NBIK14034U Molecular Neurobiology

Volume 2015/2016
Education
MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biochemistry
MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine
Content

The course describes the molecular basis of our nervous system. Basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology is needed to be able to follow this class. The course starts with an introduction of basal neurobiology. We then discuss the protein structures and physiological actions of the Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl- channels. Subsequently, we discuss the biochemical aspects of synaptic transmission: exocytosis/endocytosis, the various neurotransmitters, their biosynthesis and break-down, neurotransmitter transporters and neurotransmitter receptors, and the different second messenger systems. Neuropharmacology: How do neuroleptica, anxiolytica, sedativa, mood lifters, viagra, and the various euphoric drugs act? Furthermore, topics like neuroendocrinology, smell, taste, and vision and, finally, consciousness (who am I?) are discussed.

Learning Outcome

After the course the student will be able to understand and apply the following:

Knowledge

  • The most important proteins that steer action potentials
  • The way neurotransmitters and their receptors act
  • How neurotransmitter transporters act
  • How second messenger and proteins that are involved in their signaling cascades act
  • How the most important neuroactive drugs act
  • The molecular basis of smell, taste, and vision
  • How the various neuroendocrine systems act


Skills

This course will supply the student with up-to-date information of all the modules that build up our nervous system. The course will enable the student to read and understand scientific literature about the brain.

Competences

By participating in this class, the student will gain up-to-date knowledge about molecular neurobiology. This knowledge can be applied on many occasions, for example if you want to study psychology, or want to start a research project on animal behavior, or if you are just interested in the way your own brain and body function.

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 0,5
  • Lectures
  • 42
  • Preparation
  • 163,5
  • Total
  • 206,0
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 minutes
20 minutes, without preparation
Exam registration requirements
Attendance at minimum 80% of the lectures is mandatory.

If the requirement of 80% attendance in lectures is not fulfilled, a written report on one of the course topics must be handed in and approved by the teacher prior to the reexam.
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners/co-examiner
Criteria for exam assesment

For passing the examination, the student should be able to:

  • describe the most important proteins that steer action potentials
  • describe all neurotransmitters (including their biosynthesis and degradation), their receptors, and actions
  • describe neurotransmitter transporters
  • describe second messengers and the proteins that are involved in their signaling cascades
  • explain the way neuroactive drug act
  • describe the molecular basis of smell, taste and vision
  • explain how the various neuroendocrine systems act