Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - MBB 702 G100

Developmental Biology of Cell Signalling (3)

Class Number: 2724

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Aspects of developmental and cellular biology in the context of signal transduction pathways. The diverse mechanisms used in cell signalling and how the various approaches to the study of signal transduction in organismal development complement each other will be examined with an emphasis on current literature.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this lecture/seminar course, we will examine select aspects of developmental and cellular biology with a focus on signal transduction.  Signaling pathways control a wide range of cellular processes and the characterization of these pathways is having a major impact on cell biology, developmental biology and medicine.  In this course, we shall be examining the current literature in this rapidly developing field.  We will look at how a combination of biochemistry, cell biology and genetics is being used to investigate the diverse mechanisms used in cell signaling, and examine how the various approaches to studying signal transduction compliment each other.

Specific Topics will include:

1.      Introduction: mechanisms of signal transduction, approaches available for studying signal transduction
2.      Signaling pathways involving small GTPase and trimeric G proteins
3.      Signaling by proteolytic cleavages
4.      Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways
5.      Regulation of signaling by Kinases and Phosphatases
6.      Other topics as time permits­

Grading

  • Two oral presentations 45%
  • Class participation 15%
  • Term paper 40%

NOTES:

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

Students who have taken MBB 437 or MBB 737 may not enroll in this course.

* Lecture: Synchronous (students are expected to attend scheduled lectures remotely)
* Assessments: synchronous midterm exams (students must take exams during scheduled class time)
* Term paper

REQUIREMENTS:

Access to highspeed internet, computer

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 SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  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).