BIOL 323 - Seminar in Cell and Molecular Biology

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

An intensive study of selected topics at the cellular and subcellular level. Topics vary, but may include organelle structure and function, advanced genetics, and mechanisms of cellular organization. Emphasis is placed on current models, issues, and research areas, and course material is drawn largely from primary literature.

Topic for 2014/15a: Epigenetics. Most cells in our bodies contain the same set of DNA, yet there are ~200 different cell types, each with unique patterns of gene expression. How do those cells establish and maintain their identities? How do environmental factors such as temperature, nutrition and social stress exert long lasting effects on organisms and their progeny? The field of epigenetics is shedding new light on these and many other interesting questions in biology. Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression (and hence traits) that cannot be explained by alterations in the DNA sequence. These changes instead involve chemical modifications to DNA and its associated histones. Some of these changes can be passed down through mitosis and some even through meiosis. Exploration of this topic will involve student presentations and active discussion of primary research articles and will expand upon the participants’ previous coursework in genetics and chemistry. Ms. Kennell.

Prerequisite: CHEM 244 and two 200-level Biology courses including one 200-level genetics courses (BIOL 238 , BIOL 244 or BIOL 248 ).

Two 2-hour periods.

Topic for 2014/15a: Stem Cell Biology. Stem cell biology lies at the intersection of developmental/cell biology and medicine. This fast-moving field brings together many aspects of basic and applied biology and medicine including development, regeneration/repair, and cancer. This course covers a broad range of topics relevant to stem cell biology. We also consider the potential consequences and limitations of stem cell therapy, particularly the connection between stem cells and cancer. The format gives students both a broad background and the opportunity to apply critical thinking skills to recent data in this field. Since this is an upper level course, it assumes a basic understanding of genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology, and so concepts drawing from these fields will not be covered in depth. This means that some students may find additional background reading necessary. Class material draws from primary literature and students participate in active discussion and presentations. Ms. Pokrywka .

Prerequisite: two 200-level courses including one of the following: BIOL 218 , BIOL 238 , BIOL 244 , BIOL 248 , or BIOL 272 , and at least one semester of organic chemistry.

Two 75-minute periods.