Neuronal Networks and Behavior

Description

In Neuronal Networks & Behavior we will discuss different aspects of brain function ranging from sensory information processing, control of movement, learning and memory to cognition and emotions. We will study how neuronal networks in different brain areas give rise to these functions. To achieve this, we will use a combination of lectures and practicals. These will build on chapters from the book ‘Neuroscience’ by Purves and colleagues (5th or 6th edition). Some background knowledge on neuronal function and principles of synaptic transmission is required for this course. To help you in exploring the exciting territory of neurons that shape our behavior, the first two weeks will be centered on lectures. In the second week, a series of practicals will start where you will perform experiments to study how networks control behavior. During the practical you will perform experiments on recording neuronal activity in cockroach leg and will learn basic principles of sensory encoding. During and after the practical you will analyze the recorded data, and will summarize your results in a practical report. Course Objective: This course is designed for life sciences students who want to learn more about how networks of brain cells control behavior. To this end, we will discuss different aspects of brain function covering sensory information processing, control of movement, learning and memory, spatial navigation, cognition, emotions. We will focus on how neuronal networks in different brain areas give rise to these functions. After completion of this course the students will be able to: 1. Describe and apply the general plan of sensory systems and explain how the following systems function at the levels of receptors, pathways and brain areas: touch and proprioception vision auditory processing smell and taste 2. Describe the anatomical organization of motor control pathways and explain the operation of various sensorimotor feedback circuits. 3. Understand which brain areas and pathways are involved in cognitive and emotional processes, and explain the neurobiological basis of a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders linked to damage in these areas. 4. Explain advantages and disadvantages of the techniques used in current neuroscience research to study neuronal networks of behavior, give examples of how recent research techniques enable scientists to study neuronal networks controlling behaviour. The students will also develop the following academic skills in conducting research, analyzing data and communicating the results around the practical part of the course: Hands-on experience in extracellular recordings of action potentials. Experimentally learn and understand the basic principles of sensory coding. Do basic data analysis in Matlab and understand the fundamentals of Matlab programming and scripts. Summarize the experimental results in a lab report. Assessment Information: The grading procedure will be as follows: Practicals (P): pass/fail. Participation in practicals is obligatory; Written reports (R): 20% of the final grade; Written exam (E) consisting of 60 multiple choice questions 80%. Grades for the reports and exam should be at least 5.5 and can not compensate each other. Re-examination: Written exam (E) Teaching Methods: Lectures (l) by dr. N. Goriounova , dr. R. Min, prof. dr. H. Mansvelder. The first day will start with an opening lecture during which the aims of the course are highlighted. The first week will contain lectures on sensory systems; during the second week we will discuss the motor control of behavior memory and cognition. You are expected to read the text book before the lectures so that we can discuss the topics and address unclear issues in depth. Hours per student: 24 hrs. The practical by J. Timmerman and T. Heistek. During the second week, the practicals will start. The practical will provide you with an insight with what it takes to do research, and it will help you to understand some of the concepts discussed in the course. During the practicals, we will divide the class into teams of 20 students. You will work in pairs on one experimental setup. Hours per student: 4. Workgroups online will support the analysis of the data from practicals and will provide the opportunity to ask questions on the lectures.