BIOL 2131: Cell Biology
Students will explore the eukaryotic cell's structure, organization, and function. They will examine specific cellular processes related to membrane structure, function and transport of small molecules, intracellular membrane systems, protein targeting and movement, cellular signaling, cytoskeletal function, and intercellular communication. They will learn about some of the major ideas and experimental approaches that have advanced our view of the intracellular landscape and appreciate how these have promoted a better understanding of human disease. Through varied assignments, students will practice the skills of scientific communication, including reading peer-reviewed literature, critiquing, and analyzing scientific figures and tables and interpreting research findings.
Learning outcomes
- Apply an understanding of the evolution of eukaryotic cells to explain the necessity of intracellular specialization.
- Understand the structure and function of lipid-bilayer membranes and their protein components.
- Explain how membranes and ions are transported across cell membranes.
- Integrate biological concepts to understand how cells convert chemical into mechanical energy.
- Learn how structure and function are interconnected at cellular levels.
- Explain the mechanisms by which newly synthesized proteins are targeted to their respective organelles.
- Understand the components and functions of the three cytoskeletal networks and their roles in essential cellular processes.
- Critique scientific figures and tables and interpret research findings within the field of cell biology.
- Demonstrate effective scientific communication through varied assignments.
- Evaluate scientific information (e.g., distinguish primary and secondary sources, assess credibility and validity of information).
- Learn and apply the basic research skills used in biology such as predicting experimental results, interpreting experimental data, and using experimental evidence to generate and/or support a hypothesis.
- Develop and apply problem-solving and data-handling skills to critically analyze experimental design as evaluated by varied assessments.
- Understand the process of scientific inquiry by giving priority to evidence in responding to questions and formulating detailed explanations from evidence.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Cellular Origin, Structure, and Function
- Unit 2: Membranes—Structure, Properties, and Transport
- Unit 3: Cytoplasmic, Cytoskeletal, and Extracellular Systems
- Unit 4: Cellular Communication and Reproduction
Required text and materials
- The following free, open educational resource is recommended for this course:
Sonnenfeld, M. (2024). Cell and Molecular Biology Pressbook. Thompson Rivers University. https://cellandmolecularbiology.pressbooks.tru.ca
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.
| Quizzes 1 to 4 | 5% |
| Unit 1 Assignment | 15% |
| Unit 2 Assignment | 15% |
| Unit 3 Assignment | 20% |
| Unit 4 Assignment | 15% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 30% |
| 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.
