Molecule to Organism

REVISED

Fall 2011, Winter 2012 and Spring 2012 quarters

Faculty

James Neitzel biology, biochemistry , Steven Verhey , Michael Paros veterinary medicine

Fields of Study

biochemistry, biology, chemistry, health and physiology

Preparatory for studies or careers in

biology, chemistry, education, medicine, pharmacy and health science.

Prerequisites

One year of college-level general chemistry and one year of college-level general biology (which should include introductory cell/molecular biology) required. Students who complete strong work in the biology and chemistry components of Foundations of Health Science or Introduction to Natural Science will be prepared to enroll in this program.

Description

This program develops and interrelates concepts in experimental (laboratory) 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 organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, physiology and genetics in a year-long sequence. The program integrates two themes, one at the cell and organismal 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 molecular 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. Each week students will write papers and maintain laboratory notebooks. All laboratory work and approximately one half of the non-lecture time will be spent working in collaborative problem-solving groups. Spring quarter student-designed research projects are a culmination of all major concepts learned throughout the year.

This is an intensive program. The subjects are complex, and the sophisticated understanding we expect to develop will require devoted attention and many hours of scheduled lab work each week. This program will give students many of the prerequisites needed for health careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, naturopathy, optometry and pharmacy. If you intend to pursue a career in an allied health field such as physical therapy, nursing or nutrition, you do not need as many science prerequisites and may want to consider the program Foundations of Health Science instead.

Academic Website

http://archives.evergreen.edu/webpages/curricular/2011-2012/m2o1112/

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Upper Division Science Credit

Upper division science credit may be awarded upon completion of the entire program.

May be offered again in

2012-13

Offered During

Day

Program Revisions