Spring 2026 - MBB 231 D100
Cellular Biology and Biochemistry (3)
Class Number: 5069
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Ingrid Northwood
inorthwo@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
MBB 222, BISC 101, CHEM 281 with grades of C- or better. Corequisite or Prerequisite: CHEM 282 or CHEM 283.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A study of the molecular processes which underlie cell structure and function, integrating ultrastructural, physiological and biochemical approaches. Modern techniques used in the analysis of organelle and cell function are integral parts of the course.
COURSE DETAILS:
Lecture Topics:
- Introduction to the cell
- Review of protein biochemistry
- Membranes and organelles
- Microscopy
- Membrane transport
- Energy conversion and carbon flow
- Intracellular compartments and protein sorting
- Intracellular vesicular traffic
- The cytoskeleton
- Cell migration and signaling
- The immune system
Grading
- Exam 1 on Jan 23 20%
- Exam 2 on Feb 13 25%
- Exam 3 on March 13 25%
- Exam 4 during finals 25%
- Canvas Quizzes 5%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments, 9th Ed., Karp, Gerald, et al. 2019. Wiley.
WileyPLUS ISBN 9781119598251
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
- For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/ - Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (778-782-3112 or e-mail: caladmin@sfu.ca)
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.