This course is for those who have ever wondered how the “molecules of life” (e.g. DNA, RNA, and proteins) work together to make complex organisms. Through a series of interactive lectures and discussions, we will look at what the molecules of life are, how they interact with each other, and what happens when things go wrong. Additionally, we will explore how we know what we know in molecular biology, including a discussion of the experiments that led us to these discoveries, the questions that remain unanswered, and the cutting-edge technologies that are key to bridging gaps in our understanding of the molecular components of life. By the end of the course, we hope students will be able to approach science news articles and molecular biology in popular culture with a new appreciation.