A term paper is also required. This weekly one-hour seminar will expose students to selected topics in the field of biomembranes through brief presentations by faculty. Each week, two faculty members in the program will summarize the ongoing research in their laboratories. Time is reserved for questions and open discussions. This course is designed to prepare students for further graduate work in the general area of cell membrane function.
Special emphasis is given to the functioning of excitable cell membranes.
A multidisciplinary approach is taken beginning with physical chemistry and thermodynamics relevant to membrane function, and then proceeding with the contributions of single-channel recording techniques, ion transport methodology, and molecular cloning to the understanding of membrane function. This is a one-semester course designed to prepare students for further work in the area of membrane transport. The initial phase of the course covers the general methodology, thermodynamics, and kinetics of transcellular and transepithelial ion transport. Grades will be determined through problem sets, and a mid-session and final exam. This course is given in the spring of alternate years.