Instructors: Atul Parikh and Ann Oliver, Department of Applied Sciences, College of Engineering
Description: The subject matter addresses how living systems produce, manage, organize, and reject fatty acids and lipids. We will explore the physics of lipidomics, an emerging field, which involves: (2) how lipids organize in cell membranes (self-assembly); (2) how do they reorganize in responses to a variety of assaults they experience (structural dynamics); (3) how cells handle cholesterol (lipid rafts); and (4) how do they modulate functions of proteins. The material will be presented through informal lectures, readings, and discussion with an added emphasis on popular nutritional lipid questions.
Format: The seminar will meet for one hour each week for ten weeks. The time will be divided between informal lecture presentations, discussion, and student presentations. Reading material will be provided. There is no text for the course. Grading: Students will be required to prepare a short paper on a topic to be chosen in consultation with the instructor. The course grade will be based on the quality of their written (1/3) and oral (1/3) presentations and on the frequency and quality of their participation in class discussion (1/3).
About the Instructors: Professor Parikh is a member of the faculty in the Department of Applied Science Dr. Ann Oliver is a senior Project Scientist, also in the Department of Applied Science. Their research interests include understanding the role of lipids in regulating protein functions, using lipids to design biological sensors, and using lipids and proteins to design biobatteries.