PhD courses at University of Copenhagen

Biological Membranes, Drug Targets and Absorption Barriers
Provider: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Activity no.: 3146-14-00-00
	Enrollment deadline: 01/09/2014

Date and time	14.11.2014, at: 09:00 - 21.11.2014, at: 16:00
Regular seats	16
Course fee	7,800.00 kr.
Lecturers	Birger Brodin Harald S. Hansen
ECTS credits	5.00

Contact person	Janne Steen Kjærulf E-mail address: janne.kjaerulff@sund.ku.dk

Enrolment Handling/Course Organiser	PhD administration E-mail address: phdkursus@sund.ku.dk

Aim and content Learning objectives The course objectives are to provide a comprehensive overview of the biochemistry and barrier functions of biological membranes, as well as an insight in the structure and function of biological transport proteins. Pharmacological and pharmaceutical aspects of biological membrane structure and function will be emphasised A student who has met the objectives of the course will be able to: a. The student will have gained an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of membrane lipids and transport proteins, and their role as drug targets and interaction with drug delivery systems and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's). b. The student will be able to discuss and perform a critical judgment of scientific literature and presentations within the field. c. The student will be able to relate her/his own research to the overall paradigms within the field, and will have gained some presentation/discussion skills in presentation of her/his own results in oral form. (Instructions on describing learning objectives: Please describe the students’ learning objectives in terms of knowledge, skills and/or compentencies. Depending on the individual course curriculum, the distribution between these three learning objectives may vary between courses and thus not all three may be present. Describe the obtained knowledge with words such as ability to identify, define, describe, have insight, understand, analyse, conclude on etc. the scientific topic or the curriculum of the course. Describe the obtained skills gained from the course with words such as ability to explain, apply, demonstrate, analyse, argue, plan, process, relate, review, compare, use, systemize, diagnose etc. Describe obtained competencies with words such as ability to assess, appraise, reflect on, discuss, evaluate, predict, theorise, generalise, put into perspective, develop etc. Please state 3-5 learning objectives.) Content Studies on the biochemistry, biophysics and the barrier function of biological membranes are in rapid progress. An understanding of the structural and dynamic functions of the membranes (e.g. plasma membranes and intercellular membranes in the stratum corneum) may add to a more rational design of drug substances with improved permeation characteristics or specific membrane effects. Membrane transport proteins are important both as pharmacological targets and as potential drug delivery pathways. Membrane receptors are important drug targets, and may also be of importance as drug uptake pathways. The course will deal with biological membranes and their embedded transport and receptor proteins from a pharmacological and pharmaceutical point of view. The course will cover various aspects of the following topics; - Structure and function of biological membranes - Physiological structures in the plasma membrane - Transport and receptor proteins in the plasma membrane - Drug substances acting on biological membranes/transporters - Structure and function of barrier tissues - Strategies to improve transport of drugs across biological membranes and barrier tissues - Membrane lipids as precursors of bioactive molecules Participants The course is aimed at PhD-students within the life sciences, performing research related to biological membranes/transport proteins/receptor proteins, and with an interest in pharmacology and/or pharmaceutics. The students should have a Master degree within the natural sciences or an equivalent curriculum. Language The course language is English Please note that all courses have to be provided in English if required by non-Danish participants. Form The course will contain lectures by internationally recognised researchers within their respective fields, oral presentations, essay writing and group discussions. Course director Harald S. Hansen, PhD. Professor, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Pharma-School, The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Email; hsh@sund.ku.dk Birger Brodin, PhD. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Pharma-School, The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Email; birger.brodin@sund.ku.dk Teachers See attached course programme Course secretary Janne Steen Kjærulff Email; janne.kjaerulff@sund.ku.dk Dates November 14-21 , 2014 Course location Pharma School