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 ) | $1,318.20 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One of ANAT 242, PHSL 231, NEUR 201 or NEUR 202
- 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
Convenor: Dr Joon Kim
Lecturers: Professor Rebecca Campbell
- 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.
- Teaching Arrangements
You will attend two lectures each week and two 4-hour laboratory sessions every second week.
- 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
- Assessment details
Assessment consists of internal assessment (that will consist of a written component and a presentation component of laboratory) 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.
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 explores how the brain regulates physiological processes and behaviour, based on current cutting-edge neuroscience research. Through hands-on research laboratories, you will design, conduct, analyse and present your own original neuroscience research project, developing practical skills in experimental design, critical thinking and data interpretation. Graduates of this paper will be well prepared for further study and careers in neuroscience, biomedical science and related health fields, where the ability to think critically, interpret complex data and communicate scientific findings is highly valued.
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 | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One of ANAT 242, PHSL 231, NEUR 201 or NEUR 202
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
One of five 300-level papers for Physiology majors.
Optional paper for Functional Human Biology, Reproduction, Genetics and Development, as well as Neuroscience majors.- Contact
- More information link
View more information on the Department of Physiology's website.
- Teaching staff
Convener: Dr Joon Kim
Lecturers: Professor Rebecca Campbell
- Paper Structure
Specific lecture topics may vary depending on the research interests of the teaching staff (see the Physiology website for updated information). The paper includes 24 lectures and 12 laboratory sessions covering cellular, molecular and integrative aspects of central and peripheral neurophysiology. Core themes may include neural control of reproduction and fertility, hypothalamic regulation of physiological systems and the neural basis of behaviour.
Past modules have included topics such as:
- Neurophysiology of stress
- Neural circuits underlying emotions and behaviour
- Sex differences in the brain
- Brain control of fertility
- Neural regulation of metabolic systems.
In the laboratory component, you will conceive, design, perform, interpret and present your own experiment through a guided process across the semester.
- Teaching Arrangements
You will attend two lectures each week and two 4-hour laboratory sessions every second week.
- Textbooks
Readings for this paper consist of original research articles selected and provided by the lecturer.
- 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
- Assessment details
Assessment consists of an internal assessment (that will consist of a written component and a presentation component of the laboratory) 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.