MEDFL5150 – Essentials of Neurophysiology: from neurons to circuits to behaviours

Course content

For students interested in the nervous system, this course in neurophysiology covers the basic principles of neuron signalling and interactions that underlie brain function, spanning from the function of individual neurons to the function of neuronal circuits that produce behaviour.

Topics to be covered include:

• Neuron morphology
• Basic electrical properties
• Ion channels
• Action potential propagation
• Synaptic physiology
• Synaptic integration
• Neuronal circuit configuration and function

Learning outcome

The course provides a platform for continued studies in neuroscience as the participants will acquire an understanding of the basic principles underlying the operation of functional CNS networks. The course is also suitable for students from the fields of chemistry, biology, immunology, pharmacology, psychology, informatics and biotechnology. The participants will also be introduced to a simulation environment for modelling individual neurons and networks of neurons.

Following a short introduction of their research activity, top-researchers in neuroscience will be giving the lectures and leading the group discussions. This will provide students with a unique opportunity to get to know and discuss with expert neuroscientists.

Admission to the course

The course is reserved for students at the Medical Student Research Programme at the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, UiO.

Students sign up for classes and exam to this course in StudentWeb.

Applicants will upon registration receive an immediate reply in StudentWeb as to whether a seat at this course is granted or not.

Recommended previous knowledge

In preparation for the course the participants should set aside some time for reading suggested literature (textbook chapters and recent reviews). The list of suggested readings will be provided 2 weeks before the start of the course.

Overlapping courses

• 5 credits overlap with MF9150 – Essentials of Neurophysiology: From neurons to circuits to behaviours.

Teaching

This is a six days course. The teaching will be divided between lectures, morning group discussions and practical hands-on sessions with the modelling software NEURON which is freely available

You have to participate in at least 80 % of the teaching to be allowed to take the exam. Attendance will be registered.

Examination

Home exam.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.