CELL BIOLOGY SYLLABUS
The Course
The Biology of cells has become an integral part of most college curricula because we are in the midst of a revolution in biological studies. This revolution in biological studies. This revolution is due to the rapid development of analytical methods that allow scientists to probe the inner workings of bacteria, viruses, and plant and animal cells. It has become evident that cells are dynamic structures with membranes that can sort out a variety of stimuli from their environments and respond in a manner that is determined by hereditary composition of individual cells. To understand plant growth, animal physiology, organismal development, and genetics, a student must realize that these activities are due to cells that are acting as individuals and are components of tissues and organs. This course is designed to provide a brief look at the cell, its parts, and its many functions when observed individually or when part of a more complex organism.
CLASS RESOURCES
1. Text: Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments, 2nd Ed., by Gerald Karp
2. Web site for Cell and Molecular Biology
3. Handouts
INSTRUCTOR
1. David P. Kreps
2. Office: S101
3. Phone: 5310
Office hours are posted outside S101. Please sign for appointments on the sheet provided.
GRADING
1. Three one-hour examinations (Including the final) 300 pts
2. Quizzes 100 pts
3. Research project and class presentation 100 pts
Grading Scale
A = 93-100%, A- = 90-92%, B+ = 88-89%, B = 83-87%, B- = 80-82%,
C+ = 78-79%, C = 73-77%, C- = 70-72%, D+ = 68-69%, D = 63-67%,
D- = 60-62%, F = <60%
RESEARCH PROJECTS AND CLASS PRESENTATIONS
During the last week of the semester, each member of the class will give a presentation on a research paper he or she has prepared on a selected topic. The topics for this project will come from the chapter in the text dealing with the biology of cancer (Chapter 16, Karp).
Suggested topics include:
1. Angiogenesis 2. Anti-angiogenesis
3. p53 Anti-oncogenes 4. Proto-oncogenes
5. Fas gene and cancer 6. Farnesyl transferase
7. Rb anti-oncogenes 8. Viral induction of cancer
9. Taxol/Tamoxafin 10. Anti-oxidants
11. Xeroderma pigmentosum 12. Adenomatous polyposis coli
13. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 14. EGF/erbB genes and cancer
15. Cancer vaccines 16. Molecular basis for resistance of tumors to chemotherapy
The paper is to be approximately 10 pages in length and is to include
a bibliography. No more than three sources from the Internet please. When
preparing the paper, use the MLA style for in-text citations and preparation
of the bibliography. See A Writer's Reference, 4th Ed.,
by Hacker. The oral presentation is to be no more than 15 minutes in length
and is to include an outline for the class and visual aids such as chares,
graphs, overheads, or Power Point. The presenter is permitted to use 3
x 5 cards only; reading from the paper is not allowed.
Additional Information
Class Schedule
Web Sites
http://vl.bwh.harvard.edu/
Cell
and Molecular Biology Web Links
Web
links for Karp's text
(Back
to the Biology Department Web page)