Cell Biology: Transport and Signaling from edX

This is the first cell biology course in a three-part series. Building upon the concepts from biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology from our 7.00x Introductory Biology and 7.05x Biochemistry MOOCs, these cell biology courses transition to a comprehensive discussion of biology at an experimental level. How do we know what we know about cells at a molecular level and how can we use that knowledge to design experiments to test hypotheses in cell biology?

Professors Rebecca Lamason and Iain Cheeseman guide you through a learning experience where you will discover experiments that answered big questions and find out what is still on the horizon. You will embark on a lively journey through cellular transport and cellular signaling mechanisms and regulation and learn how to apply key concepts and themes of this dynamic experimental science to understand the fundamental workings of cells.

We developed the 7.06x Cell Biology series with an emphasis on:

Developing your scientific thinking skills including articulating hypotheses, performing thought experiments, interpreting data, and designing experiments.
Using data based on real scientific experiments and highlighting the scientific process in assessments.
Asserting that biology is an active field that changes daily through examples of research and relevance to medicine, not static information in a textbook.
Uniting themes and principles that inform how scientists conduct and interpret research.
Exploring foundational experiments that defined modern cell biology.
Implementing the science of learning in the course design.

What you'll learn

How to apply biochemical and genetic approaches to address fundamental questions of transport and signaling in the cell.
How to evaluate the conclusions and models that scientists develop about cell biology from experimental approaches and results.
How to select specific empirical methods and techniques based on the different kinds of questions scientists ask.
How to design experiments to answer cell biology experiments with proper controls.
How to assess biological necessity and sufficiency from experimental results.
How to compare and contrast protein transport and signaling pathways processes.
How to identify recurring themes in protein transport and signal transduction.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to apply biochemical and genetic approaches to address fundamental questions of transport and signaling in the cell.
How to evaluate the conclusions and models that scientists develop about cell biology from experimental approaches and results.
How to select specific empirical methods and techniques based on the different kinds of questions scientists ask.
How to design experiments to answer cell biology experiments with proper controls.

How to assess biological necessity and sufficiency from experimental results.
How to compare and contrast protein transport and signaling pathways processes.
How to identify recurring themes in protein transport and signal transduction.

How to apply biochemical and genetic approaches to address fundamental questions of transport and signaling in the cell.
How to evaluate the conclusions and models that scientists develop about cell biology from experimental approaches and results.
How to select specific empirical methods and techniques based on the different kinds of questions scientists ask.
How to design experiments to answer cell biology experiments with proper controls.
How to assess biological necessity and sufficiency from experimental results.
How to compare and contrast protein transport and signaling pathways processes.
How to identify recurring themes in protein transport and signal transduction.

Syllabus

Membranes, Lipids, and Proteins

Intracellular Transport and Protein Secretion

Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Transport

Principles of Signal Transduction

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Challenges learners to think critically and articulate hypotheses, interpret data, and design experiments

Features real scientific experiments, highlighting the scientific process and its significance

Emphasizes the dynamic nature of biology and its relevance to medicine

Integrates unifying themes and principles that guide scientific inquiry

Examines foundational experiments that have shaped modern cell biology

Incorporates the science of learning into the course design to enhance comprehension

Reviews summary

Mit cell biology: experimental & rigorous

According to students, 'Cell Biology: Transport and Signaling' is a highly rigorous and comprehensive course, particularly lauded for its unique focus on scientific thinking and experimental design. Instructors are consistently praised for delivering incredibly clear explanations, making complex topics understandable. While receiving largely positive feedback, a notable minority of learners point to the fast pace and occasionally dense explanations, underscoring the critical need for strong prerequisite knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology. The course is considered essential for those serious about research, providing a profound understanding of cellular processes. Recent reviews indicate the material is kept current, suggesting an actively maintained and improving curriculum.

Regularly updated, reflecting an active field.

"Updates to the material made it feel very current, reflecting the active nature of biology."

"Recent reviews indicate the material is kept current, suggesting an actively maintained and improving curriculum."

Problem sets and thought experiments aid understanding.

"The problem sets were challenging but fair, really solidifying my scientific thinking skills."

"I found the assessment methods, especially the thought experiments, crucial for developing a researcher's mindset."

Professors are experts and make complex topics understandable.

"Professors Lamason and Cheeseman broke down complex concepts, making advanced cell biology understandable."

"The lectures were incredibly clear, and the accompanying real-world data interpretations were invaluable."

"The instructors are clearly experts and passionate."

Develops strong scientific thinking skills.

"It taught me *how* scientists actually work."

"This course truly shines in its focus on experimental design."

"I found the assessment methods, especially the thought experiments, crucial for developing a researcher's mindset."

Some felt forum support could be more active.

"My only minor critique is that the forum discussions weren't always as active as I'd hoped for more clarification..."

Demanding course requiring strong prior knowledge.

"The course covers essential material, but I found some of the explanations a bit dense."

"I felt it required a solid background in biochemistry to fully grasp everything..."

"I struggled significantly with this course. The lectures assumed too much prior knowledge beyond the stated prerequisites."

"It's definitely not for beginners; prerequisites are a must."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cell Biology: Transport and Signaling with these activities:

Experiment Design Practice

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Build a solid foundation in experimental design principles, a crucial skill for understanding and conducting cell biology research.

