Course Descriptions

CELL 1010: General Biology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Vijayaraghavan. A study of phenomenology and fundamental concepts that apply to all living systems. Major topics include: cell biology, physiology, genetics, and development.

Syllabus, section 01 - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2012
Syllabus, section 01 - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2011
Syllabus, section 02 - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2011

CELL 1030: Heredity and Society. [3]

Taught by Drs. Boudaba and Han. The nature, scope, and implication of recent accomplishments in genetics. A consideration of human birth defects, hereditary diseases, and the potential of the human species to manipulate its own genes. Satisfies the college non-laboratory science requirement. Satisfies the college laboratory science requirement with completion of 1060. Does not count toward the requirements for a major or minor in cell and molecular biology.

Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Spring 2010

CELL 1035: Heredity and Society Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Cronin. Prerequisite or co-requisite: 1030. Laboratory and computer exercises to reinforce concepts discussed in CELL 1030. Students will learn basic laboratory skills, including microscopy and techniques of molecular biology. Satisfies the college laboratory science requirement with completion of 1030. Does not count toward the requirements for a major or minor in cell and molecular biology.

Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Spring 2007

CELL 1890: Service Learning.

Taught by Dr. Vijayaraghavan. Students who select the Service Learning option will participate in a project centered on a topic in the aspects of general biology, especially related to marine and/or environmental studies, and will be selected by student(s) in consultation with the instructor and community partner.

Syllabus - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2012
Syllabus - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2011

CELL 2050: Genetics. [3]

Taught by Drs. Dotson and Vijayaraghavan. Prerequisite: 1010. The principles of genetic analysis and the nature of genes. Discussion of the chromosomal and molecular mechanism of replication, mutation, expression, and transmission of heritable characteristics.

Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Fall 2011
Syllabus, section 01 - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Spring 2010

CELL 2115: General Biology Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Boudaba. Prerequisite: CELL 1010, CHEM 1080. Laboratory exercises emphasizing concepts in cell, molecular, and developmental biology. Designed for majors in the biological sciences.

Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Fall 2011
Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Spring 2010

CELL 2220: Exploring Careers in Medicine. [1]

Prerequisites: CELL 1010 and approval of instructor. This course will examine different careers in medicine, the distribution of hours spent in practice each week, and some of the disease processes and treatments seen by physicians. It will be taught from a practical, clinical point of view and is intended to help students identify their areas of interest in medicine or medical research. Does not count toward the requirements for a major or minor in cell and molecular biology. Must be taken S/U.

CELL 3030/6030: Molecular Biology. [3]

Taught by Drs. Mullin and Thien. Prerequisite: 2050, corequisite or prerequisite: CHEM 2410 or equivalent. Introduction to theory, phenomenology, and applications of molecular biology.

Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, Spring 2010
Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, Fall 2008

Click Here for Course Description Topics »

CELL 3035/6035: Molecular Biology Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Hopkins. Corequisite or prerequisite: 3030. Laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques.

Syllabus - Dr. Hopkins, Fall 2011

Syllabus - Dr. Hopkins, Spring 2008
Syllabus - Dr. Hopkins, Fall 2007

CELL 3050/6050: Foundations of Pharmacology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Inglis. Covers the mechanisms by which drugs act in the body. Specific topics include basic pharmacokinetics, drug-receptor interactions, drug resistance, tolerance, toxicity, and drug interactions.

Syllabus - Dr. Parrish, Fall 2011
Syllabus - Dr. Parrish, Fall 2008

CELL 3210/6210: Cellular Physiology. [3]

Staff. Prerequisite: 1010. A survey of vertebrate anatomy and physiology emphasizing the cellular and molecular basis of organ function. This course emphasizes modern experimental approaches for exploring physiological function of a variety of organ systems.

Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2012

CELL 3310/6310: Cellular Neuroscience. [3]

Taught by Dr. Tasker. Prerequisite: 1010. In-depth coverage of the basic principles of cellular neuroscience, including the biophysical basis of the membrane potential, action potential generation and propagation, and synaptic signaling. Students will be introduced to the synaptic organization of higher neural systems, such as the visual system and somatic sensory system. Same as NSCI 3310/6310.

