Learning Outcomes

TopSignaling within and between neurons provide the basis for information processing, storage and retrieval in the brain. This is a foundational module and the knowledge learned will enable students to appreciate the fundamental processes underlying brain function. Signaling within and between neurons provide the basis for information processing, storage and retrieval in the brain. This module will consider several fundamental aspects of neuronal signaling, including: (1) the ionic basis of membrane excitability; (2) basic mechanisms of synaptic transmission; and (3) mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and their implications for learning and memory.

Prerequisites

TopPreliminary Knowledge about Neuroscience/Neurobiology

Schedule

Top

SGPN module

Neuronal Signalling – GSN6501
Tuesdays, 9am-12pm, AY2016/2017 Semester 1
Organizer: Saji Kumar Sreedharan (phssks@nus.edu.sg)

Time table

Date	Lecturer	Topics	Time	Venue

*Principles of Neuronal Electrical Signalling*
16 Aug	Soong TW	Ionic Basis f Membrane	09:00-12:00	* MPR
23 Aug	Soong TW	n channels	09:00-12:00	* MPR
30 Aug	Soong TW	Ion channels and diseases	09:00-12:00	* MPR
*Synaptic transmission*
06 Sept	Shawn Je H	c mechanisms-I	09:00-12:00	* MPR
13 Sept	Shawn Je H	Presynaptic mechanisms-II	09:00-12:00	* MPR
*RECESS WEEK* *(17 to 25 September)*
27 Sept	Saji Kumar S	Long-Term plasticity & Memory-Introduction	09:00-12:00	* MPR
04 Oct	Van Dongen A	Postsynaptic mechanisms-I	09:00-12:00	* MPR
11 Oct	Van Dongen A	Postsynaptic mechanisms-II	09:00-12:00	* MPR
*Synaptic plasticity and memory*
18 Oct	Shawn Je H	Structural Plasticity	09:00-12:00	* MPR
25 Oct	Sajikumar S	Neuromodulators and long-term plasticity	09:00-12:00	* MPR
01 Nov	Saji Kumar S	Long-term Synaptic plasticity - Molecules of memory-I	09:00-12:00	* MPR
8 Nov	Saji Kumar S	Long-term plasticity- mechanisms of memory-II	09:00-12:00	* MPR
*READING WEEK*
22 Nov		Final Exam	09:00-12:00	* MPR

* Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) Centre for Life Sciences (Lobby) 28 Medical Drive
Singapore 117456

Tutorials/Seminars/Essays (60%)
Final Examination (40%) - 22 Nov 2016, 9am-12pm

Syllabus

Top Detailed topics description:

1. Principles of Neuronal Electrical Signalling

Ionic Basis of Membrane Excitability

- The ionic basis of resting and action potential will be discussed.

Ion channels

- The molecular biology of ion channels and receptors and their roles in generation and maintenance of electrical activities will be discussed in relation to synaptic transmission. Examples of ion channelopathies will be used to reinforce that subtle changes in ion channel function can produce severe phenotypes in rodents or in human.

2. Synaptic transmission

Presynaptic mechanisms

- The mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release will be considered. Topics to be discussed include presynaptic calcium signaling, molecular mechanisms of synaptic vesicle trafficking, and quantal transmitter release.

Short-term synaptic plasticity

- We will begin our analysis of synaptic plasticity by considering the mechanisms underlying short-term synaptic plasticity, namely changes in synaptic function that persist for less than 30 minutes.
-Mechanisms: facilitation, post-tetanic potentiation (PTP), presynaptic depression, and postsynaptic desensitization.

Postsynaptic mechanisms

- The mechanisms involved in postsynaptic signalling will be considered, including an analysis of the properties of neurotransmitter receptors and biophysical aspects of postsynaptic electrical signals.

3. Synaptic plasticity

Long-term synaptic plasticity

- The module will conclude by considering the signalling mechanisms responsible for long-term synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), and the possible roles of these forms of plasticity in memory formation and storage.
- LTP, LTD: the features, and the associated signaling mechanisms, synaptic tagging

Structural plasticity of synapses

Memory formation and storage

Assessment

TopTutorials/Seminars/Essays (60%)
Final Examination (40%)-22 Nov 2016, 9am-12pm

Preclusions

TopNIL

Workload

Top3-0-0-0-7

Workload Components : A-B-C-D-E
A: no. of lecture hours per week
B: no. of tutorial hours per week
C: no. of lab hours per week
D: no. of hours for projects, assignments, fieldwork etc per week
E: no. of hours for preparatory work by a student per week