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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, and who wish to gain an insight into Neurophysiological research by designing, performing, analysing, and presenting their own research project.
| Paper title | Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurophysiology (I) |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSL341 |
| Subject | Physiology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | First Semester |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,092.15 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $5,314.50 |
- 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
- More information link
View more information on the Department of Physiology's website
- Teaching staff
Course Convener: Dr Phil Heyward
Lecturers: Professor Ruth Empson
Dr Phil Heyward
Associate Professor Phil SheardNote: Teaching staff may change; please check the Department of Physiology's website for updated information.
- Paper Structure
Note: Specific lecture topics may vary, see Physiology website for updated information.
24 lectures and 12 laboratory sessions covering the cellular and molecular underpinnings of neuronal development and ageing, signalling and communication, and sensation:
- Neural development and neurogenesis, axon growth and guidance, synaptogenesis, connectivity patterns, cell death, critical periods, ageing, degeneration
- Neural microcircuitry using cerebellum as the model system for neural circuits, calcium in neurons, physiology of excitatory, inhibitory and interneurons, ionic currents
- Neural processing of information in olfactory sensation
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
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 xtensive knowledge of the physiology of neural systems
- Develop a meaningful appreciation of the research process through design, experimentation, analysis and presentation of own experiment
- Develop skill in communicating science through written and oral presentation tasks
