Course manual 2022/2023

Course content

The 'from synapse to network' course has 5 topics:

Development & endocannabinoids: you will learn about the development of the brain and the effects of endocannabinoids in (guest) lectures. You will develop hands-on methodological skills for the analysis of neuroanatomical data. This part consists of computer lab tutorials, to get hands on experience using real neuroanatomical datasets.
Postsynaptic potentials – somatodendritic processing and AP: The second part of the book “Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology” by Hammond will be presented by the students, thereby integrate the knowledge of the course “Neurophysiology” into the functioning of a large variety of neuronal microcircuits that perform a wealth of specific tasks in the neural network. The lectures you give and the discussion you initiate will be evaluated.
Plasticity, LTP and LTD: The mechanisms of synaptic plasticity like long term potentiation and depression will be considered ((guest) lectures and journal clubs).
Epileptic networks: You will study disease related changes in neurobiology. Epilepsy will be used as an example of neuropathology (lectures and journal clubs).
Writing assignment: Writing an essay about a current topic in the field.

Study materials

Literature

Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology. Constance Hammond Academic Press, 4th edition, 2015 ISBN: 9780123970329. - Price ± 115,00 euro - You can buy this book on Amazon.com, Bol.com or the Elsevier webstore.

Other

Journal papers will be provided (Canvas)

Objectives

review a chapter or paper on neurophysiology and present, critique, and discuss the contents of the chapter.
analysis of neurobiological datasets
explain the underlying neurobiological aspects of epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease
discriminate between the different forms of synaptic plasticity
write an essay

Teaching methods

Lecture
Seminar
Presentation/symposium
Self-study
Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
Computer lab session/practical training

The course is a mixture of lectures, computer lab sessions, presentations, assignments, and discussions. Active participation in all activities is of the highest importance. You are expected to demonstrate a critical scientific attitude. Active participation in discussions and well prepared presentations are part of learning how to express your scientific expertise.

Learning activities

Activity	Hours
lectures	24
laptop tutorial	10
exam	3
presentations	14
self study / working on assignments	117
Total	168	(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Requirements of the programme concerning attendance (OER-B):

Attendance during practical components exercises is mandatory.

Additional requirements for this course:

The students are advised to attend all lectures ('H' in datanose). The computer practicals ('LC' in datanose) and tutorials ('WC' in datanose) are compulsory.

Assessment

Item and weight	Details
Final grade
0.5 (50%) Tentamen	Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory
0.1 (10%) Presentation Hammond	Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory
0.4 (40%) Writing assignment (essay)	Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory

Each part has to be graded with a 5.5 or higher to pass the examination

Inspection of assessed work

Contact the course coordinator to make an appointment for inspection.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

You can find the time table of the course on datanose.nl

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Additional information

Students are requested to bring their own laptop. More information on specific system requirements can be found here.

Owner	Master Biomedical Sciences
Coordinator	dr. Natalie Cappaert
Part of	Master Biomedical Sciences, track Physiology of Synapses and Networks,

From Synapse to Network