Courses Offered by the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology
The department offers lecture and laboratory courses. Following the list of course names is a brief description of each class, including any prerequisites, as well as links to syllabi. Click on the course name to go directly to its description. Click here for a printable list of courses.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CELL 101: General Biology. [3]
Taught by Drs. Thien and Vijayaraghavan. A study of phenomenology and fundamental concepts that apply to all living systems. Major topics include: cell biology, physiology, genetics, and development. Back to Top.
Syllabus, section 01 - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2008
Syllabus, section 02 - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2008
Syllabus, section 01 - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Spring 2008
Syllabus, section 02 - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Vijaraghavan, Summer 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Vijaraghavan, Spring 2007
CELL 103: Heredity and Society. [3]
Taught by Drs. Boudaba and Dotson. 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 106. Does not count toward the requirements for a major or minor in cell and molecular biology. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Spring 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Fall 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Lagniappe 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Spring 2006
CELL 106: Heredity and Society Laboratory. [1]
Taught by Dr. Boudaba. Prerequisite or co-requisite: 103. Laboratory and computer exercises to reinforce concepts discussed in CELL 103. Students will learn basic laboratory skills, including microscopy and techniques of molecular biology. Satisfies the college laboratory science requirement with completion of 103. Does not count toward the requirements for a major or minor in cell and molecular biology. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Spring 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Lagniappe 2006
CELL 205: Genetics. [3]
Taught by Drs. Dotson and Vijayaraghavan. Prerequisite: 101. 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus, section 01 - Dr. Dotson - Fall 2008
Syllabus, section 03 - Dr. Dotson - Fall 2008
Syllabus, section 01 - Dr. Vijaraghavan - Spring 2008
Syllabus, section 02 - Dr. Dotson - Spring 2008
CELL 211: 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Fall 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Lagniappe 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Spring 2006
CELL 222: Exploring Careers in Medicine. [1]
Taught by Dr. Grisbaum. Prerequisites: CELL 101 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Grisbaum, Fall 2006
CELL 301/701: Cell Biology. [3]
Taught by Drs. Burdsal and Dotson. Prerequisite: 311. 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus, 301 - Dr. Dotson, Fall 2008
Syllabus, 301/701 - Dr. Burdsal, Spring 2008
Syllabus, 301 - Dr. Dotson, Fall 2007
Syllabus, 301/701 - Dr. Burdsal, Spring 2007
Syllabus, 301 - Dr. Dotson, Fall 2006
Syllabus, 701 - Dr. Dotson, Fall 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Burdsal, Spring 2006
CELL 302/702: Cell Biology Laboratory. [1]
Taught by Dr. Dotson. Prerequisite or corequisite: 301. Laboratory experience in in vitro methodologies. Students will learn to maintain and manipulate mammalian cell cultures. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Spring 2007
CELL 311/711: Molecular Biology. [3]
Taught by Drs. Mullin and Thien. Prerequisite: 205, corequisite or prerequisite: CHEM 241 or equivalent. Introduction to theory, phenomenology, and applications of molecular biology. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, Fall 2008
Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, Spring 2008
Syllabus - Dr. Thien, Fall 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, Spring 2007
Syllabus, 311 - Dr. Mullin, Spring 2006
Syllabus, 711 - Dr. Mullin, Spring 2006
CELL 312/712: Molecular Biology Laboratory. [1]
Taught by Dr. Hopkins. Corequisite or prerequisite: 311. Laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Hopkins, Spring 2008
Syllabus - Dr. Hopkins, Fall 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Hopkins, Spring 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Hopkins, Lagniappe 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Hopkins, Spring 2006
CELL 321/621: Cellular Physiology. [3]
Staff. Prerequisite: 101. 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Belousov, Fall 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Belousov, Spring 2006
CELL 331/631: Cellular Neuroscience. [3]
Taught by Dr. Tasker. Prerequisite: 101. 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 331/631. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Tasker, Fall 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Tasker, Fall 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Tasker, Spring 2006
CELL 332/632: Systems Neuroscience. [3]
Taught by Dr. Schrader. Prerequisite: 331 or approval of instructor. 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 332/632. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Schrader, Spring 2008
Syllabus - Dr. Schrader, Spring 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Smith, Spring 2006
CELL 334/734: Neuroanatomy Laboratory. [1]
Staff. Corequisite or prerequisite: 332/632. 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 332/632), and is intended to prepare students for further study in the neurosciences. Same as NSCI 334/734. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Smith, Spring 2006
CELL 389: 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. Back to Top.
