Course Description
A framework for understanding mammalian neurophysiology at multiple levels of organization. Analysis of neurons, networks, sensory perception, and motor control will reveal the interdependence between the nervous system and other organs and tissues. Examples of higher cognitive function and neurological dysfunction will reinforce key concepts of neurophysiology.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Exploration of the scientific literature related to neurophysiology.
Athena Title
Principles of Neurophysiology
Prerequisite
VPHY 3100 or VPHY 3100E or VPHY 3107-3107D or CBIO 2210-2210L or CBIO 3710 or EHSC 2100 or PMCY 3000 or PMCY 3000E or POUL 4175 or POUL 4200/6200-4200L/6200L or WILD 4400/6400
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to: (1) articulate how neurophysiology, from molecular to social levels of organization, is described by the interdependence and coordinated actions of specific ions, molecules, cells, neural circuits, and structures in both the central and peripheral nervous systems; (2) characterize the pathways for bottom-up processing and top-down control, their integration, and their connections with other tissues and organs; and (3) develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in the context of nervous system function and dysfunction.
Topical Outline
- Neurons and glia: the cells of the nervous system - Membrane physiology of neurons: ions and membrane transport proteins; Nernst potentials, membrane potential, and electrical excitability; the action potential; graded potentials - The synapse and neurotransmission - Fundamentals of neurochemistry: neurotransmitters, receptor proteins, intracellular signaling pathways, and second messenger systems - Synaptic plasticity - Fundamentals of neuroanatomy: nuclei, ganglia, tracts, and nerves; neural circuits and networks; structures/regions of the nervous system; ascending and descending pathways; projection pathways; central and peripheral systems; autonomic and somatic systems - Homeostasis and energetics of the central nervous system (CNS): interstitial fluid (ISF), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the blood-brain barrier (BBB), vasculature, and metabolism - Sensory (input) systems for bottom-up processing: ascending/afferent pathways; the somatosensory system; nociception; the visual system; other specialized sensory systems, such as: auditory, vestibular, olfactory, and gustatory - Motor (output) systems for top-down control: descending/efferent pathways; lower motor neurons and spinal reflexes; upper motor neurons, the brainstem, and spinal cord; the roles of the motor cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum in motor control and planning - Higher-order communication and processing within the CNS: sensory/motor integration; association cortices - Autonomic nervous system (ANS): the hypothalamus and homeostasis; neuroendocrine integration; autonomic versus somatic control - The amygdala and the limbic system - Select topics in higher cognitive function - Select topics in neurological dysfunction
Syllabus