Cellular and Molecular Biology 3

This required course in the fourth semester (S4) allows students to consolidate and expand upon the fundamentals of molecular biology and cell biology they acquired in their first year (L1).

- Cell Biology: The course will cover four major topics: 1) The function of the cellular cytoskeleton, 2) Cell adhesion, 3) Protein trafficking, 4) An introduction to cell cycle regulation. Cell biology methodologies will also be presented: immunoprecipitation to detect protein interactions, fluorescence video microscopy to track the dynamics of cellular distribution, and assessment of the importance of proteins of interest in a cellular process using strategies to modulate their expression (RNA interference, overexpression).

- Molecular Biology: After gaining an understanding of the mechanisms of transcription and translation in Semester 3, we will explore the regulation of gene expression: transcriptional regulation (repressors, activators) and attenuation in prokaryotes, as well as the fundamentals of gene expression regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes.

- Knowledge:

Cell Biology:

-Understand and assimilate knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in the dynamic organization of the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, vesicular trafficking, and the cell cycle

-Understand the basic experimental approaches used in cell biology

Molecular Biology: Apply the knowledge gained in the previous semester to understand the main principles of gene expression regulation. Understand the experimental approaches used to study these mechanisms

-Expertise:

Cell Biology:

Be able to establish molecular and functional connections between the various chapters.

Be able to read and interpret results obtained through a variety of standard and non-standard experimental approaches used in cell biology.

Molecular Biology:

Be able to apply the knowledge acquired in previous semesters and during biochemistry lab sessions

Knowing how to interpret experimental results

-Interpersonal skills:

Understand the various concepts presented and use them to formulate hypotheses about how molecular and cellular processes work

Communicate with instructors and other students to carry out critical thinking exercises. Be able to formulate a hypothesis based on one’s knowledge (in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology) and on experimental results obtained through basic research methods.

Be able to answer questions and explain the reasoning behind your answer clearly and concisely.

Be able to summarize how a molecular mechanism works by creating a schematic diagram.

Molecular Biology 2 (HAV306V)