Experimental Physiology (University of Edinburgh, UK)

Unit Code

01527

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Centre for Integrative Physiology
University of Edinburgh
Hugh Robson Building, George Square
Edinburgh
EH8 9XD
UK

web: www.cip.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/ams.htm

Unit Points

Research Points: 100

Coursework Points: 0

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Dr Alison J. Douglas
Centre for Integrative Physiology, SBMS
University of Edinburgh
Hugh Robson Building, George Square
Edinburgh
EH8 9XD
UK

tel: +44 131 650 3274
fax: +44 131 650 2872
email: Alison.j.douglas@ed.ac.uk

Alternative Contact:

Ms Shirley Linton
Senior Secretary
Biomedical Teaching Organisation
Room 420, Medical School
Teviot Place
Edinburgh
EH8 9AG
UK

tel: +44 131 651 3029
fax: +44 131 650 4193
email: Shirley.linton@ed.ac.uk

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Overall Objectives

The overall objectives are to give the student laboratory experience in fundamental physiological, biomedical science and/or neuroscience research. The University of Edinburgh Centre for Integrative Physiology (CIP) contains 3 major research groupings, each carrying out leading-edge research in molecular, cellular and systems physiology (for details see www.cip.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/ams.htm). The student would be trained in research methods while gaining experience in basic laboratory techniques (at the cell, organ or whole-animal level), experimental design, data collection and analysis, and scientific presentation, through working on a research project of their choice selected from those on offer from the members of the CIP.

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Content

Coursework: N/A

Research: Research in the CIP extends from studies of membrane ion channel function and dysfunction in tissues including brain, mechanisms of hormone and neurotransmitter release, regulation of cell volume in articular chondrocytes in osteoarthritis, the cellular and systems-level actions of stress steroids, regulation of growth, appetite and obesity by neuroendocrinological control systems, brain control of reproductive behaviours including sexual behaviour and aggression, mechanisms of brain plasticity in motor control and motor learning, and molecular and cellular mechanisms of development of various tissues including in the brain, ovarian follicle, kidney and mammary gland. Individual projects will be available in various laboratories in these areas, and the student will be expected to select a project by discussion with staff members.

Students will be expected to attend regular seminars and presentations in the CIP and associated laboratories, to gain an overall view of current research issues in biomedical science

Sample Research Topics:

1. Brain and pituitary mechanisms underlying stress-induced spontaneous miscarriage.
   

   Project Supervisor: Dr A.J. Douglas

2. Cellular mechanisms of neuronal and synaptic plasticity.
   

   Project Supervisor: Supervisor: Dr M.B. Dutia

3. Lifecycle of a potassium channel.
   

   Project Supervisor: Professor M.J. Shipston

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 100 points
Research Report (up to 10,000 words): 90%
Oral presentation: 10%

Coursework Component: 0 points
N/A

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
5