Course Coordinator: K. Papatheodoropoulos

The aim of the course is the critical understanding of the subject of biology of the nerve cell and intercellular communication in the nervous system. In the context of the course, postgraduate students are required to understand the basis of the electrophysiological activity of neuronal cells, the mechanisms of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity, the principles of nervous system development, and the basic principles of the organization of neural networks, as well as the basic principles through which brain rhythms are organised. At the same time, the course aims to familiarise the student with the place and role of neuroscience in the broader field of biology and the roles of the nervous system in information processing.

Educational objectives

The central objective of the course is to understand the functions of the brain nervous system at the cellular level. In particular, the aim is the knowledge of the biology of the nerve cell, its electrophysiological activity, synaptic transmission and synaptic modification, and plasticity. The position of neuroscience in the broader scientific context is discussed, as well as some extensions of the physiological and pathological function of the neural cell, such as the potential of neurons and the mechanisms of epilepsy.

Course Content

Introduction and Cell Biology of Neural Tissue

• History and Perspectives of Neuroscience
• Neuron and glial biology
• Development of the nervous system

Electrophysiology of the Nerve Cell Membrane

• Role of ions in the electrophysiological activity of the membrane
• Ion equilibrium potential and ion channels
• Membrane potential
• Passive membrane electrical properties
• Synaptic potentials and energy potentials
• Integration of synaptic potentials

Synaptic Transmission

• Chemical and electrical synaptic transmission
• Basic principles of chemical synaptic transmission-neuromuscular transmission as a model Mechanisms of neurotransmitter release
• Neurotransmitters in the central nervous system
• Modification of synaptic transmission

Special Topics in Neural Function

• Principles of synaptic plasticity
• Mechanisms of regulation of neuronal excitability
• Pathophysiology of excitability and epilepsy
• Signal processing and information in the neuron
• Computational neurobiology