Advanced Cell Biology 2: Key Concepts

This course unit, offered in both lecture and tutorial formats, aims to build upon the concepts of cell biology covered in the second year in BCM2 and BCM3 through the study of physiological and pathological conditions, such as cancer.

These courses will introduce students to the importance of selecting a model system (cell lines or organisms for in vivo study, such as Drosophila, C. elegans, and zebrafish) that is suitable for addressing a specific research question and elucidating a molecular mechanism.

The lab sessions will provide students with hands-on experience with advanced concepts in cell biology, in conjunction with knowledge of the most commonly used methodologies in the field—such as flow cytometry, advanced fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy techniques, and proteomics—as well as familiarity with experimental models such as cultured cells and animal models, both genetically modified and non-genetically modified (C. elegans, zebrafish, transgenic mice, knockout (KO) and knock-in (KI) mice, etc.)

- Knowledge:

- Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of cell biology and molecular biology as they relate to normal and pathological physiological mechanisms

- understand the principles of advanced techniques used in cell biology and molecular biology

- Knowledge of experimental models (cell cultures, Drosophila, Xenopus, C. elegans, mice, zebrafish, etc.)

- Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in RNA interference approaches, the generation of cells from knockout mice, and the expression of dominant-negative or constitutively active mutants

- Basic knowledge of proteomics, photonic and electron microscopy, and their applications in cell biology.

- Expertise:

- be able to establish a link between the deregulation of a cellular mechanism and a pathological disorder

- Be able to apply all of one's knowledge of cell biology, physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics to answer questions about cellular mechanisms and functions.

- Know how to select the most appropriate cell biology technique to address a specific scientific question; propose solutions to improve an experimental procedure or suggest complementary, parallel approaches

- Interpersonal skills:

- work independently and in groups

- From molecules to cells (S1).

- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell (S2).

- Cellular and Molecular Biology (S3).

- Cell Biology and Molecular Biology (S4)

- This course provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamental concepts and techniques of cell biology and molecular biology and is essential for students pursuing the L3 Molecular and Cell Biology track.

-This course, which focuses on in-depth conceptual and technical study, may be of particular interest to students in the L3 Biochemistry track.