Cell Biology

Courses

CBIO 501a and CBIO 502b, Molecules to Systems  Peter Takizawa

This full-year course (CBIO 501/CBIO 502) is designed to provide medical students with a current and comprehensive review of biologic structure and function at the cellular, tissue, and organ system levels. Areas covered include structure and organization of cells; regulation of the cell cycle and mitosis; protein biosynthesis and membrane targeting; cell motility and the cytoskeleton; signal transduction; cell adhesion; cell and tissue organization of organ systems. Clinical correlation sessions, which illustrate the contributions of cell biology to specific medical problems, are interspersed in the lecture schedule. Histophysiology laboratories provide practical experience with an understanding of exploring cell and tissue structure. The course is offered only to M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. students.
HTBA

CBIO 600a and CBIO 601b, Frontiers in Medicine  Fred Gorelick, Karin Finberg, Jonathan Bogan, and George Lister

A full-year graduate credit course (CBIO 600/CBIO 601) for first-year M.D./Ph.D. students and an elective course for M.D. students, emphasizing the connections between basic and clinical science, human physiology, and disease. It parallels the content of Yale School of Medicine’s first-year courses and is designed for students who are considering a career in medical research or who choose to explore scientific topics in depth, learn about cutting-edge research, and improve their presentation skills. Discussions cover the challenges faced in research, selecting a topic, and pursuing an academic career. Select topics are presented by eminent faculty who serve as excellent role models for students’ academic careers. In most sessions, two students review relevant manuscripts under the guidance of a faculty mentor and present the material to the group. Prior to the start of class, students are required to submit questions concerning techniques and concepts that may not be clear from the assigned papers. These questions are then addressed during the presentation. Student evaluations are graded on attendance, participation in group discussions, and formal presentations. The organizational meeting/introduction is August 23 at 4:30 pm (most sessions are in Hope 203 at YSM). Enrollment limited to students who have taken or are currently taking CBIO 501/CBIO 502.
Th 4:30pm-6pm

CBIO 602a / MB&B 602a / MCDB 602a, Molecular Cell Biology  Charles Lusk, Michael Caplan, Nadya Dimitrova, Thomas Pollard, James Rothman, Valerie Horsley, Thomas Melia, Megan King, Martin Schwartz, Christopher Burd, Josephina van Wolfswinkel, and David Breslow

A comprehensive introduction to the molecular and mechanistic aspects of cell biology for graduate students in all programs. Emphasizes fundamental issues of cellular organization, regulation, biogenesis, and function at the molecular level. Prerequisites: none, but some knowledge of basic cell biology and biochemistry is assumed. Students who have not taken courses in these areas can prepare by reading relevant sections in basic molecular cell biology texts. We recommend Pollard et al., Cell Biology (3rd ed., 2016), Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th ed., 2014), or Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology (8th edition, 2016).
MW 1:45pm-3pm

CBIO 603a / MCDB 603a, Seminar in Molecular Cell Biology  Charles Lusk, Michael Caplan, Nadya Dimitrova, Thomas Pollard, James Rothman, Valerie Horsley, Thomas Melia, Megan King, Martin Schwartz, Christopher Burd, and David Breslow

A graduate-level seminar in modern cell biology. The class is devoted to the reading and critical evaluation of classical and current papers. The topics are coordinated with the CBIO 602 lecture schedule. Thus, concurrent enrollment in CBIO 602 is required.
Th 9am-11am

CBIO 604b, Systems Cell Biology  Agnes Vignery

Introduction to the organization and function of cells within complex multicellular systems as encountered in the human body. Covers major tissues and organs as well as the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems, with special emphasis on the molecular and cellular bases of developmental processes and human diseases. Lectures supplemented by electronic-based tutorials on the histology of tissues and organs.
TTh 9:30am-10:30am

CBIO 606b, Advanced Topics in Cell Biology  Shawn Ferguson and Christopher Burd

This seminar course, which meets once weekly, covers advanced topics in cell biology. Each topic is spread over two or three sessions, which start with an introductory overview and are followed by a discussion of key papers led by an expert in the field.
T 4:15pm-6pm

CBIO 611b, Vascular Cell Biology  Martin Schwartz

This course introduces the structure and organ-level physiology of the vascular system, then covers in greater depth the development, regulation, mechanics, and pathology of blood vessels. The major focus is on cellular and molecular mechanisms. The course includes both lectures and reading and discussion of recent literature.
TTh 1:30pm-2:30pm

CBIO 655a / GENE 655a, Stem Cells: Biology and Application  In-Hyun Park

This course is designed for first-year or second-year students to learn the fundamentals of stem cell biology and to gain familiarity with current research in the field. The course is presented in a lecture and discussion format based on primary literature. Topics include stem cell concepts, methodologies for stem cell research, embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, cloning and stem cell reprogramming, and clinical applications of stem cell research. Prerequisites: undergraduate-level cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics.
Th 1:30pm-3pm

CBIO 701b, Illuminating Cellular Function  Derek Toomre and Joerg Bewersdorf

The focus of the course is on the technical treatment of light microscopy and its applications. The course provides biology and bioengineering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and undertake advanced light microscopy experiments. It covers conceptual elements of fluorescence microscopy imaging and analysis (without going too heavily into the theory and math); new advances in super-resolution modalities; biological applications; and hands-on practical work. Enrollment limited to fifteen.
MW 2pm-3:30pm

CBIO 900a / GENE 900a / MCDB 900a, Research Skills and Ethics I  Valerie Horsley

This course consists of a weekly seminar that covers ethics, writing, and research methods in cellular and molecular biology as well as student presentations (“rotation talks”) of work completed in the first and second laboratory rotations.
M 4pm-5:30pm

CBIO 901b / GENE 901b / MCDB 901b, Research Skills and Ethics II  Joerg Bewersdorf

This course consists of a weekly seminar that covers ethics, writing, and research methods in cellular and molecular biology as well as student presentations (“rotation talks”) of work completed in the third laboratory rotation.
Th 4pm-5:30pm

CBIO 911a / GENE 911a / MCDB 911a, First Laboratory Rotation  Valerie Horsley

First laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.
HTBA

CBIO 912a / GENE 912a / MCDB 912a, Second Laboratory Rotation  Valerie Horsley

Second laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.
HTBA

CBIO 913b / GENE 913b / MCDB 913b, Third Laboratory Rotation  Valerie Horsley

Third laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.
HTBA