CELL 401/601: Cellular Biochemistry. [3]
Taught by Dr. Hopkins. Prerequisites: 101 and CHEM 242 or H246. Structure and function of biological molecules, energetics, metabolism, synthesis of macromolecules and assembly of structures. Back to Top.
Syllabus, 401 - Dr. Hopkins, Fall 2008
Syllabus, 401 - Dr. Hopkins, Spring 2008
Syllabus, 401 - Dr. Hopkins, Fall 2007
Syllabus, 401 - Dr. Hopkins, Spring 2007
Syllabus, 601 - Dr. Hopkins, Spring 2007
Syllabus, 401 - Dr. Hopkins, Fall 2006
Syllabus, 601 - Dr. Hopkins, Fall 2006
Syllabus, 401 - Dr. Hopkins, Lagniappe 2006
Syllabus, 601 - Dr. Hopkins, Lagniappe 2006
Syllabus, 401 - Dr. Hopkins, Spring 2006
Syllabus, 601 - Dr. Hopkins, Spring 2006
CELL 411/611: Cells and Tissues. [4]
Taught by Drs. Boudaba and Dotson. Prerequisite: 301 or approval of instructor. Descriptive study of mammalian microscopic anatomy in a physiological context. Lectures and laboratory. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Spring 2008
Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Spring 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Boudaba, Spring 2006
CELL 413/613: Embryology. [3]
Taught by Dr. Muneoka. Prerequisite: 301 or approval of instructor. Anatomical study of developmental processes in humans. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Han, Fall 2007
Please see http://www.tulane.edu/~embryo
Syllabus - Dr. Muneoka, Fall 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Muneoka, Spring 2006
CELL 416/616: Developmental Biology. [3]
Taught by Drs. Cserjesi and Chen. Prerequisite: 205 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Cserjesi, Fall 2008
Syllabus - Dr. Cserjesi, Fall 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Chen, Spring 2006
CELL 422/622: Microbiology. [3]
Taught by Dr. Mullin. Prerequisite: 301 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus, 422 - Dr. Mullin, Fall 2008
Syllabus, 422 - Dr. Mullin, Fall 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Freistadt, Spring 2007
Syllabus, 422 - Dr. Mullin, Spring 2006
Syllabus, 622 - Dr. Mullin, Spring 2006
Sylllabus, 422 - Dr. Mullin, Lagniappe 2006
CELL 423/723: Microbiology Laboratory. [1]
Taught by Dr. Hopkins. Corequisite or prerequisite: 422. Laboratory studies of microbial taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Hopkins, Fall 2006
CELL 425: Principles in Immunology
Taught by Dr. Dotson. Prerequisite: CELL 301. Capstone class. An introduction to the biology of the human immune system with review of relevant research literature. Back to top.
Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Spring 2010
CELL 426: Principles of Biomedical Writing
Taught by Dr. Hopkins. Prerequisites: CELL 301 or 311 0r 401. 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. Back to top.
Syllabus - Dr Hopkins, Fall 2009
CELL 431: Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory. [1]
Taught by Dr. Cronin. Corequisite or prerequisite: 331. Back to Top.
CELL 434/634: Neurobiology of Disease. [3]
Taught by Dr. Cronin. Prerequisite: 331. 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 434/634. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Spring 2008
Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Spring 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Belousov, Spring 2006
CELL 435/635: Developmental Neurobiology. [3]
Taught by Dr. Inglis. Prerequisite: 311 or 331 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 435/635. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Inglis, Spring 2008
Syllabus - Dr. Inglis, Spring 2007
CELL 437/637: Molecular Neurobiology. [3]
Taught by Drs. Inglis and Hall. Prerequisite: 311 or 331 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 437/637. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Inglis, Fall 2007
CELL 444/644: Advanced Molecular Biology. [3]
Taught by Drs. Cserjesi and Thien. Prerequisite: 311 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Thien, Spring 2007
CELL 456,457: 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. Back to Top.
