Far from being static entities, individual cells can exhibit dynamic behaviors, sometimes migrating great distances or structurally reorganizing as in the formation-or reformation-of neuronal synapses. The ability of cells to move and reshape underlies a vast array of normal biological processes, including immune function, embryonic development, and memory formation, as well as abnormal processes such as cancer growth and metastasis. It is through precise regulation of polymerization, depolymerization, and contraction of the cellular cytoskeleton that motility is achieved, and we are just beginning to understand the genetic and biophysical bases of how this regulation occurs. Not surprisingly, imprecise regulation of the cytoskeleton can have serious consequences, and several disorders arise from defects in this process. In this course we will review the primary literature covering migration and motility. Format: discussion, three hours per week. Evaluation will be based on class participation and several short papers. Prerequisites: Biology 202 and either Biology 205 or Biology 212. Enrollment limit: 2 sections of 12 (expected: 2 sections of 8 ). Open to juniors and seniors, with preference given to senior Biology majors who have not taken a 400-level course.