Benoît Kornmann: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016

Name Dr. Benoît Kornmann
FieldOrganelle Biology
DepartmentBiology
RelationshipAssistant Professor

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
551-0319-00LCellular Biochemistry (Part I) Information 3 credits2VU. Kutay, R. I. Enchev, B. Kornmann, M. Peter, I. Zemp, further lecturers
AbstractConcepts and molecular mechanisms underlying the biochemistry of the cell, providing advanced insights into structure, function and regulation of individual cell components. Particular emphasis will be put on the spatial and temporal integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into global cellular processes such as intracellular transport, cell division & growth, and cell migration.
ObjectiveThe full-year course (551-0319-00 & 551-0320-00) focuses on the molecular mechanisms and concepts underlying the biochemistry of cellular physiology, investigating how these processes are integrated to carry out highly coordinated cellular functions. The molecular characterisation of complex cellular functions requires a combination of approaches such as biochemistry, but also cell biology and genetics. This course is therefore the occasion to discuss these techniques and their integration in modern cellular biochemistry.
The students will be able to describe the structural and functional details of individual cell components, and the spatial and temporal regulation of their interactions. In particular, they will learn to explain the integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into complex and highly dynamic cellular processes such as intracellular transport, cytoskeletal rearrangements, cell motility, cell division and cell growth. In addition, they will be able to illustrate the relevance of particular signaling pathways for cellular pathologies such as cancer.
ContentStructural and functional details of individual cell components, regulation of their interactions, and various aspects of the regulation and compartmentalisation of biochemical processes.
Topics include: biophysical and electrical properties of membranes; viral membranes; structural and functional insights into intracellular transport and targeting; vesicular trafficking and phagocytosis; post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.
Lecture notesScripts and additional material will be provided during the semester. Please contact Dr. Alicia Smith for assistance with the learning materials. (alicia.smith@bc.biol.ethz.ch)
LiteratureRecommended supplementary literature (review articles and selected primary literature) will be provided during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeTo attend this course the students must have a solid basic knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry and general biology. The course will be taught in English.
551-0351-00LMembrane Biology Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 21.
6 credits7GV. Korkhov, Y. Barral, B. Kornmann, U. Kutay, A. Rodriguez-Villalon, G. Schertler
AbstractThe course will introduce the students to the key concepts in membrane biology and will allow them to be involved in laboratory projects related to that broad field. The course will consist of lectures, literature discussions, and practical laboratory work in small groups. Results of the practical projects will be presented during the poster session at the end of the course.
ObjectiveThe aim of the course is to expose the students to a wide range of modern research areas encompassed by the field of membrane biology.
ContentStudents will be engaged in research projects aimed at understanding the biological membranes at the molecular, organellar and cellular levels. Students will design and perform experiments, evaluate experimental results, analyze the current scientific literature and understand the relevance of their work in the context of the current state of the membrane biology field.
Lecture notesNo script
LiteratureThe recommended literature, including reviews and primary research articles, will be provided during the course
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course will be taught in English. All general lectures will be held at ETH Hoenggerberg; special lectures will be organized by individual participating groups. Students will be divided into small groups to carry out experiments at ETH or at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Travel to the Paul Scherrer Insitute will be organized by car rental or public transportation.
551-1303-00LCellular Biochemistry of Health and Disease Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 15.
4 credits2SP. Picotti, Y. Barral, J. Fernandes de Matos, V. Korkhov, B. Kornmann, R. Kroschewski, M. Peter, A. E. Smith, K. Weis
AbstractDuring this Masters level seminar style course, students will explore current research topics in cellular biochemistry focused on the structure, function and regulation of selected cell components, and the consequences of dysregulation for pathologies.
ObjectiveStudents will work with experts toward a critical analysis of cutting-edge research in the domain of cellular biochemistry, with emphasis on normal cellular processes and the consequences of their dysregulation. At the end of the course, students will be able to introduce, present, evaluate, critically discuss and write about recent scientific articles in the research area of cellular biochemistry.
ContentGuided by an expert in the field, students will engage in classical round-table style discussions of current literature with occasional frontal presentations. Students will alternate as discussion leaders throughout the semester, with the student leader responsible to briefly summarize key general knowledge and context of the assigned primary research paper. Together with the faculty expert, all students will participate in discussion of the primary paper, including the foundation of the biological question, specific questions addressed, key methods, key results, remaining gaps and research implications.
LiteratureThe literature will be provided during the course
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course will be taught in English.