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

Signaling Pathways and Regulatory Paradigms

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Well-received cell transport and signaling course

Learners say this informative, engaging course on Cell Biology: Transport and Signaling is well-taught by experienced instructors. With clear explanations and real-life experiments, students recommend this course for bio-related fields and those interested in cell biology.

Course can be challenging, but rewarding.

"The description of transport in the cell is precise and easily understandable. The process is magical."

"This was an interesting course that kept my interest and provided a mild challenge."

"It went a little fast..."

Course is beneficial for those in bio-related fields.

"I strongly recommend this course to those interested in or working in any bio-related field."

"I encourage all young students in Biology to take this course."

"I really love the MITx courses because of the way they provide material."

Instructors are experienced and knowledgeable.

"Well structured course and accessible with experienced teachers practitioners, what else?"

"The course content is great and the professor is a great teacher!"

"Everything is explained very well with deep understanding and clarification of concepts."

Lectures are clear and interesting, using real-life experiments.

"Amazing course with lots of good information. This course really helps understand the content with many in depth diagrams, animations, and lectures."

"The instructors are always inviting us to think scientifically about the system under study."

"They show real experiments that have unraveled the mechanisms explained, and invite us to design new experiments."

Chapter end quizzes are difficult and require understanding of hypothetical experiments.

"But when it comes to the chapter end quizzes, a lot of questions are based on hypothetical experiments."

"I think I have a hard time trying to figure out what the different entities involved in the experiments are."

"It would help if it described the experiments in the quizzes in more detail, like having more picture illustrations."

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Experimental Design

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Science Communication Challenge

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Science Communication

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Research Proposal

Show steps

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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

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

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

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

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Biologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Toxicologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Technician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian