical thinking while learning. The classroom teaching of this course pursues easy-to-understand, close connection between macro and micro, and combination of basics and applications to help students deepen their understanding of the basic concepts and principles of life sciences and guide students to establish a correct scientific attitude. This introductory course includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as, the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms. In addition, each version of the subject has its own distinctive material. All these knowledge are applied to more advanced subjects, like immunology, neurobiology, endocrinology and human behavior. This course also focuses on the exploration of current research in cell biology, immunology, neurobiology, genomics, and molecular medicine.