Neurophysiology

Course manual 2024/2025

Course content

The major aim of this course is to deepen your fundamental knowledge of neurophysiology and molecular neuroscience.  This first course of the master track will focus on cellular neurophysiology, studying the ion channels and receptors in neurons and the principles of neuronal communication. There will be an intense lecture series considering the advanced properties of neurons (receptors, channels, membrane potentials and neuronal firing) based on the book of Hammond. This part is accompanied by a computer practical course (Neurons in Action) that illustrates all the various properties and aspects. This part is evaluated by a written examination.

Study materials

Literature

• The main (obligatory) book for this course is: The main (obligatory) book for this course is: 'Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology' - 5th Edition. By Constance Hammond Hardback

  Hardback ISBN: 9780323988117 / eBook ISBN: 9780323986137

  You can buy this book on  the Elsevier webstore.

  https://shop.elsevier.com/books/cellular-and-molecular-neurophysiology/hammond/978-0-323-98811-7

  Please be sure you have this book at the start of the course otherwise you cannot participate!

• Students who follow the PSN Master Track are advised to have at least one basic textbook that covers most of the issues on neuroscience at the appropriate level. For example “Principles of neural science” (Kandel) or “Fundamental Neuroscience” (Squire).

Practical training material

• Practicum instructions will be provided (Canvas)

Software

• Neurons in Action 2: Tutorials and simulations using NEURON. ISBN: 978-1-60535-391-3 Website: Oxford University Press - Please be sure you have this Tutorial at the start of the course otherwise you cannot participate!

Objectives

• students can explain the electrophysiological properties of single neurons;
• students can illustrate how neurons communicate with each other;
• students can dissect how the various postsynaptic receptors contribute to the establishment of postsynaptic signals;

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Computer lab session/practical training
• Self-study

The course is a mixture of lectures and computer practicals courses. Active participation in all activities is of the highest importance

Learning activities

Attendance

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

1. Attendance during practical components exercises is mandatory.

Additional requirements for this course:

The students are advised to attend all lectures ('hoorcollege'). Workgroups, laptopbased-practicals, ‘laptopcollege’, WC /‘werkcolleges’/seminars, practicals/’practica’ are mandatory.

Assessment

You can find more info about the exam on Canvas.

Inspection of assessed work

Contact the course coordinator to make an appointment for inspection.

Assignments

Information about Neurons in Action assignments will be provided during the course and on Canvas.

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

Additional information

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

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. Natalie Cappaert

Staff

• dr. P.J.P. Chameau PhD
• Helmut Kessels
• Léa Salette