Current research in neurophysiology at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Themes may vary from year to year and are distinct from those in PHSL 342.
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.
| Paper title | Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurophysiology (I) |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSL341 |
| Subject | Physiology |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | First Semester |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,038.45 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $4,680.00 |
- Prerequisite
- PHSL 231
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
- One of five 300-level papers for Physiology majors.
Optional paper for Functional Human Biology, Infection and Immunity, Reproduction, Genetics and Development and Neuroscience majors. - Contact
- alexander.tups@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of Physiology's website
- Teaching staff
- Course Convener: Dr Alexander Tups
Lecturers: Associate Professor Ruth Empson, Dr Phil Heyward, Associate Professor Phil Sheard - Paper Structure
- Paper structure:
24 lectures and 12 laboratory sessions covering the cellular and molecular underpinnings of neuronal development and ageing, signalling and communication:
Neural development neurogenesis, axon growth and guidance, synaptogenesis, connectivity patterns, cell death, critical periods, ageing, degeneration
Neural microcircuitry using cerebellum as the model system neural circuits, calcium in neurons, physiology of excitatory, inhibitory and interneurons, ionic currents
Control of movement by the motor cortex
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.
For further detail please refer to the undergraduate handbooks BSc PHSL or BBiomedSc FUHB, available to download. - Teaching Arrangements
- You will attend two lectures each week and two 4-hour laboratory sessions every second week (alternating with PHSL 342).
- Textbooks
- 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
- Acquired extensive knowledge of the physiology of neural systems
- Developed a meaningful appreciation of the research process through design, experimentation, analysis and presentation of own experiment
