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Credit: 1 course unit
Elective course
Catalog
description:
The goal of this course is to introduce students to quantitative
concepts in understanding and manipulating the behavior of biological
cells. We will try to understand the interplay between molecules in cells
and cell function. A particular focus is on receptors – cell
surface molecules that mediate cell responses. We will also try to
understand processes such as adhesion, motility, cytoskeleton, signal
transduction, differentiation, and gene regulation.
Prerequisites:
Math through 241; BE350, BE324 as pre- or corequisites; Molecular & cellular biology
Textbook(s) and/or
other required materials:
Required:
Lauffenberger and Linderman’s
Receptors (
Oxford,
1993). ISBN 0-19-506466-6.
Suggested references:
Alberts et al. Molecular
Biology of the Cell. 4th Edition. ISBN 0-8153-3218-1.
Howard, J. Mechanics and Motor Proteins and the Cytoskeleton. Sinauer Associates, Inc. (2001). ISBN 0-87893-334-4.
Magrab, et al. An engineer's guide to Matlab. Prentice Hall (2000). ISBN: 0-13-011335-2.
Course Objectives:
The goal of this course is to introduce engineering concepts in
understanding and manipulating the behavior of biological cells, focusing
on understanding the interplay between molecules in cells and cell
function. In particular, we will
explore the use of quantitative approaches to describe cellular
processes, as well as modern experimental approaches to characterize and
manipulate cells. In this context,
we will focus on several topics, including receptor biology, signal
transduction, adhesion, cytoskeleton, and genomics.
Topics Covered:
·
Receptors
·
Receptor
binding in solution
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Receptor
binding on a cell surface
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Trafficking
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Adhesion
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Signaling
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Motility and Cytoskeletal
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Growth and the cell cycle
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Differentiation
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Gene regulation and genomics
·
Immune system and therapies
·
Viruses
Class/Laboratory
schedule:
Lecture – 3 hr/week
Contribution
towards Professional Component:
100% Engineering science
Contribution
towards Program Outcomes:
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Multidisciplinary
Ability
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High
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Problem Solving
Approach
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Med.
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Problem Solving
Methods
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High
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Experimentation
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High
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Design
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Low
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Professional
Orientation
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Med.
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Person preparing
description and date:
Dan Hammer
July 2007
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