BL 424 Cell Biology spring 2012 syllabus Joan L. Betz, Ph.D. [email protected] Office: Pomponio Family Science Center 216; Phone: 303-458-4092 Office hours as posted or by appointment Lecture Schedule: M W F 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM Loyola 31 BL424syllabus1-8-12 Required Textbook: Cooper, GM and Hausman, RE (2009) The Cell, a Molecular Approach, 5th ed. ASM Press, Wash. DC ISBN 978-0-87893-300-6; also available looseleaf format ISBN 978-0-87893-397-6 or as an ebook option ISBN 978-0-87893-356-3 Companion website: http://www.sinauer.com/cooper5e/ Has review material and animations. Betz website for PowerPoint slides, lecture outlines: http://academic.regis.edu/jbetz This upper-division course designed for students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry or Neuroscience considers in more depth the essential principles, processes and methodology of cell biology introduced in BL 260, Molecular and Cellular Biology. The overarching goal is to enable students to become responsible biologists and educated citizens: they will develop skills and knowledge, but also with a broader understanding of that knowledge that will prepare them for a variety of careers and for fulfilling lives as leaders in the service of others. Goals for the student include: 1) To develop skills and understand the methods of contemporary cell biology. 2) To develop the knowledge and understand the concepts used in contemporary cell biology. 3) To understand the relevance of this biological knowledge in non-natural science contexts. Student Learning Outcomes: 1. To demonstrate reinforced understanding of major organizing concepts of cell biology, including the chemical context of life, the organization of organic molecules and macromolecules, and the assembly of these molecules into membranes and cells, with particular emphasis on the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. 2. To explain briefly the major concepts of information flow from DNA to protein, and of the energy flow in cells, which underly all cell function. 3. To define the fundamental principles that guide cellular organization and function, with emphasis on the role of membranes and proteins, especially membrane-bound proteins. 4. To succinctly explain cell signaling pathways, both within and between cells, with special attention to protein modifications required for regulation of activity and for targeted transport in eukaryotic cells. 5. To define the relationships of extracellular structures and of the cytoskeleton, as well as regulation of the cell cycle, and diseases such as cancer caused by improper cell function. 6. To critically evaluate and explain scientific evidence and experimental techniques that have led to the formulation and expansion of the central concepts in cell biology. 7. To recognize and acknowledge the social relevance of issues in cell biology, to identify and discuss these ethical issues, with reference to current technologies and current events. 8. To connect pathologies of cell biology to human disease, and to reinforce communication of science knowledge by preparing a concise and accurate biological fact sheet about a specific human disease, and by sharing the results in a clear and accurate oral presentation. Background. The major emphasis of the course is on eukaryotic cells, particularly the analysis of cells of model experimental organisms (but less on plants), in this post-genomic era wherein the complete DNA sequences are known for many organisms. The course focuses on the activities of proteins, membranes and organelles, thereby complementing the emphasis on DNA and the nucleus in the BL 414 Genetics course.Because chemistry is the basis for cellular biology, students are expected to have taken at least CH 210 and CH 230, Principles of Chemistry I and II, and ideally will have completed, or be enrolled in, CH 250 Organic Chemistry I. Students with no prior coursework in college chemistry should consult with me about additional assistance. The course will cover in detail topics in many chapters of the textbook, plus small portions of other chapters; there may also be supplemental handouts or current research articles. Lectures are intended to clarify the readings and to emphasize certain aspects of the topics; lecture outlines identify the most important concepts with reference to Figures in the text; these outlines and PowerPoint slides are provided on the course website. These notes and PowerPoint slides are not a substitute for readings, neither do they replace utilization of additional material on the website provided by the textbook authors. It is essential that students keep up with the reading assignments and look over the required material before the lecture, which will also prepare for occasional unannounced quizzes. At a minimum, students should read the summary at the end of each chapter before the lecture, and also review the key terms. Questions at the end of chapters provide useful review, and answers to these questions are provided at the end of the book. Tests will cover material from lectures, the textbook and assigned readings, and will be normalized to a mean of 80% if necessary because of a lower class mean. There are no make-up tests, except for extenuating circumstances or documented medical illness, for which I must be notified in advance of the scheduled date; alternatively a test missed for an excused absence will be averaged out of the final grade. Three 25-minute quizzes will be given, on listed dates, covering material discussed to that point. After each quiz or exam, teams of students will be given some questions to complete as a group (in class or as homework) and turn in for the team grade. Unexcused absences for an examination or quiz missed will result in a value of zero for that exam, with no makeup possible. Once you have seen a quiz or exam, you will not be permitted to leave the room even to use the restroom, except for a physiological emergency, in which case the exam will be turned in. The comprehensive final exam is Wed. Friday May 4 at 10:10 AM. Students required to miss the final exam for an excused absence must request an incomplete, and finish the course the following semester. While attendance at lecture will not be taken, except during the student presentations or guest speakers or evaluations, students earning a D or F on the first quiz and/or exam will be expected to meet with me to discuss their plans