Fundamental Biology for the AI

 

Fundamental Biology

Course Curriculums for AI 

This is the base you need before jumping into Drug Discovery, Pharma, or Biotech.

Full Curriculum: 12 Weeks | College / Self-Study Level

Semester 1: Cell & Molecular Biology - Weeks 1-4*

Week 1: Introduction to Biology

What is life? Characteristics of living things

Scientific method, microscope techniques

Domains of life: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya

Week 2: Cell Biology

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic cells

Cell organelles: nucleus, mitochondria, ER, Golgi

Cell membrane, transport: diffusion, osmosis, active transport

Lab: Cell staining, microscope

Week 3: Biochemistry

Macromolecules: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids

Enzymes: structure, function, kinetics

ATP and energy

Week 4: Molecular Biology

-DNA structure, replication

- RNA, transcription, translation

- Gene expression regulation

- Lab: DNA extraction

Semester 2: Genetics & Evolution - Weeks 5-7

Week 5: Classical Genetics

- Mendel's laws, Punnett squares

- Chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis

- Sex-linked traits, pedigrees

*Week 6: Modern Genetics*

- DNA technology: PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning

- Gene mutations, CRISPR

- Genomics basics

*Week 7: Evolution*

- Natural selection, Darwin

- Population genetics, Hardy-Weinberg

- Speciation, phylogenetic trees

*Semester 3: Physiology & Systems - Weeks 8-10

*Week 8: Human Physiology 1*

- Cell signaling

- Nervous system: neurons, action potential

- Muscular + Skeletal system

Week 9: Human Physiology 2

- Circulatory + Respiratory system

- Digestive + Excretory system

- Immune system basics

*Week 10: Human Physiology 3*

- Endocrine system: hormones

- Reproductive system

- Homeostasis

Semester 4: Ecology & Applied Biology - 

Weeks 11-12

*Week 11: Ecology*

- Ecosystems, food webs, energy flow

- Population dynamics

- Biodiversity + conservation

Week 12: Microbiology & Biotechnology

- Bacteria, viruses, fungi

- Antibiotics, vaccines

- Biotech applications: insulin, GMO, biofuels

Capstone: Case study on disease or biotech product

Lab Skills You’ll Learn

1. Microscopy + cell counting

2. DNA extraction + PCR

3. Bacterial culture + staining

4. Enzyme assay

5. Data analysis with Excel/GraphPad

Textbooks + Free Resources

Resource Type Level

Khan Academy Biology

Free Videos Beginner

NCERT Class 11-12 Biology Free PDF Foundation

OpenStax Biology 2e

Free Textbook College

Coursera: Intro to Biology 

Duke Certificate Beginner

edX: MITx 7.00x Biology Certificate Intermediate

Key Terms to Master

Cell, Gene, DNA, Protein, Enzyme, Metabolism, Homeostasis, Evolution, Ecosystem