Neurophysiology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course will cover the most modern and advanced aspects of the physiology of the neural system. Particular focus will be placed both on the functional principles in relation to the homeostatic processes of the entire organism, and on the specific molecular and cellular events responsible for the electrical aspects of the impulse conduction and integration.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will acquire the general principle of the functional organization of the nervous system. They will also learn how it is possible to associate the main logic governing the activity of complex nervous systems (including the human brain) with the basic molecular and cellular principles identified and studied in animal and cell models.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Principles of the development of the Central Nervous System: molecular mechanisms governing the processes of neural induction and differentiation, experiment of Mangold and Spemann.
Molecular and cellular aspects of the neuron and of glial cells,
Voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels, analysis of electrical aspects of neurons, RC circuit, electrotonic properties, time- and space-constants, temporal summation and spatial summation. The structure and function of synapses and synaptic plasticity (LTP, LTD).
The motor system: anatomical and functional organization of the neural circuits, feedback and feedforward control, reflexes, and locomotion.
The cerebellum and its anatomical and functional organization, cellular types and their connections.
The basal ganglia, and their anatomical and functional organization, cellular organization and connections.
Molecular aspects of learning and memory: analysis of different types of memory, experiments in animal models.
Genes and circadian rhythms.
Molecular and cellular aspects of the neuron and of glial cells,
Voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels, analysis of electrical aspects of neurons, RC circuit, electrotonic properties, time- and space-constants, temporal summation and spatial summation. The structure and function of synapses and synaptic plasticity (LTP, LTD).
The motor system: anatomical and functional organization of the neural circuits, feedback and feedforward control, reflexes, and locomotion.
The cerebellum and its anatomical and functional organization, cellular types and their connections.
The basal ganglia, and their anatomical and functional organization, cellular organization and connections.
Molecular aspects of learning and memory: analysis of different types of memory, experiments in animal models.
Genes and circadian rhythms.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic concepts of human (or comparative) anatomy and general physiology.
Teaching methods
Traditional lectures supported by interactive material (power-point presentations).
Students will be stimulated to actively discuss the topics so to improve their analytical thinking as well as their scientific communication skills (flip classroom).
Attendance is strongly suggested.
Students will be stimulated to actively discuss the topics so to improve their analytical thinking as well as their scientific communication skills (flip classroom).
Attendance is strongly suggested.
Teaching Resources
Kandel, Schwartz, Jessel, Siegelbaum, Hudspeth, Principles of Neural Science, Mc Graw Hill; articles and reviews.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam consists in a written test that includes true/false and open questions (duration: about 90 minutes). The results will be posted on the Ariel platform. An oral integration is required: a) when the written tests are not enough to determine the level of knowledge reached by the student; b) upon a specific request of the student. Students that attend the teaching will have the opportunity to take two separate tests in the middle and at the end of the program.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday from 11:00AM to 12:00AM by appointment
Via Celoria 26 - VI° Piano Torre A Edifici Biologici