Membrane Transport Phenomena
this
is the graduate version of BSCI 426
Rm.
1238 in Biol/Psyc Tu.Th.
Marco Colombini Tel: 405-6925 (colombini@umd.edu) (don't
be a stranger) office: Bio/Psyc rm. 3283
I
will not be following any one book. All
required information will be covered in class. However, links to many important web sites are found under the “outline of
the course” (below). For the graduate
version of the course I recommend reading the appropriate sections in the book by Meyer B. Jackson,
see #5 below.
Other sources of Information:
1. Molecular Biochemistry on-line course
3. Molecular and Cell Biophysics by R. Nossal and H. Lecar (Addison-Wesley)
4. Cell Physiology Source Book by Nicholas Sperelakis
3rd Edition
5.
Molecular and Cellular Biophysics by Meyer B. Jackson
6. Biological Physics by Philip Nelson
7. An Introduction to Membrane Transport and Bioelectricity by J. Byrne and S. Schultz (Raven)
8. The Vital Force: A study of Bioenergetics by F.M. Harold (Freeman)
9. Ionic Channels of Excitable Membranes by Bertil Hille (Sinauer)
For
up-to-date information on resources from the library:
Library Resources
Course Objective: My major goal in this course is to help you become comfortable with quantitative aspects of biology and with the biophysical approach. By using mathematical descriptions of biological phenomena one can gain real insight into these biological systems and biological processes. The strategies that cells use can be appreciated for their beauty and, once understood, can be modified in rational ways. I sincerely hope that all of you gain this kind of appreciation.
A second, important objective is to develop a sophistication, a higher-level of thinking, about membranes and membrane phenomena. I want you to go way beyond the oversimplified picture given in lower-level courses. Membranes are essential to life in many ways: form compartments that contain the critical mix of materials to sustain life processes; form barriers to toxins or invaders; transduce the energy needed for life; harvest light for energy or vision; allow fast, long-distance communication; and probably allow us to think. More importantly, they are interesting dynamic objects rich in fascinating phenomena.
Expectation of Graduate
Students: The assignments
and the exams will be the same as those given to the undergraduates.
However, for the graduate version I will require you to write a term paper.
OUTLINE OF THE COURSE
Assignments:
1. There will be frequent homework assignments. These will be graded and counted toward your final grade in the course. A few ground rules:
a) Completed homework
assignments are due 1 week after class distribution. I will accept late assignments but the
practice is strongly discouraged.
b) Students may work together on assignments but each must return his/her own work.
c) Assignments must be neat, organized, and easily legible or they won't be accepted.
d) Assignments
containing errors should be corrected and resubmitted along with the original
submission to ensure that the lesson has been learned and to improve the grade.
Grading
A letter grade for the course will be assigned based on class participation and on performance in three areas:
20% homework assignments; 20% midterm exam; 20% term paper; 40% final exam
Mid Term:
October 23
Final Exam: Dec. 19, 4:00-6:00 PM in BPS 1238 …subject
to change
Attendance: You are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for making up missed work and returning assignments on time.
Note: Exams can be made up if missed for the following
reasons:
a) University activities at the
request of University authorities
b) illness backed up by a
verifiable written excuse from a physician indicating the nature of the illness
c) attending a scientific conference
Please note that exams are defined as "Major Scheduled Grading Events"
and are covered by campus policy.
For any other problem, please see me and I’ll do what I can.
P.S. You might be interested in getting a feel for my
research at: http://biology.umd.edu/faculty/marcocolombini
**********************************************
Philolaus of Tarentum was a leading Greek scientist who lived around 500 BC. He taught that the Earth and the planets revolved around a central fire. He said: "Without numbers, we understand nothing and know nothing."
The
biophysical approach is a process for converting Biology from a descriptive
hobby to a quantitative science.
Required Standard Statements
• Academic
Accommodations: If you have a documented disability, you should contact
Disability Support Services 0126 Shoemaker Hall. Each semester students
with documented disabilities should apply to
• Religious Observances: The University System of Maryland policy
provides that students should not be penalized because of observances of their
religious beliefs, students shall be given an opportunity, whenever feasible, to make up within a reasonable time any academic assignment
that is missed due to individual participation in religious observances.
It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any
intended absences for religious observances in advance. Notice should be
provided as soon as possible but no later than the end of the schedule
adjustment period. Faculty should further remind students that prior
notification is especially important in connection with final exams, since
failure to reschedule a final exam before the conclusion of the final
examination period may result in loss of credits during the semester. The
problem is especially likely to arise when final exams are scheduled on
Saturdays.
• Academic integrity: The University of
Maryland has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity,
administered by the Student Honor
Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at
undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these
standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating,
fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity
or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/whatis.html
The University of Maryland Honors Code and an Honors Pledge, available on the web at http://www.jpo.umd.edu/aca/honorpledge.html.
The code prohibits students from cheating on exams, plagiarizing papers, submitting the same paper for credit in two courses without authorization, buying papers, submitting fraudulent documents, and
forging signatures. The University Senate encourages instructors to ask students to write the following signed statement on each examination or assignment:
"I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination (or assignment).”(Please note that this pledge is only necessary for the mid-term and final exams.)