* ion movements in excitable and non-excitable cells;
* aspects of the plasma membrane relevant to signaling;
* general features of ion transport;
* identification of ion pumps and ion transporters;
* molecular properties of ion channels, carriers, and pumps;
* receptor and voltage gated ion channels;
* regulation of ion channels by intracellular messengers;
* transport of macromolecules;
* roles of ion transport in human genetic disease

The informal title of the course is "Across the Membrane" to emphasize that most of the topics will deal with the physical movement
of substances across the plasma membrane of cells. 
However, we will also deal with the more subtle movement of information across cells that occurs with G protein-linked receptors. 
Topics not covered include those signaling pathways used primarily for growth, differentiation, and development,
for example as mediated by cytosolic hormonal receptors, growth factors, tyrosine kinase pathways, etc.

The much broader topics in the Consilience part of the course can be gleaned from its subtitle: The Unity of Knowledge,
and from Wilson's chapter headings: The Ionian Enchantment, The Great Branches of Learning, The Enlightenment, The Natural Sciences,
Ariadne's Thread, The Mind, From Genes to Culture, and The Fitness of Human Nature.

* Note: Graduate students should sign up for 228.