CELL BIOLOGY BY THE NUMBERS

Major
Biology
Quarter
Winter
Year
2026
Course Number
BIOL CS 5, Section 1
Enrollment Code
53082
Instructor(s)
Date & Time
T 3:30 - 4:45 PM
Location
ILP 3103

Course Description

In this course, we will embark on a journey through Dr. Ron Milo and Dr. Rob Phillips's “Cell Biology by the Numbers.” Through interactive discussions and problem-solving sessions, we will examine fundamental biological processes using numerical reasoning and “back-of-the-envelope” or “Fermi” calculations. The course is designed to tease the brain and build intuition about scale, concentration, energy, and time in cellular systems, empowering students to approach biology from a unique perspective.

No prerequisites. This course is designed for students interested in (not necessarily majoring in) biology. Students in Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Engineering are strongly encouraged to enroll. Basic Calculus MATH (2A-B or equivalent), General Chemistry CHEM and Introductory Biology (MCDB 1A or equivalent) are recommended but not necessary.

This is a student-led colloquium led by Xagros Faraji under the supervision of Lior Sepunaru.