CELL 466: Special Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology. [1-3]
Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty. For description, consult department. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Parrish, Fall 2008
CELL 471/671: Molecular Biology of Cancer. [3]
Taught by Dr. Burdsal. Prerequisite: 301. The complex multistep process which transforms a normal cell into a cancer cell, carcinogenesis, will be examined with emphasis on current molecular insights. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Burdsal, Fall 2008
Syllabus - Dr. Burdsal, Fall 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Burdsal, Fall 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Burdsal, Spring 2006
CELL 478/678: Developmental Genetics. [3]
Taught by Dr. Cserjesi. Prerequisite: 416, 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Cserjesi, Spring 2007
CELL 488: Writing Practicum. [1]
Corequisite: three-credit departmental course. Prerequisite: successful completion of the First-Year Writing Requirement. Fulfills the college intensive-writing requirement. Back to Top.
CELL H491, H492: Independent Studies. [1-3,1-3]
Laboratory or library research under direction of a faculty member. Back to Top.
CELL 495, 496: 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. Back to Top.
CELL H499, H500: Honors Thesis. [3,4]
For juniors and seniors with approval of the department and the Honors Committee. Students who complete H499 and H500 with the preparation of a senior thesis may be recommended to the college for the award of degree with departmental honors. Back to Top.
CELL 600: Biomedical Ethics. [3]
Staff. Prerequisite: CELL 101 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Bennett, Spring 2005
CELL 608: Advanced Developmental and Cell Biology II. [3]
Taught by Drs. Burdsal, Inglis, and Muneoka. Prerequisite: approval of instructor. Lectures, readings, and discussion of the literature in the fields of cellular, developmental, and molecular biology. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Cserjesi, Spring 2008
CELL 636: Topics in Neurophysiology. [2]
Taught by Dr. Tasker. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. Graduate students and upper level undergraduate students in the Neurobiology Divison of the Cell and Molecular Biology Department present research projects/progress to the group. Class meets once a week for two hours. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Tasker, Spring 2005
CELL 649: Gross Anatomy. [4]
Taught by Dr. Grisbaum. 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Grisbaum, Lagniappe 2006
CELL 655: Synaptic Organization of the Brain. [3]
Taught by Dr. Tasker. Prerequisite: 331 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. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Tasker, Spring 2004
CELL 663: Cellular Neurophysiology. [3]
Staff. Prerequisite: CELL 331 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 663. Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Smith, Fall 2004
CELL 684: Current Topics in Developmental Biology. [2]
Taught by Drs. Burdsal, Inglis, and Muneoka. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. Reports and discussions of current literature on developmental processes. Back to Top.
CELL 786, 787: Seminars in Cell and Molecular Biology. [3 (Masters students) or 1 (Ph.D. students)]
Taught by Drs. Tasker (Ph.D.) and Grisbaum (Masters). Back to Top.
Syllabus - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2007
Schedule - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2007
Syllabus - Dr. Grisbaum, Fall 2006
Schedule - Dr. Grisbaum, Fall 2006
Syllabus - Dr. Grisbaum - Lagniappe 2006 (listed as CELL 666-03)
Syllabus, Grading - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2006
Schedule - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2006
CELL 799, 800: Service Learning / Research. [3]
Taught by Dr. Grisbaum. Back to Top.
Syllabus, Service Learning - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2007
Syllabus, Service Learning, Optometry/Dentistry - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2007
Schedule - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2007
Syllabus, Research - Dr. Burdsal, Fall 2006
Syllabus, Service Learning, Premed - Dr. Grisbaum, Fall 2006
Syllabus, Service Learning, Optometry/Dentistry - Dr. Grisbaum, Fall 2006
Schedule - Dr. Grisbaum, Fall 2006
Syllabus, Service Learning - Dr. Grisbaum, Lagniappe 2006 (listed as CELL 666-04)
Syllabus, Service Learning - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2006
Syllabus, Research - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2006
Schedule - Dr. Grisbaum, Spring 2006
Cell and Molecular Biology, 2000 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA 70118 504-865-5546 cmb@tulane.edu