Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - BISC 403 D100

Current Topics in Cell Biology (3)

Class Number: 2261

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2017
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Michael Silverman
    masilver@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-3647
    Office: B8280

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 222, 231 with C- or better, and completion of 75 units, or completion of BISC 305 or 366 with a C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The lectures will explore two or three major themes in current cell biology, such as cell motility, the cell cycle, and cellular signalling. A critical component of the course is to develop an understanding of the experimental basis of our knowledge about cells. Students with credit for BISC 372 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

You need strong reading comprehension and writing skills to pass this class.

Course Description: BISC 403 provides you with an opportunity to explore selected topics in cell biology in greater depth than in an introductory course. The overall theme of the course is protein trafficking in polarized cells, for example epithelial and nerve cells. The course will be divided into 3 sections. In the first section we will discuss the composition and function of the secretory apparatus, e.g. the cytoskeleton, Golgi structure, vesicle formation. In the second segment, lectures will focus on cargo selection in the Golgi apparatus and organelle targeting and transport primarily in polarized epithelia. Finally, we will compare and contrast trafficking mechanisms in neurons to other polarized cell types discussed in class.   Lectures will involve a combination of material from textbooks, review articles, and primary literature. It is expected that you read all the assigned research articles. “Big picture” concepts and details will be discussed further in lecture and tutorials. Where appropriate, lectures will include information and connections to health related research.  

 Tutorials: Tutorials will follow a problem-based learning approach. You will be assigned a disease that relates to alterations in protein trafficking, e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, familial hypercholesterolemia, etc. Working in groups of four, you will explore the genetics, cell biology, and potential cures for the assigned disease. An oral presentation in the tutorial along with an outline and bibliography will comprise the tutorial grade. You will examine a total of three different diseases throughout the semester. Tutorial participation will count towards 10% of the tutorial grade (15% total) and will be based upon quality participation.  

Outline of Topics:
Trafficking pathways in the cell
Regulation of membrane trafficking in epithelial cells
Motor protein structure and function
Navigating a complex cytoskeleton
The development of neuronal polarity
Protein targeting and synapse formation

Grading

  • Exam 1 20%
  • Exam 2 25%
  • Exam 3 30%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Tutorial 15%

NOTES:

There will be three exams: one for each section progressively worth 20%, 25%, and 30%, one quiz for each section worth a total of 10%, and 15% from the tutorial. Exams are essay-based. You need to write in succinct, coherent, proper English to pass this course, e.g., poor grammar and sentence structure, text-messaging language is unacceptable.  Finally, only laptops and tablets are to be used for note taking - not cell phones. 

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

There is no official textbook. Research and review articles will be provided on-line. You are expected to have a strong foundation in basic cell biology. This information will be clarified in the first lecture and is available as background reading in textbooks such as Molecular Cell Biology, Lodish; Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts; World of the Cell, Becker; Cell and Molecular Biology, Karp, or similar. I will put these books on reserve in the library.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS