516-201 Cell Biology: Tissues and Organs

Biology 600-141 and 600-142

This subject seeks to explain how the complex activities of animal tissues and organs derive from the properties of their individual cells and interactions between cells. Emphasis is given to integrating knowledge at different levels of organisation - from molecule to organism. The subject will deal with selected examples to illustrate broad principles and concepts governing the organisation of cells, tissues and organs. Laboratory work will emphasise modern experimental approaches to the study of cells and tissues and provide an opportunity for revision and reinforcement of the concepts presented in the lectures.

Upon completion of this subject students should:

• be familiar with the range of cellular activties that are especially relevant to multicellular organisation, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell adhesion, cell movement and cell differentiation;

• understand how the activities of organelles contribute to core cellular functions;

• understand the basic ways that cells associate to form tissues and the transition between epithelial and mesenchymal states;

• appreciate how the structural and functional properties of individual cells as well as cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions give each tissue its distinctive characteristics;

• be familiar with the major tissue types, their fundamental characteristics and roles in the body;

• understand how different tissue types are combined together to form organs;

• appreciate how the activities of different cell and tissue types within an organ and interactions between its cells contribute to the development, maintenance and function of that organ.

Continuous assessment in practical classes throughout the semester (15%), a 2-hour written examination at the end of semester that will include multiple choice questions (60%), and a 30-minute practical examination, also at the end of the semester (25%).

• B Alberts et al, Essential Cell Biology. 1998.