Advanced Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology
This course will give you a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the nervous system. Specifically, how these shape the development and function of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system in health and disease.
Emphasis will be placed on the development of the nervous system, the interplay between glia cells and neurons, the role of cytokines and neurotrophic factors, and how these molecules regulate gene expression and thus different cellular functions in cells of the nervous system. The course will cover glial and neuronal functions/dysfunction in response to physical trauma, as well as in neuropsychiatric, neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. The problems and possibilities with neuronal regeneration will also be discussed.
An additional focus of the course is to learn about different methods and models that can be used to study the nervous system in health and disease. Laboratory exercises and the project work will give practical experience of some models and methods , which includes training in eukaryotic cell culturing, including human induced pluripotent stem cells. Students will also learn how to present and analyze research data in a scientific manner.
Previous knowledge equivalent to the course Neurochemistry with molecular neurobiology (KN7001) is required in order to enroll in this course.
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Course structure
Course consists of three modules
Theory part (8 ECTS):
The theory part consist of lectures, which includes small theoretical exercises to facilitate learning of the lecture material.Attending lectures is highly recommended and will help you identify the key knowledge required to pass the written exam.
Laboratory exercises (3 ECTS):
Laboratory exercises are performed in groups of 2-3 students and are mandatory. The laboratory exercises focus on learning to culture cells and studying cell specification and neurite growth through image analysis.Project work (4 ECTS):
During the project work you will derive particular neuron types from human induced pluripotent stem cells.The project work involves four parts;
a) develop a detailed protocol for the specification of human induced pluripotent stem cells into a particular neuron type, including methods ans reagents to identify the particular neurons generated.
b) perform a risk assessment for the experiment using the proposed protocol,
c) perform the experiments using your designed protocol, and methods to prove the cell type specification.
d) share data among the different research groups, analyze and present the results in a written project report.All project activities are madatory. Projects are performed in groups of 2-3 students, however each student write an individual report.
Modules
Theory, 8 ECTS
Laboratory exercises, 3 ECTS
Literature project, 4 ECTSTeaching format
Please see above under heading course details.
Assessment
It is expected that the student after completing the course will be able to:
- Demonstrate enhanced insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the function of the nervous system.
- Demonstrate understanding of the interplay between neurons and glia cells, focusing on cytokine signaling, neurobiological changes after trauma and in neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases affecting the nervous system
- Demonstrate basic understanding of growth factors, their receptor mechanisms and role in nerve cell differentiation and plasticity.
- Use, describe and discuss methods and model systems that can be applied to study the functions and dysfunction of the nervous system.
- Analyze and present scientific data orally and in written form.
Measurement of knowledge takes place through;
• Written exam at the end of the course
• Individual lab reports
• Written project reportExaminer
Course responsible:
Professor Eva Hedlund
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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 handed out by the teachers and found by your own search in PubMed
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Course reports
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Contact
Course responsible:
Professor Eva Hedlund
E-mail: eva.hedlund@dbb.su.se
Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office:
Office: Chemical Practice Laboratory M345
E-mail: chemistry@su.se
