Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
BB20028: Cellular neurobiology |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| EX 80%, PR 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take BB10006 and in taking this unit you cannot take BB20099 |
| Description: | Aims: To provide an introduction and broad overview of cellular neurobiology, which should serve as a basis for more in-depth study in final year courses. Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to: * give a general description of the organisation of the nervous system including the basic anatomical subdivisions; * relate neuronal cell structure with function; * discuss the similarities and differences between receptor classes and their association with various signalling cascades; * describe the principles of electrical signalling in neurons including the properties of ion channels. Skills: Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Numeracy & computation T/F/A, Laboratory skills T/F, Information technology T/F, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F. Content: A brief description of basic aspects of neuronal development and anatomy: the cells of the nervous system; the subcellular architecture of neurons including features in common with other cells and unique aspects such as axons, dendrites, synaptic vesicles and the neuronal cytoskeleton; synaptic transmission and intercellular communication; and signalling in the nervous system including the electrical properties of neurons, resting and action potentials and ion channels. |