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Description
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Timetable
GSN6501
Neuronal Signalling
2016/2017, Semester 1
NUS Grad Sch For Integrative Sci & Engg (NUS Grad Sch For Integrative Sci & Engg)
Modular Credits: 4
Tags:
Neurology,Neuroscience,Signaling
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Learning Outcomes
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Signaling 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
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Preliminary Knowledge about Neuroscience/Neurobiology
Schedule
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S
G
P
N m
odule
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
o
f Neuronal Electrical Signalling
16
Aug
Soon
g
TW
Ionic Basis f Membrane
09:00
-
12:00
*
MPR
23
Aug
Soon
g
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
W
EEK
(17 to 25 September)
27 Sept
Saji Kumar S
Long-Term plasticity & Memory-Introduction
09:00
-
12:00
*
MPR
04 Oct
Va
n
Don
g
e
n 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
W
EEK
22
Nov
Fina
l
Exam
09:00
-
12:00
*
MPR
* Multi-
Purpos
e
Roo
m
(MPR)
Centre
fo
r
Lif
e
Science
s (Lobby) 28 Medical D
r
ive
Singapor
e 117456
Tutorials/Seminars/Essays (60%)
Final Examination (40%) -
22 Nov 2016, 9am-12pm
Syllabus
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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
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Tutorials/Seminars/Essays (60%)
Final Examination (40%)-
22 Nov 2016, 9am-12pm
Preclusions
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NIL
Workload
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3-0-0-0-7
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