Introduction to Molecular Biology (3 Units) <Dr.

Menach Evans>
Purpose of the Course
This course aims to provide a detailed introduction to molecular biology, including proteins,
carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids; water; and other compounds that make up the cell. Particular
emphasis is on the cell membrane, mitosis and meiosis, genetics and gene expression, transcription
and translation, and cellular metabolism.

Course Objectives
The objectives of this course are to:
1. Explain basic molecular biology concepts, including its origins
2. Examine how cells break down and build biomolecules
3. Describe cellular process responsible for DNA replication
4. Discuss evolution at the level of the gene and genome

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, the learner should be able to:
1. Identify basic cell types, organelles, and the biomolecules that are important in cellular processes.
2. Explain how cells break down and build basic biomolecules.
3. Compare and contrast the cellular processes responsible for DNA replication, transcription, and
translation.
4. Describe how evolution acts at the level of the gene and genome.

Course Content
This course is an introduction to basic molecular biology, including its origins. Introduces the molecules and
molecular processes underlying life. Overview of structures and chemical properties of biological
macromolecules. The chemical basis of life, metabolism, DNA replication and transcription, protein synthesis,
and mechanisms of gene regulation.

I. Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology

 The Cell as the Basic Unit of Life
 Structure and Function of Cellular Macromolecules
 Structure and Functions of a Cell
 Biosynthesis and Function of Macromolecules (DNA, RNA, and Proteins)
 Distributing Proteins in the Cell (Protein Sorting)
 Evolution and Diversity of Organisms

II. Methods
 Isolation and Purification of Proteins
 Isolation of DNA and RNA
 Chromatography and Electrophoresis of Nucleic Acids
 Hybridization of Nucleic Acids
 Use of Enzymes in the Modification of Nucleic Acids
 Polymerase Chain Reaction
 DNA Sequencing
 Cloning Procedures
 Expression of Recombinant Proteins
END