Abstract | The course introduces bioelectricity and the sensing concepts that enable obtaining information about neurons and their networks. The sources of electrical fields and currents in the context of biological systems are discussed. The fundamental concepts and challenges of measuring bioelectronic signals and the basic concepts to record optogenetically modified organisms are introduced. |
Objective | During this course the students will: - learn the basic concepts in bioelectronics including the sources of bioelectronic signals and the methods to measure them - be able to solve typical problems in bioelectronics - learn about the remaining challenges in this field |
Content | Lecture topics:
1. Introduction
Sources of bioelectronic signals 2. Membrane and Transport 3-4. Action potential and Hodgkin-Huxley
Measuring bioelectronic signals 5. Detection and Noise 6. Measuring currents in solutions, nanopore sensing and patch clamp pipettes 7. Measuring potentials in solution and core conductance model 8. Measuring electronic signals with wearable electronics, ECG, EEG 9. Measuring mechanical signals with bioelectronics
In vivo stimulation and recording 10. Functional electric stimulation 11. In vivo electrophysiology
Optical recording and control of neurons (optogenetics) 12. Measuring neurons optically, fundamentals of optical microscopy 13. Fluorescent probes and scanning microscopy, optogenetics, in vivo microscopy
14. Measuring biochemical signals |
Lecture notes | A detailed script is provided to each lecture including the exercises and their solutions. |
Literature | Plonsey and Barr, Bioelectricity: A Quantitative Approach (Third edition) |
Prerequisites / Notice | The course requires an open attitude to the interdisciplinary approach of bioelectronics. In addition, it requires undergraduate entry-level familiarity with electric & magnetic fields/forces, resistors, capacitors, electric circuits, differential equations, calculus, probability calculus, Fourier transformation & frequency domain, lenses / light propagation / refractive index, pressure, diffusion AND basic knowledge of biology and chemistry (e.g. understanding the concepts of concentration, valence, reactants-products, etc.). |
Competencies | Subject-specific Competencies | Concepts and Theories | assessed | | Techniques and Technologies | assessed | Method-specific Competencies | Analytical Competencies | assessed | | Decision-making | fostered | | Media and Digital Technologies | fostered | | Problem-solving | assessed | | Project Management | fostered | Social Competencies | Communication | fostered | | Cooperation and Teamwork | fostered | | Customer Orientation | fostered | | Leadership and Responsibility | fostered | | Self-presentation and Social Influence | fostered | | Sensitivity to Diversity | fostered | | Negotiation | fostered | Personal Competencies | Adaptability and Flexibility | fostered | | Creative Thinking | assessed | | Critical Thinking | assessed | | Integrity and Work Ethics | fostered | | Self-awareness and Self-reflection | fostered | | Self-direction and Self-management | fostered |
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