|
|
Course Objectives:
The cell is the fundamental functional unit of a living system. The goal
of this course is to provide an understanding of how a typical eukaryotic
cell operates. To do so, we will embark on a semester-long tour of the
various organelles and other components that make up the
"Joe-average" cell. For each component we will examine in detail
how its organization and composition (structure) determines how it works
(function). A full understanding of cells requires that we go beyond a
catalogue of factual information. So, at several of the stops on our tour,
we will take time to explore the experimental basis of our knowledge of
cell biology. We will ask, "How did we figure this out?" -
"Who did it?" - "What are the problems that still need to be
solved?" We will also solve a series of research-based problems as
homework assignments, as a way of deepening our appreciation of the major
concepts of cell structure and function and of honing our analytical
skills.
|
