APSC 645 - Lipids: From Biochemistry to Diseases and Applications

Fall (3) Cotten. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor. Biol/Chem 314 (Biochemistry) or the equivalent is highly recommended.

This multi-disciplinary course will deepen basic lipid biochemistry knowledge, with a focus on how lipids contribute to (dys)functions at the chemical, molecular and cellular levels, thereby influencing vital biological processes. Specific areas explored will include the properties and functions of lipids involved in biological membranes and intracellular signaling; the biological significance of protein-lipid interactions; the influence of pathogenic lipids on host cell homeostasis; the technical approaches employed to characterize their functions, and the therapeutic approaches used to target lipid-related diseases. Assignments will emphasize reading the original literature, writing a proposal that extends current work in the field, and developing advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.