Biology 315 - Cell Death Mechanisms with Lab

How does the cell—life’s basic unit—die or resist dying? How can one know the secrets of the final stage? We will explore the molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry of this fascinating process, with a focus on methods for discovery. Topics will include distinct forms of cell death, from apoptosis and beyond, and their consequences (e.g., immunity, cancer, and neurodegeneration). Students will be invited to approach these topics through different subdisciplines and perspectives in the discussion of landmark research articles and the development of research proposals with clear rationale and experimental design. In the laboratory, students will engage in hands-on, semester-long research projects to identify and test hypotheses using modern molecular approaches and a mammalian cell culture model. Students will present their work in short talks and a poster session at the culmination of the course.

Requisite: BIOL-191 and at least one upper-level biology course with laboratory. Limited to 16 students. Spring semester. Professor Dovey.

How to handle overenrollment: In order to include perspectives from related disciplines, majors in BCBP and Neuroscience will be prioritized after in-major seniors and juniors.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: reading scientific literature, data analysis, experimental design, lab work, collaboration, critical thinking, writing