Psychology 121 or 228*
Across the Membrane
J. Wine
[3/5/2012] 		 Syllabus
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ION TRANSPORT & INTRACELLULAR MESSENGERS 
Monday 7:00-9:30    Room 419, Jordan Hall, Main Quad (Map)
Scope of course
Mechanics of the course
Exams & Grading Paper
Staff
Readings
Web site
Schedule
Letters of Recommendation

Scope of course Communication between and within cells is mediated by electrical and chemical signals.  A great deal has been learned about these processes. We are in the midst of a major increment in our understanding of transport, because of our ability to know and manipulate the individual molecular structures responsible for transport.  Topics in this course will include:

* ion movements in excitable and non-excitable cells;
* aspects of the plasma membrane relevant to signaling;
* general features of ion transport;
* identification of ion pumps and ion transporters;
* molecular properties of ion channels, carriers, and pumps;
* receptor and voltage gated ion channels;
* regulation of ion channels by intracellular messengers;
* transport of macromolecules;
* roles of ion transport in human genetic disease

The informal title of the course is "Across the Membrane" to emphasize that most of the topics will deal with the physical movement of substances across the plasma membrane of cells.  However, we will also deal with the more subtle movement of information across cells that occurs with G protein-linked receptors.  Topics not covered include those signaling pathways used primarily for growth, differentiation, and develpment, for example as mediated by cytosolic hormonal receptors, growth factors, tyrosine kinase pathways, etc.

Mechanics of the course Lectures with web-based notes.  As more lecture material is put on the web, the class will emphasize discussion more than lecturing.  I will also hold individual discussions with you about your paper.  I also encourage you to get together with other members of the class to discuss the material.
Grading*. Pass/no credit option available.  Your grade will be based on class participation, on short quizzes during class periods, and on your paper.  Each quiz will cover two sessions.  The last quiz (30 min max) is given during the last full week of classes at a time adjusted to fit your schedule.

* Note: Graduate students should sign up for 228.

Staff
name
room
Office hours
telephone
e-mail
url
Jeff Wine
Jordan 450
 by appt.
 725-2462 wine@stanford.edu http://www.stanford.edu/~wine

Readings

1.  The main readings are notes and original articles that will be available online.
2.  Recommended text: Hille:  Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes, Third Edition

If you don't own one of the following texts, you might consider buying or borrowing a copy; these books are also available for searching (but not reading) on line:

* Alberts, et al.:  Molecular Biology of the Cell
* Berg, Tymoczko & Stryer:  Biochemistry

These texts are more detailed and quantitative than our discussions and quizzes will be in class, but many students may prefer and be more comfortable with the quantitative treatment.

Many articles and texts are available via PubMed.   Default is PubMed searching, but try the pulldown menu for other choices, such as books.


Website.  The website is designed to provide you with flexibility in reviewing notes and keeping track of what is going on in the course.  Please let me know (wine@stanford.edu) about any problems with the pages.  A  problem that we are gradually correcting is the paucity and quality of graphics.
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