VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Fundamentals of Biology I: From Molecules to the Biochemistry of Cells
Grundlagen der Biologie I: von Molekülen zur Biochemie der Zellen
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:29
Abstract
The lecture provides an introduction to the basics of biochemistry and molecular biology as well as evolutionary principles. The focus is on bacteria and archaea under consideration of universal concepts.
Objective
Introduction to biochemistry, molecular biology and evolutionary principles
Content
The lecture introduces biology as an interdisciplinary science. Links to physics and chemistry will manifest as biological processes that operate within the laws of thermodynamics and are rooted in elements, molecules and chemical reactions. The transition from geochemistry to biochemistry is discussed and considered in relation to the origin of life. Evolutionary principles are introduced and resulting processes are used as a guiding principle. Unifying concepts in biology are presented, including the structure and function of cellular macromolecules and the ways in which hereditary information is encoded, decoded and replicated. Central principles of universal energy conversion are looked at, starting from redox processes and focusing on bacteria and archaea. Finally, biological processes are put into an ecosystems perspective. The lecture is divided into different sections: 1. Geochemical perspectives on Earth and introduction to evolution 2. Building blocks of life 3. Macromolecules: Proteins 4. Membranes and transport across the plasma membrane 5. Universal mechanisms of inheritance, transcription and translation 6. Reaction Kinetics, binding equilibria and enzymatic catalysis 7. Essentials of Catabolism 8. Essentials of Anabolism 9. Metabolism and biogeochemical cycling of elements
Resources
Lecture Notes
The course is supported by a new textbook, “From Molecules to the Biochemistry of Cells”, and a handout.
Literature
Julia A. Vorholt, Jörn Piel, Markus Aebi, Donald Hilvert, «From Molecules to the Biochemistry of Cells» 2026, CRC Press
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 150 minutes
- Aids
- Einfacher Taschenrechner
- Digital
- The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Grundlagen der Biologie I: von Molekülen zur Biochemie der Zellen
Vorlesung: Montag 11:45-13:30 Uhr, Donnerstag 9:45-11:30 Uhr
Übungen: Freitag 11:45-12:30 Uhr oder 12:45-13:30 Uhr
Gastvorlesung 17.09.2026 15:45-17:30 Uhr
|
No time listed | 5 h weekly |