The Foundations of Life
The Foundations of Life is an engaging beginner-level biology course designed to introduce you to the essential building blocks of the living world. You’ll start by exploring what truly defines life, then dive into the chemical foundations that make it possible.
From there, you’ll journey into the fascinating world of cells—the smallest units of life—and examine the structures inside them that keep organisms functioning. Clear explanations, relatable examples, and a step-by-step approach make this course perfect for anyone new to biology or looking to refresh their knowledge.
You’ll learn:
What life is and the characteristics that distinguish living things from non-living matter.
The chemical principles and molecules essential for life.
The basic structure and functions of cells, the building blocks of all living organisms.
The roles and functions of cell organelles, and how they work together to keep life running.
What is Life?
Explore the principles that define life and how living systems are structured. Delve into the unique properties that distinguish living organisms from non-living matter and examine the hierarchical arrangement of life, from the smallest molecules to complex ecosystems.
Chemistry of Life
Life runs on chemistry. From simple cell reactions to complex body functions, every process depends on the interactions of matter’s building blocks. This lesson reveals these essentials, giving you the foundation to understand how living organisms truly work.
Introduction to Cells
Every living organism, from the tiniest bacterium to the largest whale, is made up of cells. Gaining a clear understanding of these microscopic powerhouses and their roles is essential for comprehending biology at both the microscopic and organismal levels.
Organelles and Their Functions
Eukaryotic cells stand out as fundamental units of life, forming the basis of all complex organisms, from plants and animals to fungi. They are distinguished by their internal compartmentalisation, housing specialised structures known as organelles.