B27
Course Coordinator: 
Keiko Kono
Molecular Biology of the Cell
Description: 

We will read through the textbook “Molecular Biology of the Cell”, one chapter per class.  

Students will work through the Problems workbook on their own as needed, but Professor Kono offers Office hours every Friday for student help.  

 

 

Three small examinations will be required during the term, weighted 25%, 25%, and 50%.  

The first two exams cover material up to that time.   The final exam covers all material of the term. 

Grade expectations are  
A corresponds to scores of 85-100% 

B corresponds to scores of 70-84% 

C corresponds to scores of 60-69% 

Scores less than 60% receive a fail grade. 

Aim: 
This course aims to revisit the basic knowledge of molecular and cell biology at the undergraduate level. Target students are 1) those who who did not major in molecular or cell biology, or 2) molecular/cell biology student who wants to review the basic knowledge of the field.
Detailed Syllabus: 
  1. Cells and Genomes    
  2. Cell Chemistry and Bioenergetics    
  3. Proteins    
  4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes    
  5. DNA Replication, Repair, and Recombination    
  6. How Cells Read the Genome: From DNA to Protein    
  7. Control of Gene Expression    
  8. Examination 1    
  9. Analyzing Cells, Molecules, and Systems    
  10. Visualizing Cells    
  11. Membrane Structure    
  12. Membrane Transport of Small Molecules and the Electrical Properties of Membranes    
  13. Intracellular Compartments and Protein Sorting    
  14. Intracellular Membrane Traffic    
  15. Energy Conversion: Mitochondria and Chloroplasts    
  16. Cell Signaling    
  17. The Cytoskeleton    
  18. The Cell Cycle    
  19. Cell Death    
  20. Examination 2    
  21. Cell Junctions and the Extracellular Matrix    
  22. Cancer    
  23. Development of Multicellular Organisms    
  24. Stem Cells and Tissue Renewal    
  25. Pathogens and Infection    
  26. The Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems    
  27. Examination 3    
Course Type: 
Elective
Credits: 
2
Assessment: 
Three small examinations during the term, weighted 25%, 25%, and 50%.
Text Book: 
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th Edition, by Bruce Alberts et al.
Reference Book: 
The Problems Book: for Molecular Biology of the Cell 6th Edition, by Tim Hunt and John Wilson
Prior Knowledge: 

The course is very basic. Non-biology students are welcome.