Electrophysiology: From Single Cell Activity to ‘Cognitive’ Markers

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Our brain is busy all the time, whether we are awake or asleep. There are thousands of neurons which are in constant communication with each other. Neurotransmitters and electrical currents convey information from one cell to another, which in turn produces electrical signals that we can measure. This course is an introduction into the field of electrophysiology. Students first learn about how currents develop (i.e., role of molecules, ion channels and membrane) and how they can be measured in individual neurons (e.g., patch clamp or single cell recording), groups of neurons (local field potentials) and brain regions (electroencephalography). Students further examine differences in measurements across species. For instance, can electrodes be placed in humans using the same approach used for rats? Finally, students will learn how to interpret these currents in terms of event-related potentials, (de)synchronisation and functional connectivity measures. In addition to the theoretical basis, students will discuss some of the practical issues when performing electrophysiological recordings, such as measurement settings and electrode positions, and applications of electrophysiology in psychopharamacology and neurological disorders.