BIO201 - Cell and developmental Biology (2023-2024)

Prerequisite: BIO101
Cell Biology (BIO201) explores the mechanisms that cells use to communicate with their environment, produce force to move, acquire or lose identity in normal and pathological contexts, and organise during the development of an embryo. The course focuses on human cells, and emphasis is placed on human diseases where appropriate. The course alternates lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions of laboratory work. The intention is to allow students to develop their knowledge in the subject area, to acquire sound scientific reasoning, and to become familiar with the main techniques of modern cell biology, like quantitative microscopy imaging and computer-assisted data analysis.

 Cell Biology (BIO 201) introduces students to the mechanisms that cells use to regulate the physical properties of their dynamic architecture, to produce force and move, to compartmentalize and transport proteins, to regulate growth and death, and to communicate with their environment. The course focuses on human cells, and emphasis is placed on human diseases where appropriate. Upon course completion, students have a comprehensive understanding of the function and architecture of cells.

Because experimentation is at the heart of progress in cell biology, 50% of classes contain practical work, completed over the course of the semester. The intention is to allow students to develop their knowledge in the subject area, to acquire sound scientific reasoning, and to become familiar with the main techniques of modern cell biology, like quantitative microscopy imaging and computer-assisted data analysis.