Aims, objectives, learning outcomes
The course will introduce you to some of the major ideas and current experimental approaches to cell and developmental biology, and in the process will illustrate how molecular approaches complement classical cell biology in finding out the details of how cells carry out their basic processes. The course aims to consolidate and extend your basic knowledge of how cells work, how they interact and how they differentiate. It will provide a framework for further specialised study of molecular, cellular and developmental biology in the third year. Cell and developmental biology are advancing rapidly and the course will illustrate the excitement of these advances.
Objectives
By the end of the course, you should have a knowledge of:
- * The cell biology of all major groups of organisms, including microrganisms, plants and animals
- * The structure and function of cellular organelles including nuclei, mitochondria and chloroplasts
- * How genome organisation differs in the major groups of organisms
- * The complex interactions between nucleus and cytoplasm which determine how cells function
- * Basic concepts of how cells become specialised into different types in complex organisms
- * How the cytoskeleton is organised and its role in cellular function
You should also have an understanding of:
- * the different experimental approaches used for the study of cell structure and function
- * how these approaches can be applied to specific problems in cell biology
- * how to carry out and interpret simple experiments in cell biology
The course syllabus is defined by the lecture content, but since this can only lay down the essentials of the subject, you are encouraged to explore topics further by reading at least some of the references provided in the lecture handouts. As well as providing useful material for discussion in College supervisions, this additional reading will help in writing supervision essays and in the examinations at the end of the year.
Learning outcomes
At the end of Part IB Cell and Developmental Biology, you should have developed a knowledge of the major ideas and current experimental approaches in cell biology and developmental biology and should be able to progress to Part II courses in Biological Sciences.
Cell and Developmental Biology will help as a preparation for a range of Part II courses including Biochemistry, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pathology, Plant Sciences and Zoology.
- Part II courses:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Plant Sciences
- Zoology