Biology is the study of life, from the smallest molecules inside a cell to the complex patterns of inheritance seen in living organisms. In the first semester of this course, students will begin by exploring what makes something alive and how scientists study the natural world. Students will then build a foundation in the chemistry of life, including atoms, molecules, water, carbon compounds, and the macromolecules that make up living things. You will begin by studying DNA, genes, chromosomes, protein synthesis, mutations, and biotechnology.