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    Overview

    Current research in neurophysiology at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Themes may vary from year to year and are distinct from those in PHSL342.

    This paper is for those who are curious about the way in which the essential elements of the nervous system work, based on current biomedical neuroscience research, and who wish to gain an insight into Neurophysiological research by designing, performing, analysing, and presenting their own research project.

    About this paper

    Paper title Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurophysiology (I)
    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
    PHSL 231
    Schedule C
    Science
    Eligibility

    One of five 300-level papers for Physiology majors.
    Optional paper for Functional Human Biology, Reproduction, Genetics and Development, and Neuroscience majors.

    Contact

    Professor Rebecca Campbell

    Teaching staff

    Convenor: Professor Rebecca Campbell

    Deputy Convenor: Dr Rosie Brown

    Lecturers: Professor Rebecca Campbell

    Professor Colin Brown

    Dr Rosie Brown

    Paper Structure

    Note: Specific lecture topics may vary, dependent on the research interests of the teaching staff teaching into the paper, see Physiology website for updated information.

    24 lectures and 12 laboratory sessions covering the cellular, molecular and integrative aspects of central and peripheral nervous systems. Topics might include neural control of reproduction and fertility, hypothalamic regulation of reproductive and cardiovascular function, and neural control of behaviour.

    In the laboratory course you will conceive, design, perform, interpret and present your own experiment in a guided process over the entire semester.

    Assessment consists of internal assessment (a written research proposal, a written research report and an oral or poster presentation of laboratory class work) and a 3-hour, essay-style final exam. A mark of at least 45% in the final exam must be attained to pass the paper as a whole.

    Teaching Arrangements

    You will attend two lectures each week and two 4-hour laboratory sessions every second week (alternating with PHSL 342).

    Textbooks

    Readings consist of original research articles.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, 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 nervous systems
    • Develop a meaningful appreciation of the research process through design, experimentation, analysis and presentation of own experiments
    • Develop skill in communicating science through written and oral presentation tasks

    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, 15-21

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 14:00-17:50 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22
    Wednesday 14:00-17:50 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22

    Workshop

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 15:00-16:50 10
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