Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - MBB 839 G100

Special Topics in Molecular Biology (3)

Epithelial Biology

Class Number: 2621

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Consideration of recent literature concerning selected contemporary research topics. Can be taken more than once with permission of instructor.

COURSE DETAILS:

DESCRIPTION:

In this lecture/seminar course, we will examine the primary research literature on epithelial biology. Epithelia are critical tissues in the development and function of multicellular eukaryotes, and depend on the ability of epithelial cells to adhere to each other and form almost impermeable sheets. These sheets separate the inside of the body from the outside and separate different compartments of the body from each other. We will consider the remarkable plasticity of epithelia, examining how cell shape change and rearrangement in epithelia are used to sculpt developing organisms, and how failures in epithelial morphogenesis underlie many birth defects. We will examine how epithelial cells are generally polarized along the apicobasal axis and in the plane of the tissue. The repair and maintenance of epithelia are essential for organismal survival and we will examine how wound healing and epithelial stem cells keep these tissues functional. Classes will consist of lectures and student presentations and discussion of recent research articles.

Topics will include:
1. Evolution of epithelia
2. Techniques for studying epithelia
3. How to build an epithelium: emergence of apicobasal and planar cell polarity
4. How to bring an epithelium to its final form: epithelial morphogenesis
5. Breaking down and reassembling epithelia: epithelial-mesenchymal transition and mesenchymal-epithelial transition
6. Epithelial fusions: Developmental sealing of epithelia and wound healing
7. Maintaining an epithelium: epithelial stem cells
8. Epithelia and microbial defense

Grading

  • Two oral presentations 45%
  • Class participation throughout the semester including quizzes 20%
  • Written final term paper 35%

NOTES:

Class participation is mandatory.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • access to high-speed internet
  • computer

REQUIRED READING:

We will read review articles and primary research papers only. A basic cell biology textbook may be used by students as a refresher on certain topics.


Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).