This course deals with the properties of lipid bilayers and ion channels. Topics include the spectroscopic measurement of bilayer fluidity; phase transitions, protein-lipid interactions and homeoviscous theory. The properties of ion channels are considered in three sections: (a) ligand-gated channels (structure and function); (b) voltage-gated channels (structure and function) and (c) the cellular functions of various specific ion channels. Students will be introduced to patch clamp recording by computer and laboratory demonstrations. The course consists of 4 lectures per week, 1 seminar per week and computer/laboratory demonstrations. It is examined by continuous assessment of practical work and essays, and a 1.5-hour written exam.

Pre-requisites : BM3001 or PA3001 or PY3001.

Course Organiser : Dr. Alister MacDonald (ext. 3022) a.macdonald@abdn.ac.uk