Neurobiology

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Cursusdoel

Learning objectives
The course aims to provide you with:
  • a theoretical neurobiological knowledge base,
  • understanding how different potentials arise in nerve cells and how information is processed,
  • an overview of the anatomical and functional brain structures and their development,
  • insight into synaptic plasticity and information storage,
  • basic understanding of sensory systems, motor systems and higher order cognitive processes,
  • basic pathophysiology of certain brain diseases,
  • a glimpse of the current neurobiological research.

Skills Part of the course? Explicitely examined?
Writing X X
Presenting
Data handling
Practical research skills
General research skills X X
Co-operation X
Critical thinking X
Career orientation X
Interdisciplinarity

Vakinhoudelijk

Entry requirements
Basic knowledge of Neurobiology from or comparable to year 1 of the Bachelor's programme Biology or MBLS (“Biologie van Dieren” (B-B1DIER05) or Functional Biology (MBLS-107)). Due to the large overlap with the BMW Neuroscience course (BMW20505), it is not allowed to take both courses.

Study interest direction
This course is part of the Neurobiology ” interesserichting” and is recommended for the Cell Biology and Toxicology ”interesserichting”. The course is a good preparation for the level 3 courses “Neuronale Aandoeningen” (B-B3NAAN16), Neurobiology of Behaviour (B-B3NEUB24), Molecular Cell Research (B-B3MCR18) and Research Design & Analysis (B-B3RDA21).

Language
The course is in English

Content
The brains of higher vertebrates are the most complex systems known to man, and the attempts to understand them are seen as the greatest challenge of modern science. This course aims to teach you a basic knowledge of modern neuroscience in all its facets. This basic knowledge is indispensable for fundamental research on the brain, the study of behavior of humans and animals and for research into diseases of the nervous system.
During the course we will discuss the functional and neuro-anatomical aspects of the brain and the neurophysiological basis of perception, cognition and motor control. We pay attention to general neurobiological principles that can be found in both humans and (other) animals. In addition, we will also delve into specific properties (and sometimes diseases) of the human brain. Many of the structures and processes such as ion channels, action potentials, neurotransmitters, synapses, etc., occur throughout the animal kingdom. They are the building blocks for the much more complex processes such as cognition and consciousness in higher vertebrates.
On the basis of the book 'Neuroscience' by Purves (7th edition) you will study the following main themes:
  • Basic physiology of electrical signals in neurons,
  • Communication between neurons,
  • Synaptic plasticity,
  • Anatomy and functional organization of the brain,
  • Development of the nervous system,
  • Perceptual systems: seeing, hearing, smelling,
  • Motor systems: motor cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum,
  • Higher cognitive functions: language, sleep, emotions , sexual differences, learning and memory.
Teaching methods
  • Lectures
  • Guest-lectures
  • Self-study
  • Tutorials
  • E-learning modules (a.o. “Hodgkin and Huxley”).
  • “Check the facts” assignment: you write independently, in groups of 2-3 students a popular scientific article (~3 pages) about a neurobiological statement of your own choice.
Guest lectures, Check the facts assignment and exams are mandatory components of the course.

Assessment
To pass this course, a minimum average grade of 5,5 is mandatory. This average grade is calculated by the following components:
  • Exam part 1: 47,5%
  • Exam part 2: 42,5%
  • Writing assignment “Check the facts” 10%
The grades for the partial exams must be 5.0 or higher, and the average of the partial exams ≥5.5, The grade for the writing assignment ≥5.5

Study material
Advised: Augustine G., et al.: Neuroscience, 7th edition, Oxford University Press, 2023 (ISBN:9780197572511).

Werkvormen

Hoorcollege

Inzage

Werkcollege

Toetsing

Eindresultaat

Verplicht | Weging 100% | ECTS 7,5

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Je moet inschreven staan voor een van de volgende opleidingen:

  • Scheikunde
  • Biologie
  • Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences

Voorkennis

Basic knowledge of Neurobiology from or comparable to year 1 of the Bachelor's programme Biology or MBLS (“Biologie van Dieren” (B-B1DIER05) or Functional Biology (MBLS-107)). Due to the large overlap with the BMW Neuroscience course (BMW20505), it is not allowed to take both courses..

Voertalen

  • Engels

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de verplichte literatuur bekend


Aanbevolen materiaal

Materiaal Omschrijving
BOEK Augustine G., et al.: Neuroscience, 7th edition, Oxford University Press, 2023 (ISBN:9780197572511).

Coördinator

dr. R.L.P. Habets R.L.P.Habets@uu.nl

Docenten

dr. R.L.P. Habets R.L.P.Habets@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

Inschrijving
Van maandag 27 januari 2025 tot en met vrijdag 7 februari 2025

Inschrijving niet geopend
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