The course content reflects the highly diverse and interdisciplinary nature of Neuroscience with a series of seminars and laboratory demonstrations that cover cellular neurophysiology, neurochemistry and molecular neuroscience, as well as an overview of the structure, function and dysfunction of the central nervous system.

The student will gain necessary intellectual tools to understand and appreciate the complexities of the nervous system at the molecular and cellular level.

This course is designed as an introductory course at the Master¿s level, with the expectation that the student has a Bachelor¿s degree in the biological or physical sciences, but previous knowledge of neuroscience is not a prerequisite. Topics include: neurons as excitable cells, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter systems, molecular and cellular basis for behavior, emotion, memory and sleep, sensory systems and functional anatomy and imaging of the nervous system.

Knowledge:

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Display in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system at a cellular and systems level
• Identify and describe the molecular and cellular properties of neurons that give rise to their ability to communicate via electrical and chemical signals
• Define the most important neurotransmitter systems and receptors in the nervous system
• Describe commonly used methods in neuroscience and understand the theory behind these techniques
• Describe the integration of molecular, cellular and biophysical processes that contribute to the function of neurons and neural systems responsible for behaviour

Skills/ General Competency:

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Interpret and discuss findings related to scientific experiments and literature in the field of neuroscience
• Apply theories of molecular and cellular neuroscience to experimental investigations

Approximately 32 hours of seminars over an approximate 8-10 week period

Four laboratory demonstrations (3 hours each)

Essay (8-10 pages)

Attendance at 80% of seminars

Laboratory demonstrations are mandatory.

The assessment consists of three parts:

• 2-3 hour written exam at end of course (50%)
• Submission and assessment of term paper (35%)
• Laboratory reports (15%)

All parts must be passed for course fulfilment. Grading Scale A - F.

Department of Biomedicine

studie@biomed.uib.no

Tel: (+47) 55 58 64 39 / 55 58 64 40

Course coordinator:

Margaret Veruki: http://www.uib.no/en/persons/Margaret.Veruki