606-205 Cell Biology I. Cells and Organelles

Note

1. This subject is a joint Botany/Zoology/Anatomy and Cell Biology subject.
2. Credit cannot be granted for both 606-205 and 606-215.
3. This subject can be taken by itself, but it is designed to be the first of a two-semester sequence with 606-206.
4. Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject: exemption is not possible.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Biology 600-141 and 600-142; Chemistry 610-141 + 610-142 or 610-161 + 610-162 (before 1998: 610-121 + 610-122).

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject is designed to give students a thorough understanding of basic cell structure and function. It will start by covering different types of cells, their origin and their diversity across the protistan, fungal, plant and animal kingdoms. Then it will concentrate on the major components of cells and their functions, the interrelationship between organelles in plant and animal cells, and cell membranes and cell surfaces. These topics will be related to the behaviour of living cells by use of video where possible. Finally, students will be able to use computer software programs designed to teach cell biology.

The practical component is designed to show students how biologists design experiments and collect data and how data are used in the formulation of theories; it will develop skills in observation, manipulation and analysis; and finally, it will reinforce some of the phenomena discussed in the lectures.

Assessment

A 3-hour written examination at the end of semester (75%); up to 3000 words of practical assignments (20%) and one short computer-based assignment (5%).