Syllabus
Undergraduate Programs
NEUR 1010: Neurophysiology with Lab
Credits - 4
Description
This online course introduces students to how the nervous system works, with a primary emphasis on neurophysiology—how neurons generate electrical signals, communicate across synapses, and function together in systems that support sensation, movement, stress responses, and everyday behavior.
The course takes a physiology-first approach, focusing on functional principles rather than molecular detail unless molecular mechanisms directly support understanding of function. Students examine how neurons operate individually and in circuits, how major regions of the nervous system are organized, and how neural activity gives rise to observable behavior and physiological regulation.
Designed for students with varied science backgrounds, the course is organized into short, focused weekly modules that integrate accessible readings, interactive media, guided practice, and virtual lab-style experiences. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding, interpretation of neural data, and application to real-world scenarios, supporting a coherent “big picture” understanding of nervous system function.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe and compare the structural and functional properties of neurons, including how membrane potentials, ion movement, and action potentials support neural signaling.
- Explain the physiological steps of synaptic communication and predict how changes in neurotransmitter release or receptor activity influence postsynaptic responses and behavior.
- Identify major anatomical regions of the nervous system and summarize their core roles in sensory processing, motor control, and integrative functions.
- Interpret basic neural data (e.g., membrane potential traces, firing patterns, circuit diagrams, physiological recordings) to draw evidence-based conclusions about neuronal or circuit function.
- Apply foundational neurophysiological principles to real-world scenarios involving sensation, movement, stress responses, and behavior.
Assignments
Assignments & Learning Activities
A variety of learning activities are used to support course outcomes, accommodate different learning styles, and promote consistent engagement throughout the accelerated term.
Low-stakes quizzes provide regular opportunities to reinforce key concepts and practice interpretation and prediction related to neural signaling and physiology.
Weekly lab activities serve as the primary applied learning experience in the course. Using simulations or provided datasets, students analyze physiological data, interpret results, and connect experimental observations to functional outcomes. Lab submissions emphasize reasoning and evidence-based conclusions rather than procedural detail.
Discussion activities provide space for students to explore ideas, articulate physiological reasoning, and connect course concepts to neural function. These activities support sense-making, reflection, and encourage engagement with the course context and peers.
This course has a final project for weeks 7 and 8. You will choose a scenario and demonstrate how the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) responds from challenge to recovery. You will create an interactive narrated presentation for your peers.
Proctored Exams
Two proctored exams—a midterm and a final—assess conceptual understanding, data interpretation, and integrative reasoning. Exams emphasize application and synthesis rather than memorization. The midterm exam assess content from weeks 1-3 and final exam assesses content from all weeks.
For all exams, you must review the Proctored Examinations information and requirements in the Policies section of this syllabus.
You will be required to follow all the proctor’s requests. Be prepared to stay in the exam room for the entire time. The exams are closed-book.
An external webcam is required for proctored exams. If you do not have one, you may order one here: UNE-compliant webcam. Remember to order your webcam at least three weeks prior to scheduling your first proctored exam.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Category | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Weekly Quizzes and Concept Checks | 20 |
| Weekly Lab Activities | 30 |
| Discussions and Learning Engagement | 10 |
| Proctored Midterm Exam | 15 |
| Proctored Final Exam | 15 |
| Final Project: ANS and Physiology of Recovery | 10 |
| Total | 100% |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 93 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 92.9% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89.9% | 3.50 |
| B | 83 – 86.9% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 82.9% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79.9% | 2.50 |
| C | 73 – 76.9% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 72.9% | 1.75 |
| D | 60 – 69.9% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 59.9% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Fall A Session:
Week 1: Sep 2 – Sep 8
Week 2: Sep 9 – Sep 15
Week 3: Sep 16 – Sep 22
Week 4: Sep 23 – Sep 29
Week 5: Sep 30 – Oct 6
Week 6: Oct 7 – Oct 13
Week 7: Oct 14 – Oct 20
Week 8 – SHORT WEEK: Oct 21 – Oct 23
Week 1: Foundations of Neurophysiology
Topics: Neuron structure, membrane potentials, action potentials, and synaptic potentials
Activites and Assessments:
- Week 1 Discussion: Introduce yourself!
- Interactive Lesson: Your Cool Neurons & Support Cells
- Lab 1: Action Potential Lab (PhET Neuron Simulation)
- Week 1 Quiz
Topics: Synaptic transmission, receptors, summation, and simple neural circuits
Activites and Assessments:
- Lab 2: Synaptic Physiology
- Week 2 Discussion: How does a neuron decide?
- Week 2 Quiz
Topics: Central and peripheral nervous system organization, autonomic overview, EEG basics
Activites and Assessments:
- Interactive Lesson: CNS-PNS-ANS
- Lab 3: CNS-PNS & EEG (Alpha & Beta Waves)
- Week 3 Quiz
- Proctored Midterm Exam
Topics: Sensory transduction, coding principles, and perception
Activites and Assessments:
- Lab 4: Sensory Physiology
- Week 4 Discussion: What if your brain is making things up?
- Week 4 Quiz
Topics: Motor units, reflexes, motor control, and EMG interpretation
Activites and Assessments:
- Interactive Lesson: Reflexes Arch and Reflexes
- Lab 5: Reflex and Reaction Time
- Week 5 Quiz
Week 6: Autonomic Regulation, Stress, and Integration
Topics: Homeostasis, hypothalamic function, stress physiology, and integrative neural processes
Activites and Assessments:
- Interactive Lesson: Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
- Lab 6: Autonomic Nervous System & Stress
- Week 6 Discussion: Your nervous system under stress
- Week 6 Quiz
Week 7: Final Project
Topics: The ANS & the Physiology of Recovery
Activites and Assessments:
- Final Project Assignment: The ANS & the Physiology of Recovery
Week 8 (**short week!**): Final Exam
Topics: Neurophysiology Review
Activites and Assessments:
- Proctored Final Exam
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Instructor and Support Contact Information
Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.
UNE Libraries
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
Further Assistance
Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.
Policies
Attendance Policy
6- to 8-week courses: Students taking online courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
10+ -week courses: Students taking online courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office. Review the full attendance policy.
Assignments
Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3-point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Proctored Examinations
Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.
Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback on exam questions.
Exam Attempts Policy
Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade.
All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Length
A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.
Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 weeks.
- Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
- Course due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.
Grade Policy
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.
Transcripts
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.