Introduction to Biology

This session will give a historical overview of biology, explaining the development of both molecular and evolutionary biology. The aim is to summarise the key principles, to introduce basic terminology, and to explain the major questions in current research. No previous knowledge of biology will be assumed. Further reading: Judson, H.F. (1996) The Eighth Day of Creation Cold Spring Harbour Press. A detailed history of the origins of molecular biology, based on interviews with the key scientists. Long, but very well written, and accessible to non-biologists. Barton et al. (2007) Evolution Chs. 1, 2 Cold Spring Harbour Press. This gives a brief summary of evolutionary and molecular biology, and its development in the mid-20th century.