Cell Biology provides a foundational understanding of the cell, exploring its structure, function, and characteristics as the fundamental unit of life. The course begins by defining the cell and understanding its core attributes: organized molecular systems, energy usage, motility, environmental sensing, duplication, and self-regulation. Students will then delve into cell theory, emphasizing that all living organisms are composed of cells, that cells are the functional units of life, and that cells arise from pre-existing cells. A crucial aspect of the course involves comparing and contrasting prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, highlighting the unique features of each. The course also deals with eukaryotic cell components and systems, including cell surface structures like the cell wall, plasma membrane, cilia, and flagella. The cytoplasm, with its cytosol and intricate endomembrane system, is thoroughly examined, exploring the roles of organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, vesicles, lysosomes, and peroxisomes.

Building upon this structural and functional understanding, the course explores the vital role of the cell membrane in maintaining cellular integrity. Students will learn about the membrane's multifaceted functions – boundary maintenance, transport regulation, cell-to-cell communication, and organelle formation. The course will then cover the membrane's composition, introduce the Fluid Mosaic Model, and illuminate the significance of lipid rafts in organizing cellular processes and influencing signal transduction.

Following this deep dive into cellular structure, the course shifts its focus to cellular processes, exploring enzymes and metabolism. Students will investigate how biological catalysts facilitate biochemical reactions essential for cellular life and delve into the principles of energy transformation and metabolic pathways, including catabolism and anabolism. A significant portion of the course will be dedicated to photosynthesis, the process by which plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, examining the light-dependent and light-independent reactions.

The course then explores the cell cycle, a fundamental process of cell growth and division, detailing its phases and regulatory mechanisms. Finally, the course addresses abnormalities in the cell cycle, focusing specifically on cancer. Students will explore the genetic and cellular basis of uncontrolled cell growth and division and discuss the mechanisms by which cancer cells evade normal regulatory controls.

Upon completion of this course, students will possess a holistic understanding of cellular structure, function, metabolism, and the implications of cellular dysfunction, including the development of cancer. They will be equipped with a comprehensive foundation in cell biology, allowing them to further explore advanced topics in biology, medicine, and related fields