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Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MCBG)

Overview Of Course Content

In Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MCBG), students will attain knowledge about the fundamental molecular, cellular, and genetic processes common to all mammalian cells and the ability to use principles and concepts of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and histology to analyze medically relevant data, solve problems, make predictions, and determine a course of action. The course content will cover the following subjects:

Protein structure and function, including:

o        Amino acids, peptides, and polypeptides
o        The three-dimensional structure of proteins
o        Relationship between protein structure and
           function
o        Example of hemoglobin
o        Enzyme kinetics

Molecular biology, including:

o        Recombinant DNA technology
o        The organization and packaging of chromosomal DNA
o        Chromosomal DNA replication
o        DNA repair and recombination
o        RNA synthesis and processing
o        Protein synthesis
o        Regulation of gene transcription
o        Posttranscriptional gene regulation

Medical genetics, including:

o        Patterns of single gene inheritance
o        Genetic variation in individuals
o        Genetic variation in populations
o        Gene mapping and the human genome project
o        Principles of cytogenetics
o        Multifactorial inheritance
o        Molecular genetics of cancer
o        Special topics in Medical Genetics
     
Cell biology, including:

o        Membrane structure
o        Membrane transport
o        The electrical properties of membranes
o        Posttranslational protein transport
o        Cotranslational and vesicular protein transport
o        Golgi structure and function, endocytosis
          and lysosomes
o        Mechanisms of vesicular transport and targeting
o        Mitochondrial function
o        Mechanisms of cell signaling
o        Cell junctions, cell adhesion, and
          components of the extracellular matrix
o        Collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins
          and basal lamina
o        Cytoskeleton structure and function
o        The cell cycle
o        Mechanism of cell division

 Basic histology, including:

o        Light microscopy, staining and electron microscopy
o        Organelles
o        Cytoskeleton
o        Epithelia
o        Extracellular matrix and connective tissue
o        Bone and cartilage
o        Skin and oral cavity

Class Format 

Lectures:      
Reinforces the readings where students ask for clarification of content, expansion of information, and integration/relevance of reading material. 

Small Groups:  
Lectures will be followed by small group discussion/problem-solving sessions (SGPSS). These sessions provide an opportunity for students to integrate information into a personal conceptual framework and to use their knowledge in relationship to clinical problems. 

“Recap”:            
After small group sessions, students will return to the lecture hall for a “recap” session which provides a time for clarification of issues raised during the small group work and for validation and extension of student learning. 

Lab:
Six histology lab sessions are scheduled. These sessions will begin with a lecture, followed by lab work in assigned rooms. 

Q & A: 
Weekly Q&A Sessions are scheduled on Friday afternoons. These are informal sessions meant to provide an opportunity for individualized interactions with faculty who have lectured during that week. 

Textbooks  

 * indicates text is also required for multiple courses

Study Strategies And Time Commitment:

Course handouts for each day’s session consist of a list of Key Concepts and Learning Objectives for each day as well as copies of most slides used in lecture. On occasion, brief narratives of material inadequately covered in the text may be included, however this will be rare and students should expect to take notes in lecture and from their assigned readings, using the learning objectives as a guide. Students will be expected to demonstrate understanding of all Key Concepts at the level indicated by the Learning Objectives. Learning Objectives will be covered in one or more of the following: reading assignment or lecture/class discussion or small group work.

Good communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a lively curiosity, and preparation by reading and actively listening to lectures will assure that the goals of small group problem-solving are met, namely that a deeper understanding of concepts is achieved by using knowledge in a different context.  

Time needed to prepare for class, labs and tests will vary per student.  This course meets for approximately four (4) hours per day for the first eleven weeks of the semester.

                    
                                MCBG: Learning Plan - (6.55KB)