Syllabus - Dr. Tasker, Fall 2012
Syllabus - Dr. Tasker, Fall 2011

CELL 3315: Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Cronin. Corequisite or prerequisite: 3310.

Syllabus - Dr Schrader, Spring 2010
Syllabus - Dr. Schrader, Spring 2008

CELL 3320/6320: Systems Neuroscience. [3]

Taught by Dr. Schrader. The subject of this course is the human nervous system, its anatomy, connectivity and function. Discusses the normal structure of the nervous system and the relationship of that structure to physiological function. The course is taught from a practical, clinical point of view and is intended to prepare students for further study in the neurosciences. Same as NSCI 3320/6320.

CELL 3325/6325: Neuroanatomy Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Nahar. Corequisite or prerequisite: 3320/6320. The subject of this course is the anatomy of the human nervous system. Students will learn to identify and map the structure and position of nuclei, pathways, and anatomical divisions of the brain and spinal cord. The course is a practical correlate to Systems Neuroscience (CELL 3320/6320), and is intended to prepare students for further study in the neurosciences. Same as NSCI 3340/7340.

CELL 3400/6400: The Biology of Regeneration. [3]

Taught by Dr. Manjong Han. Prerequisite: CELL 3750. This course encompasses the mechanisms of natural regeneration that occurs in both invertebrates and vertebrates and little bit about the application to the development of therapies to restore tissues and organs damaged by injury or disease. This course focuses mainly on the vertebrate regeneration and the primary objective of this course is to introduce students to regeneration mechanism in tissue, cellular and molecular level.
 

Syllabus - Dr. Han, Fall 2012
Syllabus - Dr. Han, Fall 2013

CELL 3560/CELL6560: Fundamentals of Pathophysiology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Parrish. Prerequisites: CELL 2050 & CHEM 2420 or CHEM 2460.

CELL 3750/6750: Cell Biology. [3]

Taught by Drs. Dotson and Jones. Prerequisite: CELL 3030. An examination of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Emphasis is placed on mechanisms of intracellular and transmembrane transport, cellular control, and intercellular and intracellular signaling. Experimental methods and applications will be discussed.

Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Fall 2011
Syllabus, 301 - Dr. Dotson, Fall 2008

CELL 3755/6755: Cell Biology Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Dotson. Prerequisite or corequisite: 3010. Laboratory experience in in vitro methodologies. Students will learn to maintain and manipulate mammalian cell cultures. 

Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Spring 2007

CELL 3891: Service Learning. [1]

Prerequisite: Departmental approval. Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit corequisite course.

CELL 4010/6010: Cellular Biochemistry. [3]

Taught by Dr. Hopkins. Prerequisites: 2050 and CHEM 2420 or H2460. Structure and function of biological molecules, energetics, metabolism, synthesis of macromolecules and assembly of structures.

Syllabus, 401 - Dr. Hopkins, Spring 2011
Syllabus, 401 - Dr. Hopkins, Fall 2008

CELL 4110/6110: Cells and Tissues. [4]

Taught by Drs. Boudaba and Dotson. Prerequisite: 3750 or approval of instructor. Descriptive study of mammalian microscopic anatomy in a physiological context. Lectures and laboratory. 

Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Fall 2011
Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Spring 2008

CELL 4111/6111: Cells and Tissues Lab. [4]

Taught by Dr. Boudaba. Pre- or Co-requisite: CELL 4110/6110

CELL 4130/6130: Embryology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Muneoka. Prerequisite: CELL 3750 or approval of instructor. Anatomical study of developmental processes in humans.

Syllabus - Dr. Muneoka, Spring 2011
Syllabus - Dr. Muneoka, Spring 2010
Please see http://www.tulane.edu/~embryo

CELL 4160/6160: Developmental Biology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Chen. Prerequisite: 2050 or approval of instructor. The origin and development of form and patterns in organisms. Recent investigations and research methodology on the processes of growth and differentiation are stressed. 

