Contacts

Director
Martha Haviland, Ph.D.

Director of Advising
Anne Carr-Schmid, Ph.D.

Coordinator of Academic Services
Cathie Alia

Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Quicklinks

Course Descriptions

01:146:270 Fundamentals of Cell Biology (Fall)

  • Course Description: This course addresses fundamental concepts of cell biology, focusing on gene transcription, mRNA processing, cell division, basic human genetics, signal transduction, membranes, intracellular trafficking, the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, the extra-cellular matrix, cell movement, energy production/consumption, and protein sorting. After completing this course, students should have a strong fundamental grasp of the following concepts: The structure and function of DNA and chromosomes, the regulation of gene expression, and how proteins are produced from gene sequences, sexual reproduction, including mechanisms for gene variation and the contribution towards development and disease, the structure and function of proteins and how they are sorted within cells and transported across cell membranes. how cells regulate energy production and consumption, the control of signal transduction and its effects on the cytoskeleton and cell migration,  and how cells regulate and accomplish cell division.
  • Semester Offered: Fall
  • Credits: 3
  • Course URL: Canvas

Prerequisites

General Biology 119:115-116 or by special permission. 

Course Syllabus 

Fall 2024 Syllabus

Course URL 

A Canvas online module will be provided. 

Course Satisfies Learning Goals

1. Obtain factual and conceptual knowledge in fundamentals of cell biology and development (with a hint of neuroscience) that will provide a strong foundation for success in advanced training and professional careers. 

2. Develop an ability to summarize, integrate and organize information.

3. Use scientific reasoning to evaluate the potential for current research and new discoveries to improve our understanding of cell biology and its relevance to human health and out society.

These goals are consistent with those set by the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, as well as the Division of Life Sciences at Rutgers University.

 Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

Three 80-minute exams (Hart, Tischfield, Cai) will count for 90% of the student grade. Each module will have 1-2 online quizzes, which in total will account for 10% of the final grade. Letter grades will be assigned according to normal University guidelines.

Course Materials

  • Required Text (2013): ESSENTIAL CELL BIOLOGY, by Alberts, Hopkin, Johnson, Morgan, Raff, Roberts, and Walter, 5th Edition; WW Norton & Company. ISBN-13: 978-0393679533
  • Lecture slides, audio lecture recordings (as available), and primary research literature assigned by the instructors will be posted in Canvas
  • All course materials are copyrighted by the university and the individual instructors. Unauthorized distribution of these materials could violate the University Academic Integrity Policy and may subject you to disciplinary action

Course Closed?

If this course is closed, please add your name to request an spn  for the course under the Cell Biology & Neuroscience section of the SPN Request Page.  Please note the system does not notify students unless they can be accommodated in the course. SPNs are distributed throughout the remainder of the semester and through the drop/add period. If you have any questions, please contact the CBN advising via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Faculty

Section Coordinator:

  • Dr. Qian Cai (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Additional Teaching Faculty:

  • Dr. Ron Hart (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
  • Dr. Max Tischfield (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Teaching Assistant

  • TBA

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.