Membrane transfer

The EU course on Membrane Transports (4th semester) aims to describe the role and different types of membrane transport. Topics covered will include membrane permeability (i) to water (osmosis; mechanisms of water transport; aquaporins); (ii) to ions and solutes (factors affecting ion exchange: electroneutrality and osmotic equilibrium). Transporters; ionic and non-ionic channels. Genetic diseases related to transport: channelopathies and co-transportopathies.

- Knowledge :

Introduction : Review of fluid-filled compartments. Origin and definition of epithelia. The various types of epithelia.

Physiology of Membrane Transport: Water Permeability and Osmosis: mechanisms of water transfer; concepts of membrane water permeability; water channels (aquaporins); water movement in red blood cells; measurement of osmolarity by cryoscopy. Diffusion: Fick’s laws; osmotic fluxes; mechanisms and regulation of water permeability in epithelia.

Solute and Electrolyte Transport: Permeability to solutes and electrolytes; transport of electrolytes. Factors affecting ion exchange: electroneutrality and osmotic equilibrium. Energy required for ion transport: qualitative and quantitative aspects. Electric force and energy. Total transfer energy and electrochemical potential. Nernst equilibrium. Equilibrium potential of an ion. Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium. Origin of the membrane potential: the Goldman, Hodgkin, and Katz equation. The resting potential.

Biological aspects of transport: Facilitated diffusion transport: uniport transporters; antiport or exchange ion transporters; non-ionic channels; ion channels: ROC, SMOC, VOC, POC. Secondary active transport: cotransport; exchange. Primary active transport. Genetic disorders related to transport: channelopathies; cotransportopathies.

The tutorial sessions (5 sessions, 1 hour and 30 minutes each) provide an opportunity to explore the concepts covered in the lectures in greater depth.

-Expertise:

Tutorials.

Be able to identify and describe the different types of membrane transport.

Knowing how to analyze experimental results

Knowing how to apply theoretical concepts in an experimental context

Master written and oral expression in French and the techniques of expression in that language.

Be able to follow the rules of syntax and spelling, as well as the conventions of the specific type of writing.

How to Take Notes During Lectures

To be independent in writing and, in doing so, demonstrate the ability to communicate one’s thoughts, reason, and organize one’s knowledge.

Be able to analyze experimental results.

Be able to apply theoretical knowledge to an experimental context.

Search for, analyze, and use information from various sources and media (articles, etc.)

Develop critical thinking skills when analyzing scientific and nonscientific documents.

Know how to structure and illustrate a presentation.

Be able to write concise documents (presentations, memos, reports, etc.).

Knowing how to speak in public.

How to Take Notes During Lectures.

Be able to work independently.

Reference Framework

Identify and independently carry out the various steps of an experimental procedure. Identify, select, and apply a combination of analytical tools (common techniques, instrumentation) suitable for characterizing organisms (from biomolecules to individuals in all their complexity) and their functioning at various levels of analysis (intracellular metabolism, biology and physiology of complex organisms, interactions between individuals and groups, interactions with the environment).

Interpret experimental data to consider how to model it. Validate a model by comparing its predictions with experimental results and assess the limits of its validity. Identify sources of error to calculate the uncertainty in an experimental result.

-Interpersonal Skills :

Follow the instructions during hands-on activities.

Learn to work as part of a team.

Master written and oral expression in French and the techniques of expression. Adhere to syntax and spelling rules, as well as the conventions of the specific type of writing.

Complete work on time.

Take a rigorous approach to problems.

Knowing how to take notes during lectures.

Be able to work independently.

Be thorough and work independently. Be independent in your writing and, in doing so, demonstrate your ability to communicate your thoughts, reason, and organize your knowledge.

Reference Framework

Work both as part of a team and independently and responsibly to advance a project.

Describe and highlight your identity, skills, and career goals in the context of a given situation. Take a step back from a situation, evaluate yourself, and challenge your assumptions in order to learn.

Identify and select a variety of specialized resources to research a topic. Analyze and synthesize data for practical application. Develop an argument using critical thinking. Use the various registers of written and spoken French with ease. Use written and oral comprehension and expression with ease in at least one modern foreign language.

Open to students who have completed the first year of a Bachelor’s degree in Life and Health Sciences (or another biology degree) or a biology program at a University of Technology (IUT) that has provided them with a foundation in cellular and molecular physiology.