The Basics of Neurophysiology

Description

The human brain is very complex, and there is still a considerable amount that we do not understand. Over the last few decades, technological advancements have helped us to create tools that allow us to peek into the micro-anatomy of this fascinating biological system. Neurophysiology is the scientific branch of neuroscience that studies the function of the human central nervous system. Its main goal is to understand how the human brain’s dysfunction leads to disease, physical impairment, and mental disorders. Could you imagine a day when they find a cure for Parkinson's disease or can reverse Multiple Sclerosis? While we might still be several years away from this scenario, neurophysiologists are already treating Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia, and other mental disorders with experimental treatments that have proven to alleviate symptoms. This course is designed to introduce you to neurophysiology and the technical tools that researchers and health professionals use in this exciting neuroscience field.

You will first start by analysing the complex design of a neuron cell. Understanding the structure and function at the central nervous system’s neuronal level is the basis for understanding scalp recorded electroencephalograms and event-related potentials. Discover the function of a neuron’s axon and dendrites in communicating with other neurons and the cell membrane’s complex role in initiating action potentials. Determine what synapses are and the difference between electrical and chemical synapses. Next, learn about the anatomical structure of the human central nervous system. Familiarise yourself with the cerebrum's four lobes and function. Uncover the role of the cerebellum, and the complexity of the spinal cord. Then, delve deeper into the brain by discovering the thalamus’s purpose, the hippocampus, the medulla oblongata and other hidden parts of the human brain. Did you know that there are four well-defined microcircuits in our brain? Understand these circuits’ purpose and how researchers can tap into them to study the brain’s multiple motor-sensory and cognitive functions.

This course will also teach you about the electroencephalogram, or the EEG, and how it is used to detect electrical brain activity by connecting microscopic electrodes into the scalp of a human subject. Gain an understanding of how these electrodes and other components used in neuro-instrumentation are manufactured. Become informed on the use of nanotechnology to produce smart catheters, sensors and diodes. And become skilled in placing EEG electrodes using the international 10-20 systems for EEG electrode placement. Learn the different uses for EEGs, and understand how to detect and record brain waves. Anyone studying neuroscience or health professionals interested in brain function, such as doctors, psychiatrists, and researchers, will benefit from this fascinating course as you will gain unique knowledge in neurophysiology. This course is a complex, highly technical, exciting and rewarding course. Are you ready to take on this challenge? Why wait! Start today and enrol in this Basics of Neurophysiology course!