RNA is believed by many to have been the first macromolecule to evolve. In a hypothesized "RNA world," RNA would have simultaneously served the roles of carrying genetic information and catalyzing chemical reactions within early cells. The past three decades have been a renaissance for RNA biology, as researchers have uncovered the critical role RNA plays in eukaryotic and bacterial gene regulation and defense, as well as the potential for RNAs to perform catalysis.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of chemistry, including the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding, molecular shape, functional groups, stoichiometry, chemical reactivity and equilibrium. The laboratory emphasizes basic skills, quantitative chemical measurements, and principles discussed in lectures.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of chemistry, including the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding, molecular shape, functional groups, stoichiometry, chemical reactivity and equilibrium. The laboratory emphasizes basic skills, quantitative chemical measurements, and principles discussed in lectures.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of chemistry, including the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding, molecular shape, functional groups, stoichiometry, chemical reactivity and equilibrium. The laboratory emphasizes basic skills, quantitative chemical measurements, and principles discussed in lectures.