In depth cell and molecular physiology focused on cellular responses to stimuli, including cell organization/reorganization, membrane transport/kinetics, cell signaling/molecular biology, mechanobiology, energy requirements, and cutting edge technologies for the study of cells.
Prerequisites: BMED 3100
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.18
This course teaches you basic mammalian cell anatomy and an in-depth look into cellular level mechanisms. A few of the topics covered in this class include transcription/translation, cell growth and death, structure and function of cell membranes, the cytoskeleton, and lab techniques such as western blot and PCR. You will be assigned multiple scientific papers related to novel research in the field to read and to analyze. In addition to regular exams, you will work with a team on a project that includes a paper and presentation component. Don’t wait until the night before to review articles and finish your group papers (the professor will know and your grade will suffer). For each project, you will be assigned to design a technique that can potentially cure a disease by applying the concepts learned in class. These may include describing experimental setups, so think carefully through these and how you may collect/visualize data. Work on your writing skills; you will be expected to write scientific papers and proposals.
THE tip: Attend lecture! Don’t let the first few lectures confuse you – this material is generally review for the majority of students, so don’t build the impression that this will be an easy class. Test material comes nearly all from lecture, so you should attend lecture. Use the textbook to reinforce your knowledge and gain a better understanding. Keep in mind some professors may talk about their own research, and anything they say is fair game on a test.
Recall: Biology from high school, BMED 3100
Spend your time… reviewing lecture slides for the tests and doing a literature review for your assigned project (paper and presentation). Communicate with your team and meet often.
Take Home: Important cell biology concepts, innovative techniques that are currently shaping the medical world, writing proposals, experimental setup, reading, reviewing, critiquing papers and incorporating relevant information.