Course Curriculum

Introduction

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive and practical foundation in neuroscience and biopotential signal acquisition, guiding learners from essential theoretical concepts to real world skills in recording brain, muscle, heart and eye electrical activity. Through structured modules, clear explanations, illustrative diagrams, and hands-on demonstrations, participants will gain an intuitive understanding of nervous system function and electrophysiology, while also building the confidence to work with biopotential signal hardware and interpretation techniques. Whether you are new to the field or seeking to strengthen your practical expertise, this course offers an engaging, step-by-step learning experience that makes complex topics accessible and directly applicable.

Course Content

This course is divided into 11 modules, each covering a specific aspect of neuroscience and biopotential signal acquisition. The modules are designed to build upon each other, providing a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system and its electrical activity.

Module 1: Human Nervous System

An overview of the human nervous system, its structure, and function.

• Module 1: Human Nervous System
  • 1.1 Introduction
  • 1.2 Central Nervous System (CNS)
  • 1.3 Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
  • 1.4 Neurons
  • 1.5 Glial cells
  • 1.6 Summary
  • 1.7 References

Module 2: Understanding the resting potential

Exploration of the resting membrane potential and its significance in neuronal function.

• Module 2: Understanding the resting potential
  • 2.1 Fundamentals of electricity
  • 2.2 Resting Potential
  • 2.3 Equilibrium potential
  • 2.4 Goldman Equation
  • 2.5 Ion channels
  • 2.6 Sodium potassium pump
  • 2.7 Summary
  • 2.8 References

Module 3: Passive Membrane Properties

Study of the passive electrical properties of neuronal membranes.

• Module 3 : Passive Membrane Properties
  • 3.1 Resistance and Capacitance in membrane
  • 3.2 Length and Time constant
  • 3.3 Summary
  • 3.4 References

Module 4: The Action Potential and its Propagation

Detailed examination of the action potential generation and propagation mechanisms.

• Module 4 : The Action Potential and its Propagation
  • 4.1 Voltage Gated Ion Channels
  • 4.2 Phases of the Action Potential
  • 4.3 Action Potential Propagation
  • 4.4 Additional Info Section
  • 4.5 Summary
  • 4.6 References

Module 5: The Synapse

Understanding synaptic transmission and its role in neural communication.

• Module 5 : The Synapse
  • 5.1 Types of synapse
  • 5.2 EPSPs and IPSPs
  • 5.3 Bernard katz experiment
  • 5.4 Snare Proteins
  • 5.5 Synaptic summation
  • 5.6 Additional info (Toxins and Their Effects)
  • 5.7 Summary
  • 5.8 References

Module 6: Biopotential Signals

Introduction to biopotential signals and their physiological origins.

• Module 6: Biopotential signals
  • 6.1 How to measure biopotential signals
  • 6.2 Skin Preparation Guide
  • 6.3 Basic electrode configuration
  • 6.4 Summary
  • 6.5 References

Module 7: EMG

Comprehensive coverage of electromyography (EMG) and muscle electrical activity.

• Module 7: EMG
• Surface EMG
  • 7.1 Introduction
  • 7.2 Basic principle
  • 7.3 How it works
  • 7.4 Key Components of a sEMG System
  • 7.5 Applications of sEMG
  • 7.6 Advantages of Surface EMG
  • 7.7 Limitations of sEMG
  • 7.8 Summary

Module 8: ECG/EKG

In-depth exploration of electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) and heart electrical activity.

• Module 8: ECG/EKG
  • 8.1 Introduction
  • 8.2 Basic principle
  • 8.3 ECG procedure
  • 8.4 Components of the ECG
  • 8.5 Applications of ECG
  • 8.6 Advantages of ECG
  • 8.7 Limitations of ECG
  • 8.8 Summary
  • 8.9 References

Module 9: EEG

Detailed study of electroencephalography (EEG) and brain electrical activity.

• Module 9 : EEG
  • 9.1 Introduction
  • 9.2 Basic principle
  • 9.3 How it works
  • 9.4 Key components of EEG
  • 9.5 Applications of EEG
  • 9.6 Advantages of EEG
  • 9.7 Limitations of EEG
  • 9.8 Summary
  • 9.9 References

Module 10: EOG

Examination of electrooculography (EOG) and eye movement electrical activity.

• Module 10 : EOG
  • 10.1 Introduction
  • 10.2 Basic principle
  • 10.3 How it works
  • 10.4 Applications of EOG
  • 10.5 Advantages of EOG
  • 10.6 Limitations of EOG
  • 10.7 Summary
  • 10.8 References

Module 11: Conclusion

Summary of key concepts and practical applications covered in the course.

• Module 11 : Conclusion
  • 11.1 Why Neuroscience Matters Today
  • 11.2 What This Course Has Achieved
  • 11.3 Importance of This Course Being Open Source
  • 11.4 Role of Upside Down Labs
  • 11.5 Looking Forward
  • 11.6 Final Message