SMOB14001U Cellular Neuroscience
BSc Programme in Biochemistry - restricted elective
BSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine - restricted
elective
The goal of the course is to give the students an overview of
methods used to study functions of the central nervous system. We
provide an insight in signaling mechanisms in neurons and networks
of neurons by describing how the molecular mechanisms of electrical
and chemical signalling are adapted to serve synaptic transmission,
synaptic integration and nerve impulse generation. The Course
illustrates how experiments led to textbook knowledge and provide
insight in experimental procedures, techniques and preparations.
The course includes theoretical and practical elements. The theory
focuses on cellular and molecular properties of neurons and their
implications in physiological functions.
In addition to basic subjects, the course highlights a) The role of
the non-linear postsynaptic properties provided by voltage
sensitive ion channels in dendrites.
b) Modulation of these properties by G-protein coupled receptors.
c) Functional specialization of cell types in particular brain
regions and
d) Signaling networks in particular brain regions.
The Practical part includes demonstrations of preparations of nerve
tissues in vitro, recording electrical activity from neurons with
patch clamp techniques in slices preparations. Each student gets
the opportunity to record from living neurons and to characterize
some of the transmembrane currents responsible for firing
properties by means of electrophysiological and pharmacological
tools.
Knowledge
After completing the course the student is expected to be able to
- describe synaptic transmission, long term potentiation
- explain the mechanims responsible for membrane potential, nerve impulse propagation.
- understand electrophysiological techniques such as extracellular recording, patch clamp, voltage clamp, current clamp.
- understand the concepts of membrane resistance, conductance, ion channel density.
Skill
After completing the course the student is expected to be able to
- determine which recording techniques should be used to investigate a scientific problem in neuroscience.
Competence
After completing the course the student is expected to be able to
- read and understand scientific articles in neuroscience
- make a didactic oral presentation of scientific articles
Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology, 4th Edition
Constance Hammond
ISBN: 9780123970329
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 15
- Class Instruction
- 15
- Preparation
- 163,5
- Practical exercises
- 12
- Exam
- 0,5
- Total
- 206,0
Open for credit transfer students apply here
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination
- Type of assessment details
- A 12 minutes oral presentation of one article subject within the course combined with a discussion about the article and the content of the module.
- Exam registration requirements
The practical laboratory course must be approved to participate in the examination.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
GAI is not permitter for the exam
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
More than one internal examiner
- Re-exam
Same form as for the first exam (the practical lab course must be approved).
Criteria for exam assesment
To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student must be able to meet the criteria described under Learning Outcome and:
- the student must provide clear presentation
- the student must show the ability to explain methods and results of the presented articles
- the student must show ability to answer questions related to the module (lectures and lab exercises).
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- SMOB14001U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Bachelor
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 1
- Schedule
- C
- Course capacity
- 32 participants
Study board
- Study Board for the Biological Area
Contracting department
- Department of Neuroscience
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Course Coordinators
- Jean-Francois Marie Perrier (7-736875756c68754376787167316e7831676e)
Lecturers
Jean-Francois Perrier
Jakob Baslev Sørensen
Rune W Berg
Barbara Lykke Lind
Cordelia Imig
Florence Kermen