Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. A study of life at the molecular and cellular level. Topics include the chemistry of life, metabolism, cell structure, cell membranes, cell communication, and the basis of multicellularity. The laboratory component will teach basic laboratory skills while enhancing students' ability to plan experiments. This course serves as a foundation and prerequisite for further study in biology at the molecular level. Note(s): General Education and Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning designated course.