? Credit Points : 10  ? SCQF Level : 10  ? Acronym : BMS-4-PYion

Potassium (K) selective ion channels are essential for the control of endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular, renal and immune system function. Indeed many major human disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, arrhythmias and ataxia arise due to defects in K channel expression, targeting, ion conductance or regulation by intracellular signaling pathways. This module will explore selected examples of K channel structure, function, regulation and their integrated role in normal physiological homeostasis; examine how K channel defects may underlie major disease states and reveal current strategies for K channels as therapeutic targets.

The module is designed to giving an atmosphere of 'real' cutting edge science with an emphasis on experimental approaches to study ion channel biology - from single molecules to their functional role in the intact organism. Participants will develop skills in critical evaluation of scientific literature and experimental design, and they will make scientific presentations to a critical audience. During the module you will:

- become acquainted with key topics in K channel biology through a series of seminars, readings and practical problems.

- become familiar with the major experimental methods used to study ion channels through a series of seminars and demonstrations (which may include practicals).

- critically review and give short oral presentations of original research papers

- learn to design an experimental plan on a "hot topic".

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer.

? Prohibited combinations : Neurotransmitter Mechanisms A, Neurotransmitter Mechanisms B.

? Costs : None.

Home subject area

Physiology (Biomedical Sciences), (School of Biomedical Sciences, Schedule T)

Other subject areas

Physiology (Biological Sciences), (School of Biological Sciences, Schedule K)

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) 45 minutes per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date Start End Room Area Additional Information 21/09/2006 09:30 13:00 Biomedical Seminar Rm 4, Medical School

All of the following classes

Type Day Start End Area Lecture Thursday 09:00 12:00 Med+Vet

Increased understanding of biological processes.
Detailed learning outcomes will be provided later.

100% Written exam

Exam times

Diet Diet Month Paper Code Paper Name Length 1ST December 1 - 1 hour(s) 15 minutes

The Course Secretary should be the first point of contact for all enquiries.

Course Secretary

Ms Victoria Farrar
Tel : (0131 6)50 3717
Email : v.farrar@ed.ac.uk

Course Organiser

Dr Mike Cousin
Tel : (0131 6)50 3259
Email : M.Cousin@ed.ac.uk

School Website : http://www.dbcls.med.ed.ac.uk/

College Website : http://www.mvm.ed.ac.uk/