551-0125-00L Fundamentals of Biology I: From Molecules to the Biochemistry of Cells
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2023 |
| Lecturers | J. Vorholt-Zambelli, N. Ban, R. Glockshuber, K. Locher, J. Piel |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | German |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 551-0125-00 G | Grundlagen der Biologie I: von Molekülen zur Biochemie der Zellen Vorlesung: Montag 12-14 Uhr, Donnerstag 10-12 Uhr Übungen: Freitag 12-13 Uhr oder 13-14 Uhr | 5 hrs | J. Vorholt-Zambelli, N. Ban, R. Glockshuber, K. Locher, J. Piel |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | The lecture provides an introduction to the basics of biochemistry and molecular biology as well as evolutionary principles. The focus is on bacteria and archaea under consideration of universal concepts. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Introduction to biochemistry, molecular biology and evolutionary principles | ||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The lecture introduces biology as an interdisciplinary science. Links to physics and chemistry will manifest as biological processes that operate within the laws of thermodynamics and are rooted in elements, molecules and chemical reactions. The transition from geochemistry to biochemistry is discussed and considered in relation to the origin of life. Evolutionary principles are introduced and resulting processes are used as a guiding principle. Unifying concepts in biology are presented, including the structure and function of cellular macromolecules and the ways in which hereditary information is encoded, decoded and replicated. Central principles of universal energy conversion are looked at, starting from redox processes and focusing on bacteria and archaea. Finally, biological processes are put into an ecosystems perspective. The lecture is divided into different sections: 1. Geochemical perspectives on Earth and introduction to evolution 2. Building blocks of life 3. Macromolecules: Proteins 4. Membranes and transport across the plasma membrane 5. Universal mechanisms of inheritance, transcription and translation 6. Reaction Kinetics, binding equilibria and enzymatic catalysis 7. Essentials of Catabolism 8. Essentials of Anabolism 9. Metabolism and biogeochemical cycling of elements | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | The newly conceived lecture is supported by scripts. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | The lecture is supported by scripts. The lecture contains elements of "Brock Biology of Microorganisms", Madigan et al. 15th edition, Pearson und "Biochemistry" (Stryer), Berg et al. 9th edition, Macmillan international. | ||||||||||||||||||
Competencies |
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Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a two-semester course together with 551-0126-00L Fundamentals of Biology II: Cells
(next semester)
| |
| For programme regulations (Examination block) | Bachelor's Degree Programme in Biochemistry - Chemical Biology 2020; Version 28.11.2022 (Examination Block) |
| ECTS credits | 12 credits |
|
Performance assessment as a semester course
(other programmes)
| |
| In examination block for | Bachelor's Degree Programme in Biology 2020; Version 07.11.2024 (First Year Examination Block 1) Bachelor's Degree Programme in Interdisciplinary Sciences 2018; Version 12.07.2022 (Examination Block) Bachelor's Degree Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences 2020; Version 07.11.2024 (First Year Examination Block 1) |
| ECTS credits | 6 credits |
| Examiners | J. Vorholt-Zambelli, N. Ban, R. Glockshuber, K. Locher, J. Piel |
| Type | session examination |
| Language of examination | German |
| Repetition | The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
| Mode of examination | written 150 minutes |
| Additional information on mode of examination | Die Prüfungsfragen werden auf Deutsch und Englisch gestellt und können in beiden Sprachen beantwortet werden. |
| Written aids | Einfacher Taschenrechner |
| Digital exam | The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich. |
| If the course unit is part of an examination block, the credits are allocated for the successful completion of the whole block. This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. | |
Learning materials
| Moodle course | Moodle-Kurs / Moodle course |
| Only public learning materials are listed. | |
Groups
| No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
| There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |