During the past several decades, exploration in basic research has yielded extensive knowledge about the numerous and intricate signaling processes involved in the development and maintenance of a functional organism. In order to demonstrate the importance and processes of cellular communication, this course will focus on cell signaling mechanisms and diseases resulting from their malfunction, such as cancer, stroke, and neuron degeneration (including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Students will be exposed to current literature and cutting edge knowledge. Recommended prerequisite: Biology 201L or 203L.