Cellular Physiology

Have you ever wondered how neurons actually fire, or what goes on in muscle cells when they contract? Cell phys is all about different types of cells and their functions. In this fun, lab-based course, you'll explore everything cellular from the differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes to immunology and the process of cell respiration. You get an in-depth look at the cell cycle, the structure and function of cell organelles, stem cells, cancer cells, and even signal transduction mechanisms.

This course will expand upon introductory concepts introduced in biology; including but not limited to cell signaling, differentiation, cancer, and specific systems biologies (Neurologic, Endocrine, Immune, Muscular/Skeletal).  Hands-on laboratory exercises, problem-solving sessions, student-led seminars, dissection, and other class activities will complement the lectures and discussions.

Cellular Physiology Unit Outline

Unit1: Introduction to Cell Physiology – History of Cytology, Microscopy, Examination of Cell Varieties, Cell Size

Unit 2: Prokaryotes vs Eucaryotes – Evolution

Unit 3: STEM cells and Differentiation in Eucaryotes, Tissue Regeneration, Cloning

Unit 4: Organelles, Mitochondria and Chloroplasts

Unit 5: Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis

Unit 6: Cancer and Oncogenes, Tumor Suppression Genes, p53 and Apoptosis

Unit 7: DNA and Gel Filtration

Module 8: Membranes and Organelles – Na+/K+ pump, H+ pump, F1/F0 ATPase pumps

Unit 9: Signal Transduction

Unit 10: Nerve Cells – Action potentials and synaptic transmission

Unit 11: Muscle Cells – skeletal muscle structure, contraction, smooth and cardiac muscle – Nerve and Muscle disease