Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MBB 304 D100

Introduction to Cells and Disease (3)

Class Number: 5098

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2026
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 231 with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focus on prominent human diseases and their underlying pathologies that stem from the dysregulation of fundamental cellular processes. Students with credit for MBB 438 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Lecture Topics:

  1. Introduction to cellular pathology
  2. Review of DNA and protein mutations
  3. Single gene inherited diseases (e.g., Sickle Cell Anemia and Cystic Fibrosis)
  4. Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down Syndrome)
  5. Environmental influences on disease
  6. Cellular stress response pathways
  7. Protein aggregation disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s Diseases)
  8. Infertility and in vitro fertilization
  9. Disease diagnostics
  10. Cellular therapies (e.g., drug development, CRISPR, RNA technology)
  11. Government regulation and ethical considerations

Grading

  • Midterm 1 25%
  • Midterm 2 30%
  • Final Exam 35%
  • Assignments 10%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments, 9th Ed., Karp, Gerald, et al. 2019.  Wiley. WileyPLUS
ISBN: 9781119598251

Molecular Biology of the Cell, 7th Ed. Alberts et al. 2021. Garland Publishing.
ISBN: 9780393884845

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: 


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.