What are genes and how do they and their products work? In this course, students will become conversant in the essential principles of biochemistry and molecular biology to answer this question and more. Concepts will be introduced and then repeated throughout the semester as we discuss specific examples of how genetic variations influence human traits and may contribute to genetic health conditions. The course is designed for students intending to major in biology and/or apply to health-focused graduate programs and can be used to partially fulfill the Natural Science Areas of Knowledge requirement (without lab). A minimum grade of C- in both BIOL 121 and BIOL 123 is a prerequisite to many biology courses numbered 200 and above; however the courses may be taken in either order. Prerequisite: freshmen or sophomore status or permission from the instructor.