536-302 Molecular Physiology of Neurons & Muscle

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Physiology 536-201, 536-211 and 536-202 and biochemistry and molecular biology 521-211; or biochemistry and molecular biology 521-213 plus physiology 536-250.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject examines the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the functioning of the nervous and muscular systems. Neurons and muscle cells are unique and highly specialised using sophisticated molecular mechanisms to interact in a network manner. Specific topics include receptors and signal transduction in the nervous system; the molecular basis of voltage-gated ion channels and action potential; propagation of action potential; the neuromuscular synapse; excitation-contraction coupling and the biophysics of contraction; characteristics of CNS synapses; plasticity, remodelling and long-term potentiation in synapses; the molecular bases of conditioned behaviour, attention and memory; the regeneration and differentiation of cells; neural and muscular stem cells; cell injury and death in the nervous and muscular systems; muscle growth and regeneration; nerve degeneration; and nerve regeneration and new technologies to assist it.

The practical component is designed to develop skills of experimentation including experimental design, data collection, data analysis, culminating in manuscript preparation and scientific writing. The subject is designed to encourage active participation by students. Emphasis will be given to the experimental background from which knowledge is derived, and the critical examination of scientific information.

Assessment

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination and a laboratory report of not more than 2500 words in manuscript format.