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    Overview

    The mechanisms by which the nervous system integrates sensory information from the environment and co-ordinates the body’s responses at whole organism, cellular and molecular levels.

    PHSL 231 will build on and extend knowledge of excitable tissues introduced in HUBS 191, with introduction of some new topics, such as the special senses.

    About this paper

    Paper title Neurophysiology
    Subject Physiology
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    (HUBS 191 or PTWY 131) and three of BIOC 192, (BIOL 112 or HUBS 192), CELS 191, CHEM 191, PHSI 191
    Restriction
    MELS 251, PHCY 251, PHSL 251, PHTY 251
    Schedule C
    Science
    Eligibility

    Essential for Physiology and Neuroscience majors

    Contact
    phsl.231-2-3@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Convener: Associate Professor Phil Sheard

    Lecturers: Dr Mike Gill

    Dr Tanya Cully

    Associate Professor Karl Iremonger

    Associate Professor Alex Tups

    Associate Professor Phil Sheard

    Please note: Teaching staff maybe subject to change.

    Paper Structure

    The lecture blocks will focus on:

    • Cellular neurophysiology
    • Cellular communication
    • Neurophysiology of the neuromuscular system
    • Systems neurophysiology
    • Special senses
    • Neuroendocrinology

    Six laboratories will give you skills in a range of techniques:

    • Introduction to physiological recording
    • Nerve action potential and conduction
    • Skeletal muscle contraction
    • Introduction to physiological recording using the finger pulse transducer, electroencephalogram (EEG) and the visual evoked potential (VEP)
    • Vision
    • Taste, smell, hearing and vestibular function

    Assessment:

    • Internal assessment (30%) comprises two evening progress tests, each worth 15%
    • Final examination comprises 70% of the final grade
    Teaching Arrangements
    You will attend 2 or 3 lectures each week and a laboratory session on alternate weeks; please check your timetable as the 'week' of your lab may change after the Easter break.
    Textbooks

    Textbook: The recommended textbook for this paper is 'Berne & Levy Physiology', 7th edn, 2018, eds. Koeppen & Stanton.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will:

    • Acquire extensive knowledge of the physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems
    • Master recording, measurement, and analysis of various human physiological parameters
    • Develop an understanding of ethics in physiology

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 09:00-09:50 9-13, 15-21
    Tuesday 09:00-09:50 9-13, 15-22
    Thursday 09:00-09:50 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Monday 14:00-16:50 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22
    A2 Thursday 14:00-16:50 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22
    A3 Friday 14:00-16:50 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22
    A4 Thursday 14:00-16:50 9, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21
    A5 Monday 14:00-16:50 9, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21
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