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:
- Neurotransmitter synthesis
- Metabolic mechanisms at the synapse
- Release and re-uptake/degradation of classical neurotransmitters
- Receptors for neurotransmitters and their ligands, from a chemical-pharmacological point of view
- The relevance of above molecules and their interactions for development of tolerance, supersensitivity and long term potentiation are discussed.
- Aspects of neurochemistry as a basis for neuropharmacology will also be covered.
Modules
Theory, 7.5 ECTS
Laboratory exercises, 6 ECTS
Literature seminar, 1.5 ECTSTeaching format
Lectures (not mandatory but highly recommended)
21 lectures whereof some are mixed with group exercises. These will give you a factual basis, teach new terminology and give you facts and details.Two small short tests - duggor
These will give you a chance to get feedback on what you have learned so far:- Short test 1, home assignment
- Short test 2, written exam, may give bonus points on final exam
Laboratory exercises (mandatory)
- Three dry labs
- Two wet labs
Journal club exercises (mandatory)
Will cover how to read and evaluate quality of a research article within neurochemistry with molecular neurobiology field.Assessment
- Written exam at the end of the course
- Individual lab reports, to be handed in latest one week after each lab exercise
- Literature seminar presentation
Examiner
Associate Professor 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 examinerChemistry Section & Student Affairs Office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratoriet, room M345
Svante Arrhenius väg 16 A-D
In charge of:
Bachelor's and Master's education, application, admission, registration, examination
Here you will get support form:
Student administrator
International coordinator
Student advisor
Director of studies
- Office hours
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 09.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
- Phone hours
Mondays and Wednesdays 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00