Spring 2026 - BISC 428 D100
Cell Anatomy (3)
Class Number: 4473
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 24, 2026
Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Julian Guttman
jguttman@sfu.ca
1 778 782-8618
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Prerequisites:
BISC 101, BISC 102, MBB 222, and MBB 231, all with a minimum grade of C-.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
This course provides students with an advanced, detailed understanding of a variety of cell biological topics with particular attention given to the cytoskeleton, intercellular junctions, vesicle trafficking and post-translational modifications of proteins associated with those topics. Students will also be exposed to the history of cell biology throughout the course. Students who have completed BISC 472 under the title "Advanced Cell Biology" may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
Course Description:
This course provides students with an advanced understanding of a variety of cell biological topics with particular attention given to the cytoskeleton, intercellular junctions, vesicle trafficking and post-translational modifications of proteins within the structures. Students will also be exposed to the history of cell biology throughout the course. The field of cell biology is always changing. Consequently, in this course we will couple the basic information provided in textbooks with current literature.
Outline of Topics:
The history of cell biology
The cytoskeleton
Intercellular junctions
Vesicle trafficking
Post-translational modifications
Using pathogens as tools to study cell biology
There are no tutorials or labs associated with this course.
Grading
- Midterm 1 30%
- Midterm 2 30%
- Final Exam 40%
NOTES:
Mode of teaching:
- Lecture: In person
- Laboratory: None
- Tutorial: None
- Midterms: synchronous; dates: TBA
- Final exam: synchronous; date: TBA
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
Ebook 180 Day: Molecular Cell Biology, Vs / Lodish, Macmillan, 9th edition
ISBN: 40069005048
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.
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.