The periodic table arranges all the elements by their chemical and physical properties. Learning Objective: To understand the organization of elements in the periodic table and identify their properties. Elements Elements are everywhere: some we can see, such as, silver, gold (Figure 1), sodium, while others are invisible, such as, oxygen, helium, hydrogen. An element … Read More
Human body systems consists of groups of organs and tissues that work together to perform important functions for the body. Have you ever wondered how we do our regular activities like yawning, running, catching a ball? Or how we yawn, cough, or sneeze? These are coordinated functions of body cells and tissues to keep our … Read More
Atomic structure consists of a nucleus, protons, neutrons and electrons. Atoms are basic building blocks of matter. This course introduces the concept of atomic structure and covers the following topics: matter atoms, subatomic particles atomic number and mass number isotopes various atomic theories Matter Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space (has … Read More
Electrophoresis is defined as a technique, where the migration and separation of charged particles (ions) occur under the influence of an electric field. The process does not affect the molecular structure of compounds being separated, yet it is highly sensitive to differences in molecular charge and mass of the components of the sample (Figure 1). … Read More
Viruses are microscopic, non-cellular parasites. They lack the capacity to thrive and reproduce outside of a host body. Learning Objectives: To understand viruses and to explain life cycle of a virus. In 1898, Friedrich Loeffler and Paul Frosch found evidence that the cause of foot-and-mouth disease in livestock was an infectious particle, virus, smaller than … Read More
To study seismic waves, topographic maps, plate tectonics, we should know the structure of the earth. Earth is the only planet known to have an atmosphere containing free oxygen, oceans of water on its surface, and life. This course covers the following: the structure of the earth seismic waves topographic maps Structure of the Earth … Read More
Bacteria, (singular: Bacterium) are the simplest microscopic prokaryotes that belong to the Kingdom Monera. They lack membrane-bound nucleus and internal organelles. Bacteria live in a variety of habitats such as the soil, the ocean, and even the insides of the human gut. They exist either as free-living organisms or as parasites. These are most successful … Read More
Algae are a diverse group of undifferentiated aquatic organisms that contain chlorophyll. They range in size from microscopic organisms to giant kelp. They are important as primary producers and provide oxygen for other aquatic life. Algae are plant-like organisms that are photosynthetic and aquatic, with simple reproductive structures, but do not have true roots, stems, … Read More
Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins according to molecular size. Charged molecules move through a gel, when an electric current is passed across it based on their size (figure 1). Gel electrophoresis is an integral part of bioscience research and engineering. DNA profiling, DNA sequencing, and genetic … Read More
Agarose gel electrophoresis is a widely used method to separates molecules based upon charge, size and shape. It is particularly useful in the separation of charged biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. This course covers agarose, advantages of agarose gels, general principle involved in agarose gel electrophoresis, and its applications. Agarose Agarose, is a … Read More
