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
- More information link
View more information on the Department of Physiology's website
- Teaching staff
Convener: Associate Professor Phil Sheard
Lecturers: Dr Mike Gill
Associate Professor Karl Iremonger
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