  A simplified model of c axis transport in the high T_c superconductors is
presented. Expressions are found for the c axis optical conductivity, the d.c.
resistivity, and the c axis penetration depth. Within the framework of this
model, the pseudogap in the optical conductivity arises naturally as a result
of the layered band structure of the high T_c materials. We discuss the
occurence of the pseudogap in terms of three parameters: a band gap Delta_{ps},
a temperature dependent scattering rate Gamma(T), and the strength of the
interlayer coupling t_{perp}. We are also able to find analytic expressions for
the d.c. conductivity and the low temperature penetration depth in terms of
these three parameters. This work is an attempt to present a simple, unified
picture of c axis properties in the high T_c cuprates.
