Cell Biology Course: Cellular Organization, Division & Processes | Prof. Shikha Laloraya
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1726 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, Biosciences |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 28 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Mysteries of Life: A Deep Dive into Cell Biology
Welcome to an intensive exploration of the fundamental unit of life—the cell. This detailed 8-week course, led by Prof. Shikha Laloraya from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of cellular organization, division, and the intricate molecular processes that govern life and inheritance.
Whether you are an advanced undergraduate, a postgraduate student, or an early-stage PhD researcher in Biology or Chemistry, this course will equip you with a profound knowledge of modern cell biology, with a special emphasis on the dynamic world of DNA transactions and chromosome dynamics.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Shikha Laloraya
Learning from an expert with a distinguished career is paramount. Prof. Laloraya brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this course:
- Academic Pedigree: Ph.D. in Oncology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, with post-doctoral research at the Carnegie Institution of Washington and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
- Current Role: Professor of Biochemistry at IISc Bangalore.
- Research Expertise: Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, with current interests in Chromosome organization, Gene expression, Mitosis, and the Cell Cycle.
- Award-Winning Scholar: Recipient of prestigious fellowships including the Wellcome Trust International Senior Research Fellowship and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Associateship.
Her extensive background ensures that the course content is not only textbook-accurate but also enriched with insights from the forefront of cellular research.
Who Should Enroll?
- M.Sc. students in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, or Biotechnology.
- First-year Ph.D. students seeking a strong foundation in cell biology.
- Ambitious final-year B.Sc. students looking to challenge themselves.
- Professionals in biosciences wanting to refresh and update their knowledge.
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry, including the structure and function of biomolecules and enzymes, is recommended.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
Spanning 8 weeks and 33 lectures, this course is structured to build your knowledge from the ground up, moving from core concepts to specialized topics and current research paradigms.
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 & 2 | Cell components, DNA as genetic material, Regulation of the cell cycle, Checkpoints, The Ubiquitin-Proteasome system. |
| Week 3 & 4 | DNA Replication (detailed mechanism), Mitosis, Cytokinesis, Role of Centrosomes. |
| Week 5 & 6 | Meiosis, Nuclear Organization, Chromatin dynamics, SMC proteins (Cohesin, Condensin) and real-time DNA loop extrusion. |
| Week 7 & 8 | Cell Death (Apoptosis, Senescence), The Biology of Cancer Cells, Cellular Diversity (Yeast, Plant, Nerve cells), Stem Cell Biology. |
Key Highlights and Learning Outcomes
- DNA-Centric Focus: Gain an in-depth understanding of chromosome organization, replication, and segregation—the critical transactions for life and inheritance.
- Molecular Machines in Action: Explore the dynamic processes of mitosis and meiosis, understanding the "how" behind chromosome movement and cell division.
- From Basics to Disease: Connect fundamental cellular processes to human health, studying how its deregulation leads to cancer and how stem cells hold therapeutic promise.
- Modern Techniques: Be introduced to cutting-edge methods like live imaging and gene editing in the context of stem cell research.
Essential Reading Materials
The course aligns with and will reference seminal textbooks in the field, including:
- Molecular Biology of the Cell by Alberts et al.
- Molecular Cell Biology by Lodish et al.
- The Cell: A Molecular Approach by Cooper and Hausman.
These resources will provide a strong textual foundation to complement the video lectures.
Why Take This Course?
Cell biology is the cornerstone of modern biological and medical sciences. This course offers a unique opportunity to learn from a leading scientist at one of India's top research institutions. The structured curriculum, blending classic principles with contemporary research, is designed to develop critical thinking and a deep, mechanistic understanding of cellular life.
Prepare to embark on a fascinating journey into the microscopic world that dictates the fate of all living organisms. Enroll today and build a robust foundation for your future in research, medicine, or biotechnology.
For more information on Prof. Shikha Laloraya's research, visit:
• IISc Faculty Profile
• ResearchGate Profile