This course provides an integrative approach to understanding cellular neuroscience. It looks at the key molecules that underlie the processes of signalling in neural cells, the behaviour of neural cells and how these may be manipulated experimentally to understand the function. Topic areas include: how electrical signals are generated across cell membranes; the function, properties and structure of ion channels, receptors and transporters; how individual nerve cells function; how cells communicate with each other in the brain, including synaptic transmission and receptor-medicated signalling; how alterations in function can lead to disease states; modern experimental techniques in cellular physiology; application of molecular biology techniques to manipulate and explore the function of molecules in the nervous system. The course provides an ideal introduction for further detailed studies in neuroscience and pharmacology, and provides a foundation for the understanding of higher physiological systems.

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