Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/biologyconcept
Coursera’s course, 《生物学概念与途径》 (Biological Concepts and Pathways), is a remarkable offering that delves deep into the history and methodology of biological discovery. Hosted by Professor Rao Yi, who established and led this course at Peking University in 2008, it aims to equip university and graduate students with a profound understanding of how pivotal biological concepts emerged and how critical pathways and methods were employed to solve significant biological problems.
The course shines by taking students on a journey through seminal scientific papers. Professor Rao Yi meticulously guides learners through Mendel’s 1866 genetics paper, Morgan’s 1910 fruit fly research, and the groundbreaking 1944 paper by Avery, McLeod, and McCarty on DNA as the genetic material. These deep dives into classic works are invaluable for grasping the very essence of scientific inquiry and the thought processes behind it.
What elevates this course further is its multidisciplinary approach. It features lectures from distinguished professors across various fields: Professor Tang Chao from Peking University’s Physics Department discusses quantitative physics in biology; Professor Xiaoliang Xie from Harvard University explores the intersection of chemistry and biology; Professor Wang Xiaodong from the National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, covers classic biochemical experiments; Professor He Chuan from Peking University’s School of Chemistry discusses biomolecules from a chemical perspective; Professor Shi Yigong from Tsinghua University delves into structural biology; Professors Deng Xingwang and Gu Hongya from Peking University’s School of Life Sciences present on modern agricultural biotechnology and seed industry development, and the ‘forces’ driving evolution, respectively. This rich tapestry of expertise ensures a holistic and multi-angled understanding of key biological concepts and methodologies.
The course’s emphasis is squarely on thought, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultivating students’ scientific capabilities. It strives to instill a strong research ethic, helping students discern ‘good science’ and establish a frame of reference for future scientific exploration. The instructors provide a starting point, encouraging students to engage with original literature, understand experimental design, and foster critical analysis and thinking.
Key modules cover the historical context of biological discoveries, the solitary genius of Mendel, the chromosomal theory of inheritance through the lens of Morgan’s work, the journey to identifying DNA as the carrier of genetic information, the intricacies of cell-to-cell interactions in embryonic induction, gene regulation in development via homeobox discoveries, the complementary approaches of reductionism and integration in understanding vision, the evolutionary forces shaping life, the role of modern biotechnology in agriculture, the chemical underpinnings of biomolecules, the emerging ‘third revolution’ in life sciences driven by physics and engineering, and the vast frontier of brain science.
Overall, 《生物学概念与途径》 is an exceptional course for anyone seeking to understand not just the ‘what’ but the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of biological discovery. It’s a rigorous, insightful, and inspiring exploration of the scientific journey, highly recommended for aspiring biologists and curious minds alike.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/biologyconcept