SubjectsSubjects(version: 978)
Course, academic year 2025/2026
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Neurobiology - MB150P59
Title: Neurobiology
Czech title: Neurobiologie
Guaranteed by: Department of Physiology (31-152)
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Actual: from 2025
Semester: winter
E-Credits: 3
Examination process: winter s.:written
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:2/0, Ex [HT]
Capacity: unlimited
Min. number of students: unlimited
4EU+: no
Virtual mobility / capacity: no
State of the course: taught
Language: English
Note: enabled for web enrollment
Guarantor: RNDr. Jan Svoboda, Ph.D.
Teacher(s): MUDr. Lucia Machová Urdzíková, Ph.D.
MUDr. Zuzana Nedelská, M.Sc., Ph.D.
RNDr. Jiří Růžička, Ph.D.
RNDr. Jan Svoboda, Ph.D.
Mgr. Martin Vodička, Ph.D.
Incompatibility : MB150P36
Is incompatible with: MB150P36
Annotation -
Neurobiology is an interdisciplinary subject that provides an overview of the function of cells of neural origin
(neurons and glia) on the level of single cells, functional neuronal circuits, multi neuronal (and glial) structure and
the whole nervous system. The course is recommended for the 3rd year of bachelor program of Biology. Basic
knowledge of physiology on the level of courses on animal and human physiology is expected. The course is a
part of accredited program if Biology and study program of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry of Organisms.
Last update: Horníková Daniela, RNDr., Ph.D. (27.04.2021)
Literature

Kandel E. et al., Principles of Neural Science, six edition, 2021, McGraw-Hill Education

Nicholls J.G. et al., From neuron to brain, fifth edition, 2012, Sinauer Associates Inc., Sunderland, USA

Last update: Horníková Daniela, RNDr., Ph.D. (27.04.2021)
Syllabus

1. INTRODUCTION AND BASIC TERMINOLOGY

Definition of fields of neuroscience, their general description and basic terminology. General morphological a physiological aspect of neural cells, bioelectrical signals, reflexes and behaviour

2. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MECHANISMS OF NEURONAL SIGNALLING

Membrane theory of bioelectric events: Membrane potential, ion channels, ionic pumps (Na/K ATPase), basic principles of the resting, action and synaptic potential

3. NEURONS AS CONDUCTORS, GLIAL CELLS AS FULL SERVICE

Passive electric properties of neuronal membrane, local vs propagated signal, conductance and velocity of action potential; fibre diameter vs. myelinisation; morphology and function of glial cells, membrane properties, neuron-glia (glia-neuron) signalling systems (ion buffering, glutamine synthase), tripartite synapses, myelin sheets, myelin associated glycoproteins, microglia and their role in synapse pruning

4. PRINCIPLES OF SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION

Electrical vs. chemical synapses; synthesis, storage and release of the neurotransmitter; synapse vesicle recirculation (formation, docking, recycling, quantum content), neurotransmitter receptor classes, general identification and function of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, synaptic excitation/inhibition

5. MODEL SYNAPSE - NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION

Structure, acetylcholine receptors, acetylcholinesterase, pharmacology of the NMJ, presynaptic and postsynaptic ways of modulation of the functional state of the end-plate

6. NEUROTRANSMITERS, NEUROMODULATORS AND MECHANISMS OF THEIR ACTION

Detail classification of receptors: ionotropic vs metabotropic, presynaptic and postsynaptic neuromodulators, hormones, growth factors and second messengers, role of cytoskeleton

7. NERVOUS SYSTEM OF INVERTEBRATES

Development of nervous system, level of individual neurons, ganglions, target organs, sensory cells and receptive fields, motor cells, synapses, and reflexes

8. NERVOUS SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Ectodermal origin of nervous system, spinal cord and brain formation; neurulation, neural crest cells, notochord, brain vesicles (Prosencephalon, Mesencephalon, Rhombencephalon), role of morphogens and cell migration, neural stem cells, radial glia

9. NEUROANATOMY

Anatomy and function of motoric and sensory tracts; motoneurons, motor unit, spinal reflexes, motor pathways in the CNS, brain stem, cerebellum, basal ganglia, neocortex, motor programs, primary and associated motor cortex areas; receptors, transduction and transformation of stimuli to electric signal, afferent axis, dorsal root ganglia, spinal tracts, thalamus and target primary and secondary cortex areas

10. INTERACTIONS OF NERVOUS, ENDOCRINE AND IMMUNNE SYSTEMS

Integrative system anatomy and physiology-role of hypothalamus-pituitary gland system, peripheral and central mechanisms mediating feedback of nervous, endocrine and immune system (receptors and chemical compounds), blood brain barrier and cerebrospinal fluid, aspects of development growth, homeostasis and behaviour

11. NEUROBIOLOGICAL BASIS OF BEHAVIOUR

Biorythms, inherited forms of behaviour, unconditioned reflexes, instincts, food intake, reproduction, emotions, learning, and memory, neuroethology

12. NEUROBIOLOGY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES

Interaction of neurons under physiological and pathological conditions, hereditary factors, effect of the environment, regeneration of nervous system, medication and drugs affecting neural cells, neurology, psychopharmacology

13. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX AS ACTIVE PLAYER IN LEARNING AND MEMORY

Forms of extracellular matrix, homeostatic plasticity, role of extracellular matrix in critical period, specialised forms of extracellular matrix (perineuronal nets, presynaptic matrix, perinodal matrix), tetrapartite synapses, role of extracellular matrix in aging and neurodegenerative diseases

Last update: Horníková Daniela, RNDr., Ph.D. (27.04.2021)
Learning outcomes -

Learning Outcomes – Neurobiology

After successful completion of the course, the student:

  • explains the basic principles of the organization and functioning of the nervous system at the level of individual neurons, synapses, neuronal networks, and major functional systems of the central nervous system,
  • describes the mechanisms of electrical and chemical neuronal signaling, including the generation of membrane and action potentials, synaptic transmission, and signal integration in neuronal networks,
  • distinguishes the main types of synaptic transmission and receptor mechanisms (ionotropic and metabotropic) and explains their importance for fast and modulatory neuronal communication,
  • summarizes the role of the major classes of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the regulation of excitability, plasticity, and the functional state of the nervous system,
  • explains the functional significance of glial cells, including their role in metabolic support of neurons, regulation of synaptic activity, protection of nervous tissue, and regeneration,
  • describes the principles of the blood–brain barrier, cerebrospinal fluid, and the glymphatic system and explains their importance for the maintenance of homeostasis and protection of the central nervous system,
  • interprets basic neurobiological mechanisms of selected neurological and neurodegenerative diseases at the cellular and systems levels,
  • applies acquired knowledge to explain the relationship between the structure, function, and dysfunction of the nervous system,
  • explains the neurobiological foundations of neuroplasticity, learning, and memory, including the role of synaptic mechanisms and neuronal networks in the adaptation of the nervous system,
  • acquires a theoretical foundation necessary for further studies in neuroscience, physiology, behavioral, and biomedical disciplines.
Last update: Svoboda Jan, RNDr., Ph.D. (31.01.2026)
 
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