Neurophysiology

Course manual 2017/2018

Course content

The major aim of this course is to deepen your fundamental knowledge of neurophysiology and molecular neuroscience at the end of the course, at a level to successfully complete an experimental project. This course consists of two main parts. The first part will focus on cellular neurophysiology, studying the ion channels and receptors in neurons and the principles of neuronal communication. In the second part state-of-the-art neurophysiological and imaging techniques are considered in relation to temporary topics in neuroscience.

In detail:

Week 1-3: 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

Week 4-5: Lectures by students discussing the remaining chapters of Hammond which integrate the knowledge of weeks 1-3 into the functioning of a large variety of neuronal microcircuits that perform a wealth of specific tasks in the brain. The lectures you give and the discussion you initiate will be used to evaluate this part of the course.

Week 6-8:  Recent technical advances in neuroscience, i.e. optogenetics, will be highlighted and related to research papers (format: introduction lecture + journal club). In the same period, programming skills will be developed for the analysis of data (in Matlab). This part consists of introductory lectures and hands on exercises, using real neurophysiological datasets. 

Study materials

Literature

• The main (obligatory) book for this course is: Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology. Constance Hammond Academic Press, 4th edition, 2015 ISBN: 9780123970329. Price ± 108,00 euro You can buy this book on Amazon.com, Bol.com or the Elsevier webstore. Be sure you have this book at the start of the course otherwise you cannot participate!
• Journal papers will be provided (BlackBoard)
• Students who follow the BAN 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 (BlackBoard)

Objectives

At the end of this course you:

• have sufficient knowledge and skills to independently interpret and explain relevant neuroscience literature from the cellular to the circuit level. You will have acquired sufficient basic facts to understand and explain how molecular properties affect cell behavior and how neuronal circuits function. You will have been trained to understand many of the "popular" circuits that exist in the mammalian brain.
• can evaluate, understand and explain commonly used and state-of-the-art neurophysiological and molecular neuroscientific techniques and contemplate these methods in scientific papers.
• are skilled to perform basic signal analysis on neurophysiological data with the use of Matlab.

 The process of thinking is stimulated by active participation in practical courses that use preprogrammed neuronal systems (Neurons in action). Under all circumstances 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.

Teaching methods

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

Learning activities

Attendance

The programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Assessment

Inspection of assessed work

The manner of inspection will be communicated via the digitial learning environment.

Assignments

Onderstaande opdrachten komen aan bod in deze cursus:

•    Naam opdracht 1 : beschrijving 2
•    Naam opdracht 2 : beschrijving 1
•    ....

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.uva.nl/plagiarism

Course structure

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. N.L.M. Cappaert