CMB Course Descriptions & Syllabi

The department offers lecture and laboratory courses.

CELL 1010: General Biology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Vijayaraghavan. A study of phenomenology and fundamental concepts that apply to all living systems. Major topics include: cell biology, physiology, genetics, and development.

Syllabus - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2023

CELL 1030: Heredity and Society. [3]

Taught by Dr. Han. 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 1035. Does not count toward the requirements for a major or minor in cell and molecular biology.

Syllabus - Dr. Han, Fall 2023

CELL 1035: Heredity and Society Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Han. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CELL 1030. Laboratory and computer exercises to reinforce concepts discussed in CELL 1030. Students will learn basic laboratory skills, including microscopy and techniques of molecular biology. Satisfies the college laboratory science requirement with completion of 1030. Does not count toward the requirements for a major or minor in cell and molecular biology.

Syllabus - Dr. Han, Fall 2023

CELL 1040: Forensic Biology. [3]

Taught by Dr. He.  Does not count toward the requirements for a major or minor in cell and molecular biology.

Syllabus - Dr. He, Fall 2018

CELL 1890: Service Learning.

Taught by Dr. Vijayaraghavan. Students who select the Service Learning option will participate in a project centered on a topic in the aspects of general biology, especially related to marine and/or environmental studies, and will be selected by student(s) in consultation with the instructor and community partner.

Syllabus - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2023

CELL 2050: Genetics. [3]

Taught by Drs. Dotson and Meadows. Prerequisite: CELL 1010. 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.

Syllabus - Dr. Meadows, Fall 2023

Syllabus 2050-01 - Dr. Meadows, Fall 2023

Syllabus, section 01 - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Spring 2023
Syllabus, 2050-2 Dr. Dotson, Fall 23

CELL 2115: General Biology Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Burr. Prerequisite: CELL 1010, CHEM 1080. Laboratory exercises emphasizing concepts in cell, molecular, and developmental biology. Designed for majors in the biological sciences. Prerequisites: CELL 1010 and CHEM 1080, Co/Prereq: CHEM 1085.  

Syllabus-Dr. Burr - Fall 23

CELL 2220: Careers in Cell and Molecular Biology. [1]

 Taught by staff. Prerequisites: Open to all students.  Designed to introduce students to the many opportunities afforded them by a degree in cell and molecular biology. Students will be exposed to various facets of different career paths by established professionals in those fields. Students will have the opportunity to network and receive retrospective advice from a range of professionals.

Syllabus - Dr. Earls, Spring 2017

CELL 3030/6030: Molecular Biology. [3]

Taught by Drs. Wang and Mullin. Prerequisite: CELL 2050, corequisite or prerequisite: CHEM 2410 or equivalent. Introduction to theory, phenomenology, and applications of molecular biology.

Syllabus - Dr. Wang, Fall 2016
Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, CELL 3030, Spring 2015
Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, CELL 6030, Spring 2015

Syllabus 3030 - Dr. Dotson, Fall 23

Syllabus 6030 - Dr. Dotson, Fall 23

CELL 3035/6035: Molecular Biology Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Abboud. Prerequisite: CELL 2115. Corequisite: CELL 3030. Laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques.

Syllabus - Dr. Abboud, Fall 23

CELL 3050/6050: Foundations of Pharmacology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Dotson. Prerequisite: CELL 1010 and CHEM 2420. Covers the mechanisms by which drugs act in the body. Specific topics include basic pharmacokinetics, drug-receptor interactions, drug resistance, tolerance, toxicity, and drug interactions.

Syllabus 3050 - Dr. Dotson, Fall 23

Syllabus 6050 - Dr. Dotson, Fall 23

CELL 3210/6210: Physiology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Cronin.  Prerequisite: CELL 1010. 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.

Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2023

CELL 3230/6230: Virology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Burr.  Prerequisites: CELL 2050 or EBIO 2070.  This course will cover the structural and reproductive cycles for the major classes of viruses.  The student will gain an understanding of the structural and genetic factors involved in the virus-host cell interaction and learn about the techniques used to study viruses.  The student will identify new viruses, solve viral case studies, hypothesize how specific features of viruses evolved and propose experiments to study the virus life cycle.
 

Syllabus - Dr. Burr, Fall 23

CELL 3310/6310: Cellular Neuroscience. [3]

Taught by Dr. Fuchich. Prerequisite: CELL 1010. 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 3310/6310.

Syllabus - Dr. Fuchich, Fall 23

Syllabus - Dr. Tasker, Fall 23

CELL 3315: Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Clark. Corequisite or prerequisite: CELL 3310.

Syllabus - Dr. Clark, Fall 2016
Syllabus - Dr. Clark, Spring 2015

CELL 3320/6320: Systems Neuroscience. [3]

Taught by Drs. Galazo,and  Dr. Clark . 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 3320/6320.

Syllabus - Dr. Galazo, Fall 2023

Syllabus - Dr. Clark, Fall 2023

CELL 3325/6325: Neuroanatomy Laboratory. [1]

Corequisite or prerequisite: CELL 3320/6320. 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 3320/6320), and is intended to prepare students for further study in the neurosciences. Same as NSCI 3340/7340.

CELL 3400/6400: Regenerative Biology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Han. Prerequisite: CELL 3750. This course encompasses the mechanisms of natural regeneration that occurs in both invertebrates and vertebrates and little bit about the application to the development of therapies to restore tissues and organs damaged by injury or disease. This course focuses mainly on the vertebrate regeneration and the primary objective of this course is to introduce students to regeneration mechanism in tissue, cellular and molecular level.

Syllabus - Dr. Han, Fall 2023

CELL 3560/CELL6560: Pathophysiology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Cronin. Prerequisites: CELL 3210 or SCEN 3030 & SCEN 3040.

Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2023

CELL 3750/6750: Cell Biology. [3]

Taught by Drs. Dotson and Fang. Prerequisite: CELL 3030. 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.

Syllabus - Dr. Fang 2023
Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Fall 2014

CELL 3755/6755: Cell Biology Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Abboud. Prerequisite: CELL 2115.  Corequisite: CELL 3030. Laboratory experience in in vitro methodologies. Students will learn to maintain and manipulate mammalian cell cultures.

Syllabus - Dr. Abboud, Fall 23

CELL 3891: 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.

CELL 4010/6010: Cellular Biochemistry. [3]

Taught by Drs. Abboud and He. Prerequisites: CELL 2050 and CHEM 2420 or H2460. Structure and function of biological molecules, energetics, metabolism, synthesis of macromolecules and assembly of structures.

Syllabus - Dr. Abboud, Fall 23

Syllabus-Dr. He, Fall 23

CELL 4110/6110: Human Histology. [4]

Taught by Ms. Garner. Prerequisite: CELL 1010 or approval of instructor. Descriptive study of mammalian microscopic anatomy in a physiological context. Lectures and laboratory. 

Syllabus - Ms. Garner, Spring 2018

CELL 4111/6111: Human Histology Lab. [0]

Taught by Ms. Garner. Pre- or Co-requisite: CELL 4110/6110

CELL 4130/6130: Embryology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Han. Prerequisite: CELL 3750 or approval of instructor. Anatomical study of developmental processes in humans.

Syllabus - Dr. Han, Fall 2023

Please see http://www.tulane.edu/~embryo

CELL 4160/6160: Developmental Biology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Chen. Prerequisite: CELL 2050 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.

Syllabus - Dr. Chen, Fall 23

CELL 4180/6180: Animal Models in Biomedical Research. [3]

Taught by Dr. Stryder Meadows. Prerequisite: CELL 3750 or CELL 4010. Spring 2018

Syllabus - Dr. Meadows,  Spring 2018

CELL 4200/6200: General Endocrinology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Clark. Prerequisite is CELL 3030 or 3750 or instructor approval. This course deals with the basics of hormone action.   It will look at hormone interactions with their receptors, with particular emphasis on molecular aspects of homeostasis.  Hypothalamo-pituitiary-end organ axis will be discussed in detail.  Every topic will attempt to include a discussion on pathological outcomes of aberrant hormone action. (Same as NSCI 4200/6200)

Syllabus - Dr. Clark, Fall 23

CELL 4220/6220: Microbiology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Mullin. Prerequisite: CELL 3750 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.

Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, CELL 4220, Fall 2014
Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, CELL 6220, Fall 2014

View Course Description Topics

CELL 4225/6225: Microbiology Laboratory. [1]

Taught by Dr. Burr. Corequisite or prerequisite: CELL 4220. Laboratory studies of microbial taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. Prerequisites: CELL 2115 and CELL 4220.

Syllabus - Dr. Abboud, Fall 2016

CELL 4240: Seminar on Morbidity and Mortality. [3]

Taught by Dr. Mullin.

Syllabus - Dr. Mullin, TBA

CELL 4250: Principles in Immunology

Taught by Dr. Dotson. Prerequisite: CELL 3750. Capstone class. An introduction to the biology of the human immune system with review of relevant research literature.

Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Spring 2015

CELL 4340/6340: Neurobiology of Disease. [3]

Taught by Dr. Fuchich. Prerequisite: CELL 3310. 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 4340/6340.

Syllabus - Dr. Fuchich, Fall 23

CELL 4350/6350: Developmental Neurobiology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Clark. Prerequisite: CELL 3750 or CELL 3030 or CELL/NSCI 3310 or CELL/NSCI 6310 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 4350/6350.

Syllabus - Dr. Clark, Fall 2023

CELL 4370/6370: Molecular Neurobiology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Huang. Prerequisite: CELL 3030 or CELL 3310 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 4370/6370.

Syllabus - Dr. Huang, Fall 23

CELL 4440/6440: Advanced Molecular Biology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Wang. Prerequisite: CELL 3030 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.

Syllabus - Dr. Wang, Fall 23

CELL 4450/6450/7450: Genome Biology. [3]

Taught by Dr. Christian Burr. Personalized medicine and unbiased scientific study are both based on our ability to probe the genome for insight into Biology and disease. Therefore, a career in nearly any field of science or medicine requires an understanding of high throughput approaches to research and disease. Genome Biology will examine how whole genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes can be studied, and what we are learning about the biology of multiple organisms using these novel techniques. Epigenetics, genomics, and proteomics will be covered in the context of disease and the development of novel therapeutics. This course fulfills the CMB Capstone requirement. Prerequisites: CELL 3030 or NSCI 4370.

Syllabus - Dr. Earls, Spring 2019

CELL 4480/6480: Head and Neck Anatomy. [3]

Taught by Ms. Garner.  Prerequisite: CELL 4490/6490.  Does not count toward the requirements for a major or minor in cell and molecular biology.

CELL 4490: Anatomy with Lab. [4]

Taught by Ms. Garner. Prerequisite: 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.  Does not count toward the requirements for a major or minor in cell and molecular biology.

CELL 4500: Advanced Molecular Neurobiology. [3]

Pre-requisite: CELL/NSCI 4370 or CELL/NSCI 6370. This course provides detailed description and in-depth discussion of current techniques and experimental topics in the field of molecular neurobiology. (Same as NSCI 4500).

CELL 4560,4570: 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.

Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2015
Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2014

CELL 4660/6660: Special Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology. [1-3]

Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty. For description, consult department.

CELL 4710/6710: Molecular Biology of Cancer. [3]

Taught by Dr. Vijayaraghavan. Prerequisite: CELL 3750. The complex multistep process which transforms a normal cell into a cancer cell, carcinogenesis, will be examined with emphasis on current molecular insights.

Syllabus - Dr. Vijayaraghavan, Fall 2023

CELL 4780/6780: Developmental Genetics. [3]

Staff. Prerequisite: CELL 4160, 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.

