Molecular Neurobiology
Course content
The course focuses on the molecular foundation of our nervous system. Beginning with an introduction to fundamental beurobiology, progresses to explore the protein structures and physiology actions of voltage-gated Na+, K+, Ca2+ channels.
We then examine the molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission, including various neurotransmitters, their biosynthesis, release, stability and interaction with ligand-gated and G Protein-Couples receptors, the second messenger system and neurotransmitter transporters. We learn about different CNS disorders such as depression, Schizophrenia and Parkins's disease, along with the mechanisms of action of treatments like antidepressivants, neuroleptics, anxiolytics, sedatives, moodstabilizers, Viagra and other euphoriants.
The course also covers topics such as neuroendocrinology, sensory systems(smell, taste, vision), pain perception and memory. Futhermore, the course offers insight into working at a pharmaceutical company (Lundbeck A/S), and may feature guest lectures from industry experts.
MSc Programme in Biochemistry
MSc Programme in Biology
After the course, the student will be able to understand and apply the following:
Knowledge:
- The most important proteins that steer nerve call membrane potential
- The way neurotransmitters act on their ionotropic and/or metabotropic receptors
- Structure, function and regulation of neurotransmitter transporters
- How second messenger and proteins that are involved in their signaling cascades act
- How CNS diseases are treated and how the most important neuroactive drugs act
- The molecular basis of smell, taste, vision, pain and touch perception
- How the various neuroendocrine systems act
- The neurobiological basis for learning and memory
Skills:
This course will supply the student with up-to-date information of all the modules that build up our nervous system. The course will enable the student to read and understand scientific literature about the brain.
Competences:
By participating in this class, the student will gain up-to-date knowledge about molecular neurobiology. This knowledge can be applied on many occasions, for example if you want to study psychology, or want to start a research project on animal behavior, or if you are just interested in the way your own brain and body function.
Lectures and tutorials
All BSc and MSc students, provided that the candidate has passed a course comparable to the content of the book "Essential Cell Biology" (Bruce Alberts et al.) or passed a course in cell biology or physiology.
Attending all lectures and tutorials is strongly recommended
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
Oral examination, 20 minutes (no preparation time)
- Examination prerequisites
-
- Aid
- No aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
-
Same as the ordinary exam.
Criteria for exam assessment
For passing the examination, the student should demonstrate convincingly and accurately the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.
Single subject courses (day)
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 35
- Preparation
- 163,5
- Exercises
- 7
- Exam
- 0,5
- English
- 206,0
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- NBIK14034U
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Programme level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
-
1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedulegroup
-
C
- Capacity
- 120
The number of places might be reduced if you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student. - Studyboard
- Study Board for the Biological Area
Contracting department
- Department of Biology
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Frank Hauser (7-6e70697d7b6d7a486a717736737d366c73)
- Ditte Skovaa Andersen (14-486d78786932457268697677697244666d73326f7932686f)
Teacher
Frank Hauser, Ditte Andersen, Kenneth Veland Halberg and Anders Lydik Garm.
Er du BA- eller KA-studerende?
Kursusinformation for indskrevne studerende