MF9150 – 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, 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

PhD candidates at UiO will get first priority to the course. The maximum number of participant is 20.

How to apply:

  • PhD candidates admitted to a PhD programme at UiO apply in StudentWeb
  • Applicants who are not admitted to a PhD programme at UiO must apply for a right to study PhD courses in medicine and health sciences in S?knadsWeb before they can apply for this course. External applicants should apply for a right to study minimum 3 weeks before the course application deadline. See information about how to apply for at right to study and how to apply for PhD courses here: How external applicants can apply for elective PhD courses in medicine and health sciences.

Reply to course application:

  • This course has registration type Application.
  • Applicants must wait for a reply to the course application. A reply will be given in StudentWeb and sent by e-mail about 1 week after the application deadline has expired.

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.

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.

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

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.

Facts about this course

Credits
5
Level
PhD
Teaching
Autumn 2024

Dates to be announced in May 2024.    Application period:  1.6.2024 - 1.9.2024.

Maximum number of participants: 20.

Course registration:  See information on how to apply in the section "Admission" in the course description below.

Examination
Autumn 2024
Teaching language
English