Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - MBB 722 G100

Biological Membranes (3)

Class Number: 5279

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Tue, Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A review of recent literature on the structure, dynamics, function and biosynthesis of membrane lipids and proteins.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Biomembranes are assemblies of lipids, proteins and other biomolecules essential to cellular survival in all living organisms. In addition to their roles as semi-permeable physical barriers separating cells from their environments (or organelles from the cytosol), biomembranes also house a number of proteins and lipids essential for processes such as signal transduction, metabolism, cellular trafficking and vesicular fusion. As such biomembranes are sites of critical importance for health and medical applications. Membrane proteins comprise ~30% of the proteins encoded by the human genome and represent ~55-60% of protein drug targets in the pharmaceutical industry. This course will provide a broad overview of the key characteristics and applications of biomembranes.

Examples of some of the topics which will be covered include:

  • Structure and cellular functions of biomembranes
  • Classes and structures of lipids
  • Classes and types of both integral and peripheral membrane proteins
  • Biochemical and biophysical methods for studying lipids
  • Biochemical and biophysical methods for studying and characterizing membrane proteins
  • Membrane organization
  • Membrane dynamics
  • Medical and pharmaceutical applications
  • Medical and health aspects of biomembrane disfunction
  • Antimicrobial peptides as an alternative to antibiotics in combating antimicrobial resistance
  • Lipid nanoparticle technologies (such as those recently used in the development of the mRNA based COVID -19 vaccines and the first ever approved gene therapy)

Grading

  • Midterm exam 1 22%
  • Midterm exam 2 28%
  • Term paper 30%
  • Oral presentation 20%

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote, online, or blended courses study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the summer 2022 term.