MEDFL5150 – Essentials of Neurophysiology: from neurons to circuits to behaviours
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
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, and 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
The course is restricted to students at the Medical Student Research Programme at the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, UiO.
Course registration:
- Students apply in StudentWeb.
- Enrollment to this course is automatically registered in StudentWeb.
- Applicants will upon registration immediately receive a reply in StudentWeb if the application is granted.
The courses MEDFL5150 and MF9150 have common admission.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
No recommended prior knowledge but 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 6 days course followed by a take-home examination. 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
A take-home exam will be given at the end of the course. Grading: Pass/fail.
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit your assignment.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.