Cell Biology and Neuroscience Courses

• This course addresses fundamental concepts of cell biology, focusing on cell organization, macromolecular structure and function, cell signaling, cytoskeleton, cell division and development, cell membrane organization, energy production/consumption, and protein sorting.  Suggested Year: 2nd/3rd.
• Semester Offered: Spring
• Credits: 3
• Course URL: A Canvas online module will be provided.

Prerequisites

General Biology I and II (01:119:115-116). REQUIRED for the CBN major.

Course Learning Goals:

1. Obtain factual and conceptual knowledge in fundamental concepts of cell biology and development as a foundation for success in advanced courses, post-graduate training and professional careers. 

2. Develop an ability to summarize, integrate and organize information in the field of cell and development biology. 

3. Use scientific reasoning to evaluate the potential for current research and new discoveries to improve our understanding of cell - the fundamental unit of multicellular organisms - and its relevance to human health and our 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 and Grading Policy

• Three 80-minute module exams (Prof. Liu, Peng, Cai) will count for 90% of the student grade. Each module exam will be administered using Canvas during normal class hours - so, bring your laptop computer to class for the module exam.   Arrangements may also be made with the Office of Disability Services to proctor and implement the exam in specific cases. 
• In addition to the scheduled module exams in class, each module will have 2 Canvas-based online quizzes that count for 10% of the final grade.  These will be completed outside of normal class hours. Details of the quizzes will be announced and posted ahead of time.  
• The final grade is the numeric average of the three modules (exams and quizzes). Letter grades distribution will be in accordance with Rutgers University guidelines.

Course Materials

• Recommended Text: ESSENTIAL CELL BIOLOGY, 6^th Edition (2023) Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Karen Hopkins, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Keith Roberts, and Peter Walter. WW Norton & Company. Ebook: $84.95, ISBN for bookstore:  978-1-324-03348-6.    
• The 5th Edition (ISBN 9780393680379; 2019) of the above text is fine (Note: free pdf available online for download).  
• Other resource materials may be supplemented by individual instructors as necessary.
• Lecture slides, audio recordings (as necessary & available), and primary research literature assigned by the instructors will be posted on Canvas course site.
• 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 Structure and Requirements

• The course consists of lectures by CBN faculty members organized into 3 modules.
• Each student is expected to review assigned textbook reading or videos prior to each class.
• Additional reading assignments, as necessary,  will be posted on Canvas.
• Questions during class are welcomed.  Class participation will not be graded.
• There will be two module exams scheduled during regular class periods and one during the final exam period. Each module will have 1-2 online quizzes.
• Students must complete all three module exams and the online quizzes for full credit.
• Students with disabilities requesting accommodations must follow the procedures outlined at https://ods.rutgers.edu/students/registering-for-services.Links to an external site.  Please email each professor ahead of time to make sure they are aware of your approved accommodations. 
• Full disability policies and procedures are at https://ods.rutgers.edu/ Links to an external site. 

Final Exam:  The third module exam will be held during the final exam period. The date and time will be announced and posted. 

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..

Teaching Faculty

     Prof. Alice Liu (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) - Module 1, Course coordinator

     Prof. Peng Jiang (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) - Module 2

     Prof. Qian Cai (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) - Module 3

Teaching Assistant:  Mr. Derek Cavallo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

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

• 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.

• These in-person courses constitute a 2-semester sequence intended for senior students majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience who wish to produce a research thesis in the fields of cell biology or neuroscience, but are not enrolled in the departmental Honors program. The course sequence involves research plus preparation of a written thesis draft (Fall semester), and research plus preparation of a final written thesis and an oral defense (Spring semester). The course sequence satisfies CBN Departmental Goals.
• Semester Offered: Fall, Spring
• Credits: 3+3
• Course URL: Canvas

Prerequisites

Research Thesis is CBN I (410): Research in CBN 01:146:307-308 (2 semesters, 6 credits). Other research experience may be acceptable as a substitute. Permission of the course coordinator and the research mentor are also required. The mentor must agree to sponsor the student and supervise the preparation of a written thesis and oral defense.

Research Thesis in CBN II (411): Research Thesis in CBN I  (Fall) 01:146:410

A 2.8 GPA is required.

Course Syllabus

Research Thesis in CBN I (410) Fall 2025 Syllabus

Research Thesis in CBN II (411) Spring 2025 Syllabus

Course URL

Canvas

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

Research activities, class participation and thesis will be graded according to rubrics (see course site in Canvas). The final grade will be determined by the course coordinator in consultation with the faculty mentor and the member of the thesis defense committee.

Course Coordinator:

Prof. Gabriella D’Arcangelo

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

• Semester Offered: Fall, Spring
• Credits: 3

Prerequisites

General Biology 119:115-116 

Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry and physics is important to success in this course.

Course Description

This course is an intensive and demanding survey of neurobiology, intended for students who plan to major in CBN. It is the prerequisite for upper-level undergraduate courses in neurobiology and is required for students majoring in Cell Biology & Neuroscience.

Other students with a strong background in the Biological Sciences may register for this course but are advised to take Essentials of Cell Biology & Neuroscience (01:146:295) instead. This course may be used to fulfill the elective requirements of the Biological Sciences major.

The primary focus of this course is on the mammalian nervous system. The first module introduces the basics of nerve cells and nervous systems. It covers electrical and chemical properties of nerve cells and applies physics and chemistry principles to explain the molecular basis of signal generation within and between nerve cells.

The second module surveys the neural systems, with an emphasis on sensory processing and motor control. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying sensory detection, transduction, transmission, and processing will be covered for hearing, vision, touch, pain, smell, taste and motor control.

The third module includes a brief introduction to neuroembryology, neural circuitry formation/pruning/maintenance, and higher cognitive processes such as language, emotions, addiction, and sleep/wake regulation. This module emphasizes molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying nervous system development and higher brain functions.

Course Syllabus

2025 Fall Syllabus

2025 Spring Syllabus 

Course Satisfies Departmental Learning Goal(s)

https://cbn.rutgers.edu/academics/undergraduate/learning-goals

1. Master factual and conceptual knowledge in cell biology and neuroscience that will provide a solid 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 neuroscience and its relevance to human health and to our society.

Course URL: 

The course makes use of Canvas, which is a password protected site that is used to post lecture notes, grades and supplementary information.

Course Format: 

In-person lectures (twice per week) and optional weekly Zoom Q&A sessions. See course syllabus for lecture and Zoom review session time.

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

80% of the final grade is based on the average of the three non-cumulative module examinations. Exams 1 and 2 are given during regular class periods. Exam 3 is given during the final exam period per Rutgers final exam schedule. All exams will be given online via Canvas in class (in-person).

20% of the final grade is based on scheduled weekly online quizzes that test your knowledge in preparation for the exam.

Course Materials

Optional recommended textbook for this course:
Neuroscience 7th edition; Purves et al, Sinauer Press
ISBN: 9780197616246

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

Dr. Shu Chan Hsu

D410 Nelson Labs

Busch Campus

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.