Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - MBB 322 D100

Molecular Physiology (3)

Class Number: 4681

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 231, with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Biochemical and molecular aspects of cellular function, interactions and communication including cell cycle, apoptosis, cancer, neuronal transmission and the signal transduction pathways that integrate them.

COURSE DETAILS:

LECTURE TOPICS:

  1. Biomembranes: Membrane structure, organization, dynamics
  2. Cell signaling: Second messengers, G-protein coupled receptors, synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters, receptor tyrosine kinases
  3. Extracellular matrix and integrins
  4. Cell-cell junctions
  5. Apoptosis
  6. Eukaryotic cell cycle: Cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, checkpoints, regulatory processes
  7. Cancer: Principles of cancer development, oncogenes, tumor suppressors
  8. Stem cells

Grading

  • 2 midterm exams (30% each) 60%
  • 1 final exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Alberts et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 7th edition. 2021. Garland Publishing.

Note: Physical copy is not needed, and add-on features are not required.
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.