Syllabus - Dr. Chen, Fall 2011
Syllabus - Dr. Chen, Fall 2012

CELL 4200/6200: General Endocrinology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Vasudevan. Prerequisite is CELL 3030 or 3750 or instructor approval. This course deals with the basics of hormone action.   It will look at hormone interactions with their receptors, with particular emphasis on molecular aspects of homeostasis.  Hypothalamo-pituitiary-end organ axis will be discussed in detail.  Every topic will attempt to include a discussion on pathological outcomes of aberrant hormone action. (Same as NSCI 4200/6200)

Syllabus - Dr. Vasudevan, Spring 2011 

CELL 4220/6220: Microbiology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Mullin. Prerequisite: 3750 or approval of instructor. Taxonomy, physiology, genetics, and ecology of microorganisms. This course will cover the role of microbes in medicine and industry, and as model systems for research.

Syllabus, 422 - Dr. Mullin, Fall 2008

Click Here for Course Description Topics »

CELL 4225/6225: Microbiology Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Hopkins. Corequisite or prerequisite: 4220. Laboratory studies of microbial taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics.

CELL 4240: Seminar on Morbidity and Mortality. [3]

Taught by Dr. Mullin.

Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, TBA

CELL 4250: Principles in Immunology

Taught by Dr. Dotson. Prerequisite: CELL 3750. Capstone class. An introduction to the biology of the human immune system with review of relevant research literature.

Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Spring 2010

CELL 4260: Principles of Biomedical Writing

Taught by Dr. Hopkins. Pre- or Co-requisites: CELL 3030 CELL 3750 & CELL 4010. Capstone class. An examination of various types of scientific literature, scientific writing and presentation. Exploration of scientific databases such as PubMed. Emphasis on critical reading of scientific literature and writing in a scientific style.

Syllabus - Dr Hopkins, Fall 2010
Syllabus - Dr Hopkins, Fall 2009

CELL 4340/6340: Neurobiology of Disease. [3]

Taught by Dr. Cronin. Prerequisite: 3310. Advanced course on the higher neural functions of the nervous system and neurological diseases resulting from disruption of these functions. An emphasis is placed on the physiology of the nervous system and neural dysfunction caused by inherited and acquired diseases. Topics range from motor control and neuromuscular diseases to high cognitive function and dementia. Same as NSCI 4340/6340.

Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Spring 2012

CELL 4350/6350: Developmental Neurobiology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Inglis. Prerequisite: CELL 3750 or CELL 3030 or CELL/NSCI 3310 or CELL/NSCI 6310 or approval of instructor. A broad overview of the different stages of neural development. Examination of the molecular aspects of developmental neurobiology, with reference to some important signaling pathways involved in neural growth and specification. Particular attention will be given to those active research fields, such as growth cone guidance and collapse, activity dependent development, and applications of these to injury and disease. Same as NSCI 4350/6350.

Syllabus - Dr. Inglis, Spring 2011
Syllabus - Dr. Inglis, Spring 2010

CELL 4370/6370: Molecular Neurobiology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Hall. Prerequisite: CELL 3030 or CELL 3310 or approval of instructor. Introduction to the molecular biology of neurons and neuronal function. Topics of study will include: the molecular composition of nerve cells, and how this provides a basis for their functional properties; their synaptic connectivity; how they receive, transmit and retain information at a molecular level. Studies will focus on current research in the field of molecular neurobiology. Same as NSCI 4370/6370.

Syllabus - Dr. Hall, Fall 2012
Syllabus - Dr. Hall, Fall 2011

CELL 4440/6440: Advanced Molecular Biology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Thien. Prerequisite: 3030 or approval of instructor. Current topics in molecular biology with emphasis on higher-order chromatin structure and transcription, mutability, and DNA repair mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Other topics include: Nuclear hormone receptors, HOX gene activation in development, RNAi, and genome organization.

