Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology
The human brain contains about 100 billion neurons and it has been estimated that these neurons form close to 10 000 billion contact points (synapses) with each other.
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.
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Course structure
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, 7.5 ECTS
Laboratory exercises, 6 ECTS
Literature seminar, 1.5 ECTSTeaching 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.Two small short tests - duggor
The short tests are not mandatory, but if you complete them, you will have the opportunity to receive feedback on your understanding of the material covered in the course so far.• Short Test One covers lectures 1-9 and is a home assignment.
• Short Test Two is an on-campus supervised test and may provide bonus points on the final 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 the affinity with which two ligands bind to muscarinic neurotransmitter receptors.
• The final IP3 exercise will be conducted in a problem-based learning (PBL) format, where your group will be presented with a case involving GPCR-type neurotransmitter receptors that you will need to solve.
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 -
Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
- 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
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Course reports
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Contact
Course coordinator and examiner
Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office- Visiting address
Arrhenius laboratory, room M345
Svante Arrhenius väg 16 A-D
- Here you will find:
Student administrator
International coordinator
Study advisor
Director of studies
- Office hours
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 09.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
- Phone hours
Wednesday 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
