Assignment Task Purpose Video presentations are used to provide a dynamic and interactive learning experience. They are used to actively engage with the subject matter by researching, organising and synthesizing

Assignment Task

Purpose

Video presentations are used to provide a dynamic and interactive learning experience. They are used to actively engage with the subject matter by researching, organising and synthesizing information which promotes a deeper understanding the topic. In this assessment, you will apply theories taught in this subject to disseminate knowledge, helping you develop your communication, creative, and critical thinking skills

Overview

In this subject, we have been studying excitable tissues. We have focussed on acetylcholine (ACh) and noradrenaline/norepinephrine neurotransmitters but there are many more that play important physiological roles. In this assignment you have the choice of investigating either glutamate OR gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), both of which are amino acid neurotransmitters.

The objectives of this task are:

• To investigate a novel physiological concept (i.e. something that is relevant to, but has not been directly covered by, your lectures);
• To develop research skills: to select appropriate sources of reliable and relevant information;
• To develop scientific writing skills: to use vocabulary appropriate for a general scientific audience when preparing your talk, and to develop a concise story that conveys the major features of the technique in a logical sequence;
• To develop audio-visual presentation skills: to use information gathered by your research to construct a short verbal description of physiological concepts using diagrams to assist you with your explanations;
• To develop correct referencing and other acknowledgement skills.

Task

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Select one neurotransmitter: Decide whether you want to explore the functions, mechanisms, and roles of glutamate or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

2. Conduct research: Utilize credible sources to gather relevant information about your chosen neurotransmitter. You may find some general information in your recommended physiology textbook, however it will not be able to answer all parts of this assignment. You will need to explore the following:

• Where in the CNS you would find your chosen neurotransmitter?
• Are there particular pathways in the brain that the neurotransmitter is involved in?
• Describe the receptor(s) for the neurotransmitter, you must include the effect of receptor stimulation Furthermore, if you choose Glutamate:
• Describe the role of glutamate in long term potentiation – make sure you include what long term potentiation is and how glutamate is involved in this process.
• Are there glutamate receptors located outside of the CNS and if so, what is their role (focus on either skeletal or smooth muscle)? If you choose GABA:
• Are there GABA receptors located outside of the CNS and if so, what is their role (focus on either skeletal or smooth muscle)?
• GABA receptors in the CNS allow a specific ion across the plasma membrane. What is this ion and what is its physiological role in skeletal muscle?

3. Explore its functions, locations, receptors, and the physiological processes it influences. You may find some general information in your recommended physiology textbook, however it will not be able to answer all parts of this assignment.

4. Organize your findings: Structure your investigation in a clear and logical manner, presenting key information about the neurotransmitter and its significance.

5. Provide examples: Illustrate your research with real-life examples or case studies that demonstrate the neurotransmitter's effects on excitable tissues and the broader physiological impact.