Biology 208
Cell Biology
Fall 2012
Course Syllabus: Expectations, Readings, Assignments, Lab Syllabus
Words of Wisdom from Previous Students
Lectures 'on-line':
Sometimes a picture is truly worth 1000 words, especially when talking about
molecules that we can't see. To help our understanding some of your readings
refer to animations found online.
During some classes the animations and videos will be the
major 'notes' for that day. In other classes powerpoint outlines will be
used including appropriate text figures for later
reference Word of 'warning': The
Powerpoint files contain helpful images and the outline of
the information covered --they cannot replace being in class and taking notes.
They are questions and terms we will use to organize our discussion.
The discussion itself is where the crux of the content will be worked through.
Click on the Case Study Links below to access the index of these Powerpoint
resources. Efforts
will be made to have the ppt available by 7:45-8am (before class).
Powerpoint files will all be available on-line after class. Access to these files
is restricted to Davidson College Campus (you will have to sign in) to comply
with copywrite laws regarding images the slides contain.
See the class' Moodle page
Apoptosis animation: from Molecular Cell Biology, Lodish et al. 4th ed.
Fall 2012 Laboratory
Communication is very important to cell viability. Cells are doomed if they
cannot react to their environment, signal to other cells or coordinate the action
of internal organelles. The Cell biology lab is designed to explore facets of
extracellular (between cells) and intracellular (within a cell) signaling using
the mating reaction of yeast as a model system. The semester is divided into
3 major units during which you will discuss how scientists determine the quality
and 'fundability' of scientific research, characterize 'normal' yeast mating,
and design a research project that will characterize novel yeast strains containing
defects in the mating reaction. The final unit is part of an ongoing project
focused on elucidating the mechanisms of cell signaling, your data will be added
to that of past groups in order to extend our current understanding of my collection
of mating mutants.
Laboratory Manual
Download the lab manual sections: (Also available on Moodle)
| Characterizing the effect of signaling; Differential Gene Expression |
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<--Instructions--> |
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Test File:
All Reviews and the Final Exam are take-home exams. They are to be completed
without the aid of outside materials and returned by the day and time indicated
in the syllabus.
Please remember that the material and papers covered in each review will vary
between years. Old reviews should be used as general guidelines for the types
of questions that may be included.
Review #1: '00,'01
'02, '03, SPR'05, Fall'05 '06
Review #2:'00,'01
'02, '03
, SPR'05, '06
Cumulative final exam 'pre-questions'-- Pre-questions are made available the Monday after Thanksgiving break. A subset of
those questions will appear on the final exam. You may use any resources to prepare.
Get together in study groups. Use your text. Use your time wisely and make
sure you understand the material.
Final Exam --The final exam
has an atypical structure that is intended to help you reinforce course material
so that you will remember the concepts far beyond this semester, rather than
an info-purge on Dec 15th. The exam will be provided as two separate files:
a cumulative portion containing a subset of the prequestions you were provided (verbatim, no tricks) and a 'Third review' portion covering
Case Study 3. This is not an uber exam--the two parts, together, are as long in time required and number
of points as one of the other midsemester exams. Both parts of the final will
be emailed to you during optional days. Both parts must be completed without the use
of any prewritten or outside material. You may complete one part, turn it in,
and then study for and take the other part. Both parts must be turned in before
noon on the Monday of exam week.