Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology
The complexity of the nervous system
Understanding the brain and the nervous system is one of the most complex challenges for modern science. During this course you dive into the biochemistry of the nervous system and try to understand the nervous system and neurons on a biochemical/molecular level.
The course will cover the following:
- An introduction to the organization of the nervous system and the morphology of neurons.
- Different classes of ion channels and the biophysical/biochemical foundations underlying the electrical properties of neurons.
- Synthesis, release, metabolism, and uptake mechanisms of classical neurotransmitters.
- Receptors for neurotransmitters and how activation of these receptors can alter the electrical properties of neurons.
- Aspects of neurochemistry as the foundation for neuropharmacology.
Modules
Theory, 8 ECTS
Laboratory exercises, 6 ECTS
Literature seminar, 1 ECTS
Teaching Format
Lectures
Approximately 23 lectures, some of which include small exercises. Attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended. The lectures will help you: i) structure and connect the facts and concepts presented throughout the course, ii) gain insight into what is central when studying for the written exam, and iii) ask questions and engage in discussions with the instructors.
Short test - dugga
After approximately half of the lectures, there will be an on-campus supervised short test (dugga). This test is not mandatory, but if you complete it, you will have the opportunity to receive feedback on your understanding of the material covered in the course up to that point. You may also earn bonus points towards the final written exam.
Practical laboratory exercises (mandatory)
The laboratory exercises are mandatory and will be performed in groups or teams of up to six students. These exercises are closely linked to the theoretical content of the course and are designed to facilitate visualization and discussions around key concepts presented during the course.
• In the neuroanatomy exercise, we will dissect a life-sized model of the human brain and study stained sections of the nervous system using microscopes.
• During the Metaneuron exercise, we will use an interactive neuron simulation program to study the basic electrical properties of neurons.
• The Data Visualization and Statistical Analysis exercise will introduce you to R/R Studio and help you prepare for the analysis and presentation of results obtained or discussed in later exercises.
• In the calcium exercise, we will analyze the effects of different ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors on intracellular calcium levels and neuronal activity.
• In the receptor binding exercise, we will conduct a wet lab experiment to determine
Literature seminar
During the literature seminar, you will freely choose a topic related to neuroscience and give a brief, popular science introduction of this topic to the rest of the students in the course. Attendance at the literature seminars is mandatory for everyone.
Assessment
Written on-campus exam at the end of the course.
Practical laboratory exercises are assessed through written lab reports and oral presentations.
Literature seminar presentation.
Examiner
Anna-Lena Ström
anna-lena.strom@dbb.su.se
- Lecture hand-outs
- Scientific articles
- Basic Neurochemistry: Principles of molecular, cellular and medical neurobiology Editors ST Brady, GJ Siegel, RW Albers & DL Price. Eighth edition, 2012, Academic Press, ISBN: 978-0-12-374947-5, recommended but not necessary
Course coordinator
Anna-Lena Ström, email: anna-lena.strom@dbb.su.se
Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office: chemistry@su.se
