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This module describes brain function in a way that links molecular, cellular and system levels together. The detailed topics include: 1) ion channels, transporters and energy; 2) synaptic transmission, plasticity, integration and dendrites; 3) microcircuits, neural coding, sensory processing, neural networks and the control of behaviour. This structure is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the cellular mechanisms of brain function in health and disease. Lectures from active researchers in the field will be supplemented by tutorials, lab visits and practicals.

This module is an option for 3rd and 4th year MSci/BSc and iBSc Neuroscience students and the neuroscience-focused streams of the Biomedical and Natural Sciences degrees. It can be taken as an elective by students on other degree programmes. A strong grounding in neurophysiology is required and some background in the physical sciences, to at least A-level, would be an advantage.ÌýStudents will benefit most from this module if their module selection includes other neuroscience courses and/or projects.

After taking this module you will be able to:

• Understand experimental methods in cellular neuroscience.
• Discuss the evidence underlying our current views on brain function.
• Think critically about the link between experimental data and hypotheses.
• Communicate scientific ideas through essays and practical reports.

Indicative lecture, tutorial and practical list (based on 2023/24 syllabus

• Foundations of cellular neuroscience: consolidation of basic concepts
• Structure / function of voltage gated channels
• Hodgkin Huxley Theory
• Modern electrophysiological and optical techniques
• Ion channels and neuronal excitability
• The quantal theory of transmitter release
• Molecular basis of neurotransmitter release
• Presynaptic calcium and transmitter release and short term plasticity (2 lectures)
• Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors
• GABA Receptors
• Dendrites and computation
• Neurotransmitter uptake and Ischemia
• LTP, LTD, STDP
• Methods for interrogating circuits
• Interneurons, spike precision and oscillations
• Energy and neural computation
• Neural coding
• Cellular and network mechanisms of focal epilepsy
• The hippocampus: Spatial processing and Dual Coding
• Auditory Input and Auditory processing
• Visual Input (retina) and the visual cortex
• Integrating cells and circuits into systems and behaviour

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Tutorial/Feedback Sessions

Feedback tutorials on how to read a paper and how to write an essay

Consolidation tutorials using publicationsÌýas tools for increasing depth ofÌýunderstanding

Formative Essay with follow-up feedback session

How to approach and write up the simulation-based practicals (Intro to NEURON)

Lab visits - a chance to see experiments in action

Practical Sessions using the simulation package NEURON

Hodgkin Huxley simulations

Simulating synaptic integration