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Review principles of hypothesis testing, independent and dependent variables, and controls
Participate in online tutorials or workshops on designing scientific experiments
Practice designing experiments to test different research questions related to cell biology

Protein Transport and Signaling Exercises

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Strengthen your understanding of protein transport and signaling mechanisms through targeted exercises.

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Solve practice problems on protein sorting, vesicle trafficking, and membrane transport mechanisms
Analyze experimental data on cell signaling pathways and identify key components and interactions
Participate in online quizzes and simulations to test your knowledge of protein transport and signaling

Cell Biology Techniques Explorations

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Expand your knowledge of experimental techniques and methodologies used in cell biology research.

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Follow online tutorials on microscopy techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy
Explore resources and documentation on molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, Western blotting, and gene editing
Attend workshops or webinars on flow cytometry and data analysis techniques

Two other activities

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Science Communication Challenge

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Develop your ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts in cell biology to a broad audience.

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Participate in science communication competitions or challenges
Create a short video or presentation that explains a cell biology concept in an engaging and accessible way
Write a blog post or article that summarizes current research findings in cell biology for a general audience

Cell Biology Research Proposal Outline

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Develop a strong foundation for future research endeavors by outlining a research proposal in cell biology.

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Identify a specific research question or hypothesis related to cell biology
Conduct a literature review to support your research question and identify relevant experimental approaches
Outline the experimental design, including methods, expected outcomes, and potential implications
Seek feedback from instructors or peers on your research proposal outline

Career center

Learners who complete Cell Biology: Transport and Signaling will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cell Biologist

A Cell Biologist studies the structure and function of cells, the basic unit of life. This course provides a foundation in the key concepts and techniques used in cell biology, including protein transport, signaling pathways, and regulatory mechanisms. This knowledge can help Cell Biologists design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and develop models to better understand cellular processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cell Biologist

Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts research to advance the understanding of natural phenomena. This course provides a foundation in the approaches and techniques used in cell biology research. This knowledge can help Research Scientists design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and develop models to better understand cellular processes.

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Professor

A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. This course provides a foundation in the key concepts and techniques used in cell biology. This knowledge can help Professors develop and deliver engaging and informative lectures and design and conduct research projects.

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Medical Scientist

A Medical Scientist conducts research to advance the understanding of human health and disease. This course provides a foundation in the approaches and techniques used in cell biology research. This knowledge can help Medical Scientists design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and develop models to better understand cellular processes and their role in human health and disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Scientist

Biochemist

A Biochemist studies the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. This course provides a foundation in the biochemical and genetic approaches used to address fundamental questions of transport and signaling in the cell. This knowledge can help Biochemists design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and develop models to better understand cellular processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Geneticist

A Geneticist studies the genes and heredity of organisms. This course provides a foundation in the genetic approaches used to address fundamental questions of transport and signaling in the cell. This knowledge can help Geneticists design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and develop models to better understand cellular processes.

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Molecular Biologist

A Molecular Biologist studies the molecular basis of life. This course provides a foundation in the molecular and genetic approaches used to address fundamental questions of transport and signaling in the cell. This knowledge can help Molecular Biologists design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and develop models to better understand cellular processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Molecular Biologist

Computational Biologist

A Computational Biologist uses computational tools and techniques to study biological systems. This course provides a foundation in the approaches and techniques used to study cellular processes using computational models. This knowledge can help Computational Biologists develop and use models to better understand the dynamics and regulation of cellular processes.

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Laboratory Technician

A Laboratory Technician conducts experiments and analyzes data in a laboratory setting. This course provides a foundation in the key concepts and techniques used in cell biology. This knowledge can help Laboratory Technicians perform experiments accurately and efficiently and interpret data correctly.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer communicates complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience. This course provides a foundation in the key concepts and techniques used in cell biology. This knowledge can help Science Writers accurately and effectively communicate the latest advances in cell biology research to the public.

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Toxicologist

A Toxicologist studies the effects of toxic substances on living organisms. This course provides a foundation in the approaches and techniques used to study the transport and signaling of toxic substances in cells. This knowledge can help Toxicologists design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and develop models to better understand the effects of toxic substances on cellular processes.

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Pharmacologist

A Pharmacologist studies the effects of drugs on living organisms. This course provides a foundation in the approaches and techniques used to study drug transport and signaling in cells. This knowledge can help Pharmacologists design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and develop models to better understand the effects of drugs on cellular processes.

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Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer designs and develops medical devices and technologies. This course provides a foundation in the cellular and molecular basis of human health and disease. This knowledge can help Biomedical Engineers design and develop devices and technologies that are more effective and less invasive.

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Veterinarian

A Veterinarian diagnoses and treats diseases in animals. This course provides a foundation in the cellular and molecular basis of animal health and disease. This knowledge can help Veterinarians better understand the causes and mechanisms of diseases and develop more effective treatments.

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Physician

A Physician diagnoses and treats diseases in humans. This course provides a foundation in the cellular and molecular basis of human health and disease. This knowledge can help Physicians better understand the causes and mechanisms of diseases and develop more effective treatments.

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