Neurophysiology

Course unit title

Scientific direction

Scientific code

Faculty

Department (s)

Neurophysiology

Biophysics

N 011

Life Sciences Center

Institute of Biosciences

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Lectures

0

Consultations

1

Self-studies

9

Seminars

0

Aims of course

·       To learn about structure and functioning of cells in nervous system, principles of generation and propagation of electrical signals, information coding and synaptic communication.

·       To learn the principles of analysis and critical evaluation of scientific literature, preparing the scientific presentation, scientific discussion.

Main topics

Posible topics:

·       Type and structure of cells in nervous system;

·       Generation and propagation of gradual and action potentials;

·       Communication between cells in nervous system;

·       Synaptic plasticity;

·       Methods in neurophysiology.

The specific topic of interest is discussed with PhD student. Then the scientific literature is analyzed (self-studies and consultations) and public presentation on topic of interest is prepared (duration of presentation – 1 hour). The presentation must include:

1.     Basics on the topic of interest;

2.     Latest scientific findings on the topic of interest;

3.     Critical evaluation what is already known and what remains to be found.

Main literature

·       M.F. Bear, B.W. Connors, M. Paradiso “Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain” fourth edition, Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2015.

·       J. H. Byrne, R. Heidelberger, M. N. Waxham, J. L. Roberts “From Molecules to Networks: An Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience”, Third Edition, Academic Press, 2014.

·       Kandel E.R., Schwartz J.H., Jessell T.M., Siegelbaum S.A, Hudspeth A.J. “Principles of Neural Science” McGraw-Hill Publishing Co, 2013.

·       Subject related original scientific papers.

Assessment strategy

Assessment criteria

Seminar

The PhD student makes a presentation during public seminar. Evaluation is based on three criteria:

·       Fluency and logic of presentation;

·       Knowledge on the subject;

·       Answering questions.

Aidas Alaburda

Dr.

Prof.

Approved by the Council of Graduate School of Life Sceinces Center No 600000-…-… on the …. of …… 2021

Chairman