This course aims to introduce students to basic principles of Cell Biology. A description of the possible origin and evolution of life will be given, the ultrastructure of the eukaryotic cell (nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, plastids, chloroplasts, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, cytoskeleton, membranes etc) will be covered in detail, and cell behavior in vivo and in vitro will be discussed.
Students will also be introduced to foundamental cell biology techniques and will gain an understanding of how they are applied to specific problems in cell biology.
This course will provide an invaluable foundation for more specialized courses that the students will encounter in later semesters.
On completion of the course the student should:

• Learn about the basic structures of the eukaryotic cells and relate them to their cellular functions
• Learn about how the complexity and diversity exhibited by present-day cells evolved
• Acquire knowledge towards to current methods and experimental techniques used in cellular biology research
• Be able to match the proper microscopy techniques with the specimen or the process he/she would like to observe
• Develop critical thinking and presentation skills by delivering a report and/or presenting a scientific paper