Examination arrangement

Course content

NEVR2010 provides a thorough introduction to contemporary neuroscience. The course covers central themes and the corresponding disciplines that are relevant for neuroscience, including the neuron and neuronal networks, the organization and development of the central nervous system, systems in the central nervous system including the sensory and motor systems, as well as elements from cognitive and clinical neuroscience. The course also provides an introduction in philosophy and ethics of neuroscience.

The course is strongly recommended as a basis for the international master's programme in Neuroscience (www.ntnu.edu/studies/msneur), but the course may also be taken by students at the bachelor's level in a variety of disciplines including technology, electronics, computational science or biophysics (see also NEVR2030 for a condensed version). The course may also be of interest to students in the social sciences, arts and literature as well as psychology, who have an interest in the neuroscientific underpinning of for example, thoughts, speech capabilities or consciousness.

The course includes a written essay on a predefined topic. Topics are provided by the course coordinator and allow to deepen knowledge in one of the lectured topics. The essay is evaluated as passed/failed, and a passed essay is a requirement to take the final examination.

Learning outcome

After completion of the course NEVR2010 the student:

1) has insight in basic structure and function of the nervous system ranging from the molecular to systems level, including general knowledge of the overall organization and functions of sensory and motor systems including their cortical and subcortical components, main modulatory systems, brainstem and spinal cord.

2) understands how neural systems contribute to sensory experiences, thoughts, emotions, behavior. This includes structure and function of the neuron, synapse and synaptic transmission, transmitter, membrane potential, methods to assess brain activity, neuronal integration and modulation.

3) is aware of the meaning and relevance of neurophilosophy

4) is able to reflect of scientific literature as reflected in writing a coherent essay/short review.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, demonstrations and essay. The course will be held in English if exchange students participate. Regular final examination is given in the autumn semester only. Students with legitimate leave of absence at the final examination and students who receive the grade F may take a re-sit examination in the spring semester. If few candidates, the re-sit examination may be conducted as an oral examination.

Compulsory assignments

• Essay

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Elementary background in biology.

Course materials

Neuroscience by Purves et. al, 5th edition Sinauer

Credit reductions