This course will develop an understanding of the key concepts of the molecular biology of the cell, integrating principles of cell structure and function with the underlying molecular mechanism(s). Discussions will focus on aspects of gene regulation, genomics, cell cycle control, protein synthesis, intracellular protein trafficking and protein degradation in eukaryotic cells. Many of these concepts will be discussed in the context of how defects in cellular processes give rise to disease.

This course examines the dynamic properties of cells as they relate to cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions and elaborates on the fundamentals of intracellular signal transduction during these interactions. Topics will include the function and regulation of signalling modules, the cytoskeleton, and membrane component in the context of cellular interactions with other cells and with the extracellular matrix. These concepts will be integrated to develop a deeper understanding of dynamic cellular function within different tissue environments and physiological settings.

This course examines the cellular and molecular biology of signal transduction. The major theme is an understanding of how eukaryotic cells receive, transmit and respond to environmental signals. Topics will include cellular regulation of cell cycle progression and cell death as well as the consequences of deregulated signal transduction in terms of disease, primarily cancer.

This course involves independent research of a practical or theoretical nature on a specific topic in molecular and cellular biology. It is carried out under the supervision of an individual faculty member. Students should make arrangements with both a faculty advisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance of taking the course. The signature of the course coordinator will be required to select the course. A departmental registration form must be obtained from, and submitted to, the course coordinator no later than the 2nd class day of the semester in which the student is registered for the course.

This course involves independent research of a practical or theoretical nature on a specific topic in molecular and cellular biology. It is carried out under the supervision of an individual faculty member. Students should make arrangements with both a faculty advisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance of taking the course. The signature of the course coordinator will be required to select the course. A departmental registration form must be obtained from, and submitted to, the course coordinator no later than the 2nd class day of the semester in which the student is registered for the course.

This course involves the independent study of a current topic in Molecular and Cellular Biology, selected from the recent research literature and involving a review and critical appraisal of the area. The course comprises independent library research, participation in weekly meetings, and written and oral presentations. Students should make arrangements with both faculty advisor and the course coordinator in a prior course selection period.