Syllabus - Dr. Thien, Spring 2010
Syllabus - Dr. Thien, Spring 2007

CELL 4500/6500: Advanced Molecular Neurobiology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Hall. Pre-requisite: CELL/NSCI 4370 or CELL/NSCI 6370. This course provides detailed description and in-depth discussion of current techniques and experimental topics in the field of molecular neurobiology. (Same as NSCI 4500 and NSCI 6500).

CELL 4560,4570: Internship Studies. [1-3,1-3]

An experiential learning process coupled with pertinent academic course work. Details of the internship experience and the academic course work are to be arranged and described on an Internship Prospectus within one week of the end of the add period. A synopsis of the internship (including both the academic and experimental components) is to be completed, approved by the supervising professor and the appropriate departmental chair, and filed with the Office of the Dean prior to the end of the final examination period. Open only to juniors and seniors in good standing. Registration is completed in the academic department sponsoring the internship. Note: a maximum of three credits may be earned in one or two courses. Only one internship may be completed per semester.

CELL 4660/6660: Special Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology. [1-3]

Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty. For description, consult department.

Syllabus - Dr. Inglis, Fall 2010 CELL 4660 Special Topics: Honors Colloquium
Syllabus - Dr. Vasudevan, Spring 2010

CELL 4710/6710: Molecular Biology of Cancer. [3]

Taught by Dr. Jones. Prerequisite: CELL 3750. The complex multistep process which transforms a normal cell into a cancer cell, carcinogenesis, will be examined with emphasis on current molecular insights.

Syllabus - Dr. Jones, Fall 2012
Syllabus - Dr. Jones, Fall 2011
Syllabus - Dr. Burdsal, Fall 2008

CELL 4780/6780: Developmental Genetics. [3]

Staff. Prerequisite: 4160, or approval of instructor. This course examines the genetic pathways regulating development and the underlying molecular mechanisms by which these pathways are regulated. The goal of the course is to expose students to topics and techniques of shaping the field of developmental biology.

Syllabus - Dr. Cserjesi, Spring 2007

CELL 4880: Writing Practicum. [1]

Corequisite: three-credit departmental course. Prerequisite: successful completion of the First-Year Writing Requirement. Fulfills the college intensive-writing requirement.

CELL 4890/6890: Service Learning. [1]

Pre-requisite: Departmental approval. Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit corequisite course.

CELL H4910, H4920: Independent Studies. [1-3,1-3]

Laboratory or library research under direction of a faculty member.

CELL 4950, 4960: Special Projects in Cell and Molecular Biology. [1-3,1-3]

Individual studies in a selected field. Open to qualified students with approval of instructor and advisor.

CELL H4990, H5000: Honors Thesis. [3,4]

For juniors and seniors with approval of the department and the Honors Committee. Students who complete H4990 and H5000 with the preparation of a senior thesis may be recommended to the college for the award of degree with departmental honors.

CELL 6000: Biomedical Ethics. [3]

Staff. Prerequisite: CELL 1010 CELL 2050 & CELL 3030 or approval of instructor. An interdisciplinary course that examines the moral principles which apply to biology and medicine. Ethical principles will be analyzed in relation to such topics as informed consent, abortion, death and dying, allocation of scarce resources, personhood, AIDS, risk, human experimentation, and public policy. Case studies and class discussion will complement lectures and video presentations.

CELL 6070: Neurobiology of Aging

Taught by Dr. James Cronin. This course will survey the current literature in clinical and research journals regarding the Neurobiology of the aging process. Emphasis is placed on the state of research in aging, looking at experimental design issues as well as published results. Connections will be drawn between the research literature and current clinical practice, as well as what the research literature says regarding aging and lifestyle. (Same as NSCI 6070).

Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2012

CELL 6080: Advanced Developmental and Cell Biology II. [3]

Taught by Dr. Wang. Prerequisite: approval of instructor. Lectures, readings, and discussion of the literature in the fields of cellular, developmental, and molecular biology.

Syllabus - Dr. Jones, Spring 2010

CELL 6131: Embryology Lab. [3]

Taught by Dr. Han.

CELL 6150: Methods in Neuroscience. [3]

Taught by Dr. Vasudevan. This course exposes students to contemporary theories and techniques used by Tulane neuroscientists in their own research programs. Students will gain knowledge of techniques used to study the nervous system from all levels of inquiry ranging from the study of molecules and cells to animal behavior and recording of human brain activity. This will allow students to design experiments as well as understand experimental techniques in any scientific publication.

Syllabus - Dr. Vasudevan, Fall 2011

CELL 6155: Methods in Neuroscience Lab. [1]

Taught by Dr. Vasudevan. This course exposes students to contemporary theories and techniques used by Tulane neuroscientists in their own research programs. Students will do experiments where they study cellular biology, animal behavior and electrophysiology. This course must be taken with the lecture course. This is not a standalone lab.

Syllabus - Dr. Vasudevan, Fall 2011

CELL 6360: Topics in Cellular Neuroscience. [2]

Taught by Dr. Cronin. Co-requisite: CELL/NSCI 6310. Journal club course intended as a supplement for Cellular Neuroscience in order to recieve graduate credit for Cellular Neuroscience. Meets once a week for one hour. Students prepare and give oral presentations on from topical papers from literature. Grade recieved contributes to final grade in Cellular Neuroscience. For Graduate students only.

Syllabus - Dr. Vasudevan, Fall 2012

CELL 6490: Anatomy. [4]

Taught by Dr. Parrish. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or approval of instructor. An exploration of the back, upper and lower extremities with an emphasis on bones, muscles, arteries, nerves, and veins in these regions of the human body.

Syllabus - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2010

CELL 6491: Anatomy Lab. [4]

Taught by Dr. Parrish. Pre- or Co-requisite: CELL 6490.

CELL 6550: Synaptic Organization of the Brain. [3]

Taught by Dr. Schrader. Prerequisite: 3310 or approval of instructor. This course is offered jointly by Tulane and LSU Medical School to provide an in-depth examination of the physiologic and anatomic organization of the major structures of the brain and spinal cord. It is team taught by members of both faculties, drawing from the research expertise of each program and each faculty member. The course will consist of two 1 1/2 hour lectures per week, each week being devoted to a different brain structure and taught by a different instructor. The organization of each structure, including the cellular physiology, the major synaptic inputs, the intrinsic synaptic organization, and the primary outputs, will be emphasized.

Syllabus - Dr. Schrader, Spring 2010

CELL 6630: Cellular Neurophysiology. [3]

Staff. Prerequisite: CELL 3310 or approval of instructor. Survey of current topics and techniques in the physiology of neurons and neuronal circuits, concentrating primarily on electrophysiological studies. Examples of topics covered in past classes are voltage-gated membrane currents, excitatory and inhibitory amino acid neurotransmission, long-term potentiation, and in-vitro models of epilepsy. The goal of the course is to allow students to gain insight into some of the topical issues in neuroscience while acquiring an understanding of modern methods in cellular neurophysiology. Same as NSCI 6630.

CELL 6840: Current Topics in Developmental Biology. [2]

Taught by Dr. Muneoka. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. Reports and discussions of current literature on developmental processes.

Syllabus - Dr. Chen, Spring 2010

CELL 7860, 7870, 7871: Seminars in Cell and Molecular Biology. [3 (Masters students) or 1 (Ph.D. students)]

Taught by Drs. Cronin, Muneoka, and Han.

Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2012
Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2011

CELL 7990, 8000: Service Learning / Research. [3]

Taught by Dr. Inglis.

Syllabus - Research component - Dr. Inglis, Fall 2011
Syllabus - Clinical component - Dr. Inglis, Fall 2011
Syllabus - Research component - Dr. Inglis, Spring 2010