Cell Biology

3 Credits.

How the molecules of living systems are organized into organelles, cells, tissues, and organisms will be explored, as well as how the activities of all of these are orchestrated and regulated to produce “life”—a phenomenon greater than the sum of its parts. Considerable emphasis is placed on experimental approaches to answering these questions. Topics covered include biological membranes, cytoskeletal elements, cell locomotion, membrane and protein traffic, the nucleus, signal transduction, the cell cycle, the extracellular matrix, epithelial structure and function. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors only. Exams may be held on Thursday mornings from 8-9am, so students should have Thursday 8-9am open on their schedules.Recommended Course Background: ( AS.020.151 or AS.020.305 ) or equivalent knowledge of biomolecules or AS.020.303 . This course is offered in spring terms only.