Cellular and Molecular Physiology

The aim of the course is to deepen students' knowledge of cellular and molecular physiological mechanisms, especially in relation to excitable cells. Some examples of pathologies due to alterations in the molecular components of excitable cells will be examined with particular attention to ion channels and their interaction with the cytoskeleton, and other protein macro-molecular complexes. The teaching formula is that of "solving the problem". Students will learn a physiological mechanism that is made up of different interactions (e.g.: membrane potential, calcium release, activation of intracellular pathways) and how alteration of specific components can cause a pathophysiological state.

At the end of the course the student is expected to have acquired the critical ability to analyze, through the literature, the behavior of a physiological process that changes into a pathological state. The second goal is to integrate the basic knowledge of different disciplines to cope with a complex physiological problem.