BIOL 2131: Cell and Molecular Biology
Students examine the basic properties of cells and cell organelles, in addition to the properties of differentiated cell systems and tissues. The course aims to equip students with a basic knowledge of the structural and functional properties of cells. From this fundamental perspective, students are introduced to important scientific literature on the subject of cell biology, and instructed on how to critically examine data and interpretations presented by researchers.
Learning outcomes
By doing this course well, students will develop basic knowledge and skills in cell and molecular biology and become aware of the complexity and harmony of the cell. As students proceed through the modules, they will be able to apply this knowledge, skill, and awareness to topics like the following:
- Basic properties of cells
- Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
- Viruses and Viroids
- Biological molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
- Techniques used in cell and molecular biology
- Enzymes
- Metabolism
- Mitochondrion structure and function
- Chloroplast structure and function
- Plasma membrane composition, structure, and function
- The movement of substances across cell membranes
- The endomembrane system
- The extracellular matrix
- The structure and function of the nucleus
- Genes and chromosomes
- DNA replication
- Transcription
- Translation
- Cytoskeleton and cell motility
- Cellular reproduction
- Cell signaling
- Cancer
Course topics
Module 1: The Study of Cell Biology
Module 2: Energy
Module 3: Membranes
Module 4: Genetic Information
Module 5: Cytoskeleton, Cell Signalling, Cell Cycle, and Cancer
Required text and materials
The following textbook is required for this course:
- Karp, G., Iwasa, J., & Marshall, W. (2020). Karp’s cell and molecular biology,
WileyPLUS (9th ed.). Wiley.
Type: Loose-leaf Textbook: ISBN: 9781119598282
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Assignment 1: The Study of Cell Biology | 8% |
| Assignment 2: Energy | 12% |
| Assignment 3: Membranes | 10% |
| Assignment 4: Genetic Information | 10% |
| Assignment 5: Cytoskeleton, Cell Signalling, Cell Cycle, and Cancer | 10% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
