The following message sent on behalf of Dr. Katinka Stecina (Course Coordinator and Instructor)

Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology Graduate Courses Offered 2020/21

PHGY 7310 Principles of Electronics for Life Sciences

PHGY 7320 Instrumentation for Electrophysiology

Fridays, 2:00 - 4:45 pm

Fall term PHGY7310 online lectures; Winter term PHGY7320 hands-on training (to be confirmed)

The following courses are 3.0 credit hours each and open to all graduate students (MSc and PhD) in all disciplines within and outside of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. See pre-requisites below.

PHGY 7310 Principles of Electronics for Life Sciences September 11 – December 18, 2020

Course description: This course will review and discuss basic concepts related to physics and electronics. Moreover, the course will explore applications of electronics principles for use in the understanding of neural activity. Concepts such as electrical stimulation, field potentials, recording methods, analog to digital conversion and acquisition of signals and some methods based on electrically charged dyes used in animal research as well as the basis of electrophysiological techniques used in human research will be covered. Performance in this course will be based on quizzes, exams, on-line discussion participation, and also based on a small, self-directed research component. Students in the course will be asked to survey methods and fundamental principles in relation to an electrophysiological method of their choice (and approved by the instructor) e.g. related to research techniques used for their thesis work, or clinical work or own interest. Participation in on-line (pre-recorded lectures) is flexible and some group discussions will be scheduled based on the availability of all enrolled students.

Prerequisites: A basic course in biology and/or physics or the consent of the course co-ordinator(s).

Format: Each session will consist of on-line lectures & discussions with mandatory student participation in the online discussions. The students will be informed about the topics prior to the lectures.

PHGY 7320 Instrumentation for Electrophysiology January 22 – April 21, 2021

Course description: This course will focus on in-depth and hands-on examination of electrophysiological research methods. Theoretical considerations, current best-practice guidelines and new/developing research directions will be addressed in relation to brain and nerve stimulation and recording of neural activity in humans. Hands-on training in methods, such as electrical and magnetic stimulation of the central nervous system; surface electromyography, and general nerve conduction testing methods. This course was designed to follow the Principles of Electronics for Life Sciences-I (PHYG 7310) course. Graduate students and residents within all disciplines that have an interest in the understanding better the techniques used by electrophysiologists will be able to benefit from this course.  This course is based on participation in on-line lectures (some pre-recorded) and also on-line discussions as well as hands-on lab sessions. The final grade will be a composite of exams, lab exercises, and a short self-directed research proposal on a selected topic (with the instructor’s approval).

Prerequisites: Passing grade in PHGY7310 Principles of Electronics for Life Sciences, or consent of the course co-ordinator(s).

Format: Each session will consist of on-line lecture & discussions and mandatory student participation in labs for hands-on training (to be confirmed). The students will be informed about the topics prior to the lectures.

For more information on the course and it’s content contact Dr. Katinka Stecina (Course Coordinator and Instructor) Katinka.Stecina@umanitoba.ca

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