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PHSL231 Neurophysiology

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.

Paper title Neurophysiology
Paper code PHSL231
Subject Physiology
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $1,141.35
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Prerequisite
HUBS 191 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 musculoskeletal 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

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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 9-14, 16-22
Tuesday 09:00-09:50 9-14, 16, 18-22
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 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22
A2 Thursday 14:00-16:50 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22
A3 Friday 14:00-16:50 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22
A4 Thursday 14:00-16:50 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21
A5 Monday 14:00-16:50 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21