Objectives: This is a course primarily for majors in the Biology and Cytotechnology programs. As such, this course will consider the biology of eukaryotic cells in a detailed fashion. Students should work to understand the vocabulary and concepts associated with the topics covered in the course. Students should be able to recall specific facts from the course material as well as bring together information from multiple lectures in synthesizing answers to problems ranging from simple to complex. Students should complete the course with a firm foundation in the biological processes which make up eukaryotic cells.

Prerequisites: Genetics (Biol 250), Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (Chem 200) OR Organic Chemistry I (Chem 201)

Credit Value: 3

Contact Time: Two 1 hour lectures and one 3 hour laboratory per week.

Outcomes: Following successful completion of the course:

• students will have an understanding of the biology of cells, especially eukaryotic cells
• students will be able to critically assess primary and applied research relating to the biology of cells
• students will be able to discuss topics relating to cell biology with others in a meaningful way
• students will understand the principles underlying the application of several laboratory techniques useful in cell biology research
• students will have gained experience in preparing written reports of laboratory exercises

Assessment:

• Laboratory reports: Students will be responsible for preparing written reports following the format of a scientific paper for several of the laboratory exercises.
• Term examinations: Questions will cover material from both the lecture and laboratory portions of the course. Course material since the previous term examination will be covered, although the nature of the course requires the application of information from the start of the term to the present to be successful.
• Final examination: Questions will be taken from both the lecture and laboratory portions of the course, and will be comprehensive.
• Participation/attendance
• Case studies

• NOTE: Assessment format may vary among instructors.

Lecture Schedule:

• Introduction to cell theory, cell structure, the study of cell biology
• Bonding, pH, macromolecules
• Membranes, structure/transport, apoptosis, antibiotics
• Proteins, structure/function, enzymes, enzyme deficiencies
• Cell signaling I - electrical signals in nerve cells
• Cell signaling II - messengers and recptors, hormonal issues
• Beyond the cell
• Cytoskeleton
• Cellular movement
• Development
• Development, hot topic, street drugs and alcohol
• Cancer
• Animals and natural disasters
• Pathogens, infection and immunity
• Student presentations

• NOTE: Lecture sequence may vary among instructors.

Laboratory Schedule:

• Microscopy and staining techniques
• Tissue culture techniques
• Paper research
• Case Study 1
• Membrane permebility in vitro and in vivo
• Column chromatography
• Analysis of a cell surface receptor
• Development
• Case Study 2

• NOTE: The order of laboratories may vary from semester to semester.