Course Description
This course will focus on both the structural and physiological aspects of normal and abnormal cell functioning. Students will investigate key specialized molecular functions that cells perform, such as metabolism, growth, communication, replication, dysfunction, and death. Current research methods and technology will also be investigated. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- BIO 110: Biology 1 with Lab
- CHE 101: Chemistry with Lab
- ENG 101: English Compostion 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Establish a clear understanding of the structural and functional complexity of the eukaryotic cell.
- Summarize the various internal mechanisms of cellular control, regulation and motility.
- Discuss the various types of cell transport pathways across a cellular membrane.
- Explain the various signaling pathways and modes of communication between cells.
- Illustrate an In-depth understanding of cellular organelles and their physiological functions.
- Differentiate the roles of the major biological molecules as well as the process of ATP formation.
- Outline the steps of DNA replication and repair and gene expression.
- Explain cellular reproduction, the cell cycle and apoptosis.
- Evaluate the genetics and pathophysiology of Cancer.
- Identify the cellular complexity of the immune response.
- Investigate current research methods and laboratory technology in modern day cellular biology.
- Development proficiency in reading, writing and evaluating scientific literature.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-15) | 15% |
Case Studies (Weeks 1-14) | 15% |
Exams (Weeks 3, 7, 11 & 14) | 25% |
Journal Article Critique (Weeks 6 & 12) | 20% |
Final Exam (Week 15) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
(Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore)
- Karp, Gerald. (2016). Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments. 8th ed. John Wiley & Sons Publishing. ISBN-13: 978-1-118-88614-4 [Looseleaf Version]
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1-7 | Topics: Basic Properties and Classes of Cells & Chemical Basis of Life Readings:
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2 | 1,3,4,5,6 | Topics: Bioenergetics, Enzymes and Metabolism Reading:
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3 | 1-6 | Topics: Structure and Function of The Plasma Membrane Reading:
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Exam #1 | |||
4 | 1-6 | Topics: Aerobic Respiration and the Mitochondrion Reading:
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5 | 1-5 | Topic: Photosynthesis and the Chloroplast Reading:
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6 | 1-4 | Topic: Interactions Between Cells and Their Environment Reading:
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7 | 1,2,3,5 | Topics: Cytoplasmic Membrane Structure: Structure, Function, and Membrane Trafficking Reading:
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Exam #2 | |||
8 | 1,2,3,5 | Topics: The Cytoskeleton and Cell Motility Reading:
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9 | 1,2,7 | Topics: Structure and Function of The Plasma Membrane Reading:
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10 | 1,2,7 | Topic: Control of Gene Expression Reading:
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11 | 1,2,7 | Topics: DNA Replication and Repair Reading:
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Exam #3 | |||
12 | 1,2,3,4,7 | Topic: Cellular Reproduction Reading:
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13 | 1,2,4 | Topic: Cell Signaling and Signal Transduction Reading:
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14 | 1,2,4,6 | Topics: DNA Replication and Repair Reading:
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Exam #4 | |||
15 | 1,2,3,4 | Topics: Cancer Cell, Techniques in Cell and Molecular Biology Reading:
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Final Exam | |||
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.