NEUR30080

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to understand:1. Ion fluxes that generate the resting membrane potential of neurones and muscle cells. 2. The electrical properties of nerve and muscle cells and cannabinoid signalling. 3. Synaptic communication between neurones and muscle cells. 4. The physiology of excitation contraction coupling. 5. Provide experience of computer aided learning, basic physiological experimentation and writing assignment reports in a clear and scientific manner.

Indicative Module Content:

Properties of Ion Channels; Electrical properties of nerve cells; Neural homeostasis; Electrical signalling in neurons; The neuromuscular junction; Synaptic transmission; Mechanisms of smooth and striated muscle contractility; Neurotransmitter release mechanisms; Snare complexes; Myesthemia gravis, tetanus and botulism; Cannabinoid modulation of synaptic transmission, Protein Synthesis in the Nervous system; Microtubules and molecular motors; signaling with in neurons; Signaling within the neuron; Principles of patch clamping

Assignment on measurements of EMG,
Assignments Meta neuron (simulating electrical and synaptic activity in nerve cells.
MCQ mid term examination

Student Effort Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

The course is delivered via a series of lectures. Within lectures there are links to learning tools and animations that students are encouraged to study at home. On-line assignments are provided to compliment the lectures. Data from recordings of experiments using the EMG will be provided for analysis and discussion. Meta Neuron is a computer based practical which can also be accessed off the campus. Some examples from Meta neuron will be presented during lectures to demonstrate how the program works and how measurements of the properties of neurones can be made and the significance of these measurements for neuronal activity..

There are also tutorials in class which are problem based.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Learning Recommendations:

Students should have prior learning in modules such as PHYS10020 or equivalent.

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Equivalents:
Membrane biology (BMOL30080), Membrane biology (PHYS30130)


 

Assessment Strategy

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Reports are handed in, graded and available to look at when graded. There will be comments made on the graded report.. MCQ: No feed back is provided.

Neuroscience 5th or 6th Edition. Editors: Purves, Augustine, Fitzpatrick, Hall, LaMantia and White. Publisher Sinauer

Essentials of Neural Science and Behaviour Editors: Kandel, Schwartz and Jessell Publisher Appelton and Lange

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.