In this course, trainees will perform experiments involving both classical physiological models such as toad urinary bladders, aglomerular toadfish, and zebrafish larvae, as well as modern reductionist approaches, such as two electrode voltage clamp studies of epithelial sodium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes and confocal microscopy to follow trafficking of transporter proteins in cultured cells, and molecular biology.

In addition to the curriculum itself, fellows will benefit from close interactions with senior investigators in renal physiology, who will guide them through the performance of the experiments, share meals with them in the dining room, and take the time to discuss their career goals with them. In addition, fellows will benefit enormously by working closely with other fellows from different programs, and sharing their insights into renal research.

The course is organized around several laboratory modules and one enrichment module in Responsible Conduct of Research.

• Glomerular filtration rate
• Proximal tubule function
• Salt balance and secretion
• Distal nephron sodium transport
• Shark rectal gland
• Water homeostasis
• Acid-based homeostasis

Participants will complete three of the rotations over the six-day course.  The first day of each rotation involves intensive experimental work, and the second day involves analysis and presentation of the work to the entire conference group.