The objective of this lecture/conference course is to acquaint students with basic concepts of cell structure and function. Topics to be covered include cell organelle and membrane structure, permeation through ion channels, carriers and pumps, protein sorting and trafficking and signal transduction (receptors, G-proteins, second messengers).

The course utilizes lectures, problem solving, study of original journal articles, written examinations and research papers.

At the end of the course, students should be able to deal quantitatively with experimental data and/or the scientific literature pertaining to these aspects of cell function.

Prerequisites: Calculus, familiarity with principles of physical chemistry and consent of instructor.

Fall semester. Michael E. Duffey, PhD.