The course provides an overview of the principal composition of membranes; lipids and proteins. Specific emphasis is on the use of models to teach the relationships between membrane structure, properties and function. Methods for formation and characterisation of liposomes and liposomes application will be discussed. The course also provides a survey of biochemical methods for preparing membranes, the physical and chemical characterisation of membrane structure and function, biogenesis of membranes and the role of membranes in receptor transport mechanisms.