FND-prerequisites

External prerequisites and preparation

 

This page lists prerequisites and preparation outside of the learning units of this course. This is material you would typically learn in a prerequisite course, but we are not prescribing how you actually acquire this knowledge resp. skills. However, do take this material seriously and make sure you are competent regarding the topics listed below - all evaluation in this course is cumulative, and if you are lacking prior knowledge you may be disappointed with the marks you achieve for your work.

Individual learning units will note which of these prerequisites apply specifically - on this page the topics are collected for convenience and to make the preparation we expect from you explicit.

 

 

Science

 

• Inquiry: The scientific method; evidence based reasoning; how to design, execute and document an experiment; Conjecture, hypothesis and theory.

• Writing: Basic essay and report writing skills. How to format your submitted materials, how to quote, cite and avoid plagiarism.

 

Mathematics and Statistics

 

• Calculus: functions and equations; polynomial functions, logarithms, trigonometric functions; integrals and derivatives; theorem and proof.

• Geometry: length, area, volume; Euclidian and non-Euclidian space.

• Probability: event, probability, hypothesis and significance.

 

Chemistry

 

• Properties of atoms: the periodic system, covalent and non-covalent interactions; naming atoms and molecules;

• Properties of molecules: molecular structure, the hydrophobic effect; stereochemistry; steric complementarity as the foundation of molecular function.

• Physical chemistry: Kinetics and equilibria, transition states, chemical reactions; enthalpy, entropy and free energy; acid-base equilibria, Boltzmann's law.

 

Biochemistry

 

• Biomolecules: The molecules of life; nucleic acids and amino acids, the genetic code, protein folding, protein biochemistry; biological function; membrane proteins.

• Metabolism: Enzymatic catalysis; reaction sequences and pathways; chemiosmotic coupling.

• Organelles: Compartmentalization, organelles and structures of the cell; the extracellular matrix.

 

Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

• The Central Dogma: Regulation of transcription and translation; protein biosynthesis and degradation; quality control.

• Cell cycle: Replication control and mechanism; phases of the cell-cycle; checkpoints and apoptosis.

• Evolution: Theory of evolution; variation, neutral drift and selection.

 

Notes

 

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