Cognitive Neurobiology

Description

'Cognitive Neurobiology' (6 EC) is the third course of the BMW-Neurobiology minor/specialisation.  You will study brain systems underlying cognitive processes such as learning and memory, attention, motivation and emotion. In addition, you will gain expertise in evaluating how basic research, often making use of animal models, provides insight in these processes. In a series of lectures and workgroup sessions you will apply the knowledge about neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neurosystems from the first two courses of the minor/specialisation, to gain a deep understanding about the underpinnings of neurocognition. In a presentation you will tackle a neurocognitive topic of your choice. In addition you will finish your computational project in which you will examine route navigation and learning & memory by programming (Python) a small robot car to flexibly and autonomously drive around in a maze. Your theoretical knowledge will be tested in a written exam. Objectives: The student can decribe how brain systems are involved in specific cognitive processes such as perception, memory, decision making and emotions.. The student can name and describe the current state of the art of research related to neurocognitive processes. The student can perform scientific literature research and analyze, present or report the results. The student can apply cognitive principles into a computational neuroscience modelsystem.