Neurobiology BIOR58

Course description

Neurobiology is an internationally important research field where biological basic research and medical research come very close. We teach an introductory course that will allow you to continue with more specialized courses, a degree project and start your own research or get a position in one of the large biomedical companies. At the same time, if you do not want to specialize in this field, the course gives you a broad overview that is very useful in many respects, whether you want to study animal behaviour, ecology, become a science journalist or a teacher.

Look at the Sensory Biology Course (BIOR20) as well, it nicely complements the neurobiology course and is taught directly after it, in the second period of the autumn term.

The aim of the course is

• to give a thorough introduction to animal and human nervous systems, their important parts and their function and role in behaviour, learning and cognition
• to give practical skills in basic methods used in the study of neurons and the nervous system
• to introduce students to read, present and discuss original scientific literature on the subject of neurobiology.

Topics dealt with:

1. Molecular and cellular neurobiology
   This includes cell biology of neurons, coding in neurons by means of electrical potentials, synapse and neurotransmitter function.
2. Nervous systems and their properties
   This includes the anatomy of invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems, important model animals, and the development and regeneration of nervous systems.
3. Output systems and behaviour
   This includes the control of motor systems, reflexes, neural pattern generators and the basis of behaviour, learning, memory and cognition. Four practicals and one computer exercise will deal with neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and behaviour. In a journal club, each student will present a scientific paper for discussion.

Teaching is given as introductory lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals. Written examinations will be held after each of two sections of the course, and second examination opportunities will be given soon after the ordinary ones.

The grade will