This module describes brain function in a way that links molecular, cellular and system levels together. The detailed topics include: 1) ion channels, transporters and energy; 2) synaptic transmission, plasticity, integration and dendrites; 3) microcircuits, neural coding, sensory processing, neural networks and the control of behaviour. This structure is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the cellular mechanisms of brain function in health and disease. Lectures from active researchers in the field will be supplemented by tutorials, lab visits and practicals.

This module is an option for 3rd and 4th year MSci/BSc and iBSc Neuroscience students and the neuroscience-focused streams of the Biomedical and Natural Sciences degrees. It can be taken as an elective by students on other degree programmes. A strong grounding in neurophysiology is required and some background in the physical sciences, to at least A-level, would be an advantage.

After taking this module you will be able to:

Understand experimental methods in cellular neuroscience.
	Discuss the evidence underlying our current views on brain function.
	Think critically about the link between experimental data and hypotheses.
	Communicate scientific ideas through essays and practical reports.
Indicative lecture, tutorial and practical list (based on 2021/2 syllabus

Foundations of cellular neuroscience: consolidation of basic concepts
	Structure / function of voltage gated channels
	Hodgkin Huxley Theory
	Modern electrophysiological and optical techniques
	Ion channels and neuronal excitability
	The quantal theory of transmitter release
	Molecular basis of neurotransmitter release
	Presynaptic calcium and transmitter release and short term plasticity (2 lectures)
	Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors
	GABA Receptors
	Dendrites and computation
	Neurotransmitter uptake and Ischemia
	LTP, LTD, STDP
	Homeostatic synaptic plasticity
	Methods for interrogating circuits
	Interneurons, spike precision and oscillations
	Energy and neural computation
	Neural coding
	Cellular and network mechanisms of focal epilepsy
	The hippocampus: Spatial processing and Dual Coding
	Auditory Input and Auditory processing
	Visual Input (retina) and the visual cortex
	Pain and somatosensation
	Olfaction
Tutorial/Feedback Sessions

Feedback tutorials on how to read a paper and how to write an essay

Consolidation tutorials using publications to get more understanding of topics

How to approach and write up the simulation-based practicals (Intro to NEURON)

Lab visits - a chance to see experiments in action

Practical Sessions using the simulation package NEURON

Hodgkin Huxley simulations

Simulating synaptic integration