This course is designed for students in graduate level degree programs with an interest in developing a strong understanding of core concepts in cellular and molecular biology. It is assumed that students either have familiarity with undergraduate level biology topics, or can quickly catch up to keep pace with the course. We will primarily explore areas of cell and molecular biology ranging from protein synthesis to cell signaling to immunology. This fast-paced course will provide both an overview of foundational principles, as well as modern applications and developments through literature review. Students will be expected to engage deeply with the material, and will have the opportunity to develop scientific skills in critical thinking, reading, and communication, culminating in a final group presentation at the end of the semester. Upon completing the course, students should feel empowered to enroll in any advanced molecular and cellular-based biology course at Penn.

Cellular physiology of neurons and excitable cells; molecular neurobiology and development. Topics include: action potential generation; synaptic transmission; molecular and physiological studies of ion channels; second messengers; simple neural circuits; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory; and neural development.

This course will focus on the molecular mechanisms by which fundamental cellular processes are disrupted in the development of cancer.

Early development of microbiology, pathology, and immunobiology; molecular and cellular bases of immune phenomena including: immunity to pathogens, immune diseases, autoimmunity, and hypersensitivity. This course is open to students in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies only.

Intermediate level course covering principles of modern biochemistry. Topics include protein structure, protein purification and characterization, proteomics, enzyme kinetics and mechanisms, membrane structure and function, metabolism, and cellular energy transduction. Emphasis will be on biochemical problem solving, experimental design, and application of quantitative methods in a biological and clinical context. This course is open to students in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies only.

An intermediate level exploration of cell structure and function including membrane structure, intracellular organelles, membrane trafficking, surface receptors and signal transduction, the cytoskeleton, cell motility and communication, and the cell cycle. This course is open to students in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies only.