SNEU20001U Neuroscience I - Cells and circuits

Volume 2020/2021
Education

MSc in Neuroscience - Compulsory course

Not open for credit transfer students or other external students

Content

The course will provide the students with a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the central nervous system, ranging from molecular and cellular neurobiology to systems neuroscience. This will include both theoretical knowledge and the methods used to study cellular components of the nervous system, neural connections, cell excitability and synaptic transmission, as well as the integration of brain functions in the sensory system, the motor system, neuroendocrinology, autonomic control, and brain homeostasis. Neuroimmunology, brain transport barriers, and blood supply are also covered in this course. The course will provide the students with translational skills to compare processes in the healthy and the diseased brain, as well as systems neuroscience in both humans and experimental animals.

Considerable emphasis will be given to recent advances in the different fields. The students are expected to read, present and discuss original research articles representing novel scientific concepts and methodologies

Learning Outcome

After completing the course the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge

Demonstrate knowledge about:

  • Overall anatomy of the nervous system
  • Morphology and function of cellular components of the nervous system
  • Development of the nervous system
  • Synaptic transmission
  • Neurotransmitters and receptors
  • Sensation and sensory processing
  • Motor function
  • Autonomic functions and neuroendocrinology
  • Brain circulation and transport barriers

 

Skills

  • Describe the relation between structure and function of the nervous system
  • Describe the nervous system from molecules and cells to sensory, motor and autonomic functions  
  • Combine knowledge of cellular components and functional systems of the nervous system
  • Discuss the rationale for neuroscientific experiments used to study brain cells and circuits
  • Describe the basic neurobiological processes underlying diseases of the nervous system

 

Competences

  • Design and evaluate experiments addressing brain structure and function
  • Independently and critically assess literature covering cells and functional systems of the nervous system, including scientific papers
  • Independently interpret neuroscientific data and literature
  • Communicate and discuss neuroscientific knowledge and theories

See Absalon

Text book and scientific papers.

None
The course is based on eight thematic modules and an accompanying lecture series. In addition to the lectures, each module will include hands-on experimental sessions.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 87
  • Class Instruction
  • 39
  • Preparation
  • 342
  • Exercises
  • 42
  • Exam
  • 40
  • Total
  • 550
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
20 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, 1 week
Thematic report (Mini-review) up to 15 pages long (max), including figures and references. 

In addition to the report, the students are expected to give a short presentation (15 min) of the main points of their report for the supervisor.
Exam registration requirements

None

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Internal examiner
Criteria for exam assesment

To achieve the grade Passed, the student must adequately be able to:

Knowledge

Demonstrate knowledge about:

  • Overall anatomy of the nervous system
  • Morphology and function of cellular components of the nervous system
  • Development of the nervous system
  • Synaptic transmission
  • Neurotransmitters and receptors
  • Sensation and sensory processing
  • Motor function
  • Autonomic functions and neuroendocrinology
  • Brain circulation and transport barriers

 

Skills

  • Describe the relation between structure and function of the nervous system
  • Describe the nervous system from molecules and cells to sensory, motor and autonomic functions  
  • Combine knowledge of cellular components and functional systems of the nervous system
  • Discuss the rationale for neuroscientific experiments used to study brain cells and circuits
  • Describe the basic neurobiological processes underlying diseases of the nervous system