CELL 4880: Writing Practicum. [1]

Corequisite: three-credit departmental course. Prerequisite: successful completion of the First-Year Writing Requirement. Fulfills the college intensive-writing requirement.

CELL 4890/6890: Service Learning. [1]

Pre-requisite: Departmental approval. Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit corequisite course.

CELL H4910, H4920: Independent Studies. [1-3,1-3]

Laboratory or library research under direction of a faculty member.

Syllabus 4910

CELL H4990, H5000: Honors Thesis. [3,4]

For juniors and seniors with approval of the department and the Honors Committee. Students who complete H4990 and H5000 with the preparation of a senior thesis may be recommended to the college for the award of degree with departmental honors.

CELL 6000: Biomedical Ethics. [3]

Staff. Prerequisite: CELL 1010 CELL 2050 & CELL 3030 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.

CELL 6070: Neurobiology of Aging

Taught by Dr. James Cronin. This course will survey the current literature in clinical and research journals regarding the Neurobiology of the aging process. Emphasis is placed on the state of research in aging, looking at experimental design issues as well as published results. Connections will be drawn between the research literature and current clinical practice, as well as what the research literature says regarding aging and lifestyle. (Same as NSCI 6070).

Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2016

CELL 6080: Advanced Developmental and Cell Biology II. [3]

Taught by Dr. Wang. Prerequisite: approval of instructor. Lectures, readings, and discussion of the literature in the fields of cellular, developmental, and molecular biology.

Syllabus - Dr. Wang, Spring 2014

CELL 6131: Embryology Lab. [3]

Taught by Dr. Han.The Embryology lab is the supplementary course of the Embryology lecture course (CELL 6130). In this course, students will learn genetic and environmental causes of teratogenesis, conduct deep research on various birth defects (congenital malformations) in humans, and give presentations.

Syllabus - Dr. Han, Spring 2014

 

CELL 6360: Topics in Cellular Neuroscience. [2]

Taught by Dr. Cronin. Co-requisite: CELL/NSCI 6310. Journal club course intended as a supplement for Cellular Neuroscience in order to receive graduate credit for Cellular Neuroscience. Meets once a week for one hour. Students prepare and give oral presentations on from topical papers from literature. Grade received contributes to final grade in Cellular Neuroscience. For Graduate students only.

Syllabus - Dr. Dotson, Fall 2014

CELL 6490: Anatomy with Lab. [4]

Taught by Ms. Garner. 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.

CELL 6550: Synaptic Organization of the Brain. [3]

Taught by Dr. Schrader. Prerequisite: CELL/NSCI 3310 or equivalent. The goal of this course is to discuss and understand functional connections within and between areas of the brain to lead to a greater understanding of brain function and behavior. We will focus on limbic and memory systems. A strong emphasis will be placed on in-class discussions and student presentations to enhance critical thinking and oral presentation skills. (Same as NSCI 6550.)

Syllabus - Dr. Schrader, Fall 2014

CELL 6840: Current Topics in Developmental Biology. [2]

Taught by Dr.Chen Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. Reports and discussions of current literature on developmental processes.

Syllabus - Dr. Chen, Fall 23

CELL 7260: Graduate Communications. [3]

Taught by Dr. Jennifer Fang. Required for all doctoral students in their fourth semester. This course involves extensive discussion and practice of oral and written communication.  Students will prepare a draft of an NIH F31 proposal and will receive input on the clarity, rigor, format, grammar, and writing style of the document.

CELL 7860, 7870, 7871: Seminars in Cell and Molecular Biology. [3 (Masters students) or 1 (Ph.D. students)]

Taught by Drs. Cronin and Han.

Syllabus - Dr. Han, Spring 2016
Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2014

CELL 7990, 8000: Service Learning / Research. [3]

Taught by Staff.

Syllabus - Dr. Han, Spring 2015
Syllabus - Dr. Cronin, Fall 2014
Syllabus - Research component - Dr. Staff, Fall 2011