Cell Biology

Catalog description

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to how cells function and how cells are maintained and studied in the laboratory. The lecture portion of the course emphasizes central cell biology topics including: the structure and function of cellular organelles, the structure and function of the plasma membrane and membrane components, protein sorting and transport, the cytoskeleton and cell movement, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, cell signaling, and cellular reproduction and cancer. Laboratories methods practiced include transfection of cultured cells with DNA, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescence microscopy. Research articles related to lecture material are presented by groups of students in journal club.