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 function of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system in health and disease..
Emphasis will be placed on the interplay between glia cells and neurons, the role of cytokines and neurotrophic factors, and how these molecules regulate gene expression and thus different 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. 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.
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from your department
On this page you will shortly find information on registration, learning platform, etc.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
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For new international students
Emphasis will be placed on the interplay between glia cells and neurons, the role of cytokines and neurotrophic factors, and how these molecules regulate gene expression and thus different 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. 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 the effect of neurotrophic factors and apoptosis in the nervous system.Project work (4 ECTS):
During the project work you will investigate whether one for you unknown substance (substance X) induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.The project work involves four parts;
a) identifying a method and developing a detailed protocol for how to use the identified method to study whether substance X induces apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells,
b) perform a risk assessment for an experiment using the proposed protocol,
c) performing the apoptosis experiment using the proposed method and protocol, and
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
