BIOL 211S - Cell Structure and Function at St. Andrews

Credits: 6

Prerequisites: An average grade of at least 3.0 in BIOL 111 and 113, a 3.000 cumulative GPA, and permission of the Department of Biology. This is an introductory module covering general aspects of animal cell structure and associated physiology. The module starts with a general overview of the regulation of the cell cycle, the roles of protein complexes essential to cell shape and adhesion and the homeostatic role of ion pumps, transporters and channels in the maintenance of solute compositions in both the intra- and extra-cellular fluid compartments. The module continues with detailed structure-function relationships within cells from three major tissues i) nerve cells and the mechanisms of generation and propagation of the action potential, ii) skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle cells and mechanisms controlling contraction and finally iii) blood cells and O2 transport, immune response, coagulation and cell signaling pathways. No more than four credits may be counted toward the major in biology. Taught at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland with final grade assigned by W&L biology faculty. Laboratory course. Staff. Planned Offering: Fall