91̽»¨

This is a second-cycle course in Biology. The course can be included as a part of a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and Biology, or as part of a Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biology or Bioinformatics. The course is also offered as a separate course.

For admission to the course, approved courses of 120 credits in the field of natural science are required, of which at least 15 credits must be within the main subject molecular biology or equivalent. In addition, applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

This course will explore the structure and function of the mammalian nervous system by examining the molecules, cells, and circuits that are involved in directing behavior. We will discuss how the nervous system is built during development, how it changes with experience throughout life, how it functions in normal behavior, and how malfunctioning communication between neurons and other cells leads to neurological diseases. The course will also cover basic and functional neuroanatomy.

The course is divided in sub-courses;

Sub-course 1; Molecular neuroscience, 7,5 hp

Sub-course 2; Systems neuroscience, 7,5 hp

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate general knowledge about the key concepts in neurobiology, such as classes receptors and transmitter systems. 
• Describe basic anatomy and functions of the nervous system.
• Describe the principles of nerve cell function, synaptic transmission and propagation of neural signals.
• Describe the functions of sensory systems.
• Explain the function of higher functions in nervous systems and how these can be studied.
• Describe the development of nervous systems.
• Describe motor systems and the regulation of these.
• Describe the neurobiological principles of learning and memory, sleep, emotions and consciousness.
• Explain the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
• Describe the methodological aspects of studying the nervous system such as electrophysiology, optogenetics, EEG, neuroimaging.

Competence and skills

• Be able to understand sensory transduction and understand connections between regulation of molecular mechanisms in nervous systems and how this influence higher order functions.
• Be able to present and discuss basic concepts of neurobiology, such as voltage dependent membrane permeabilities and sensory functions.
• Present and discuss topics within neurobiology in a broader perspective.

Judgement and approach

• Be able to reason around molecular concepts within neurobiology.
• Demonstrate critical thinking around the use of different model systems in neuroscience research.

Sub-course 1; Teaching will be performed through lectures, group assignment, problem-based seminars and practicals.

Sub-course 2; Teaching will be performed through lectures, group assignment, problem-based seminars and practicals.

Sub-course 1; The sub-course is examined with a written examination. If the student fail exam 1, this part will need to be retaken togehter with exam 2 at the end of the course.

Subcourse 2; The sub-course is examined with a written examination.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University 91̽»¨ with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University 91̽»¨.

Sub-course 1; The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

Sub-course 2; The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

Final grade; The grading scale for the course comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For grade G, the student is required to pass sub-course 1 and 2. For grade VG the student needs to have VG on both sub-course 1 and 2. The written examinations can be taken separately or in combination at the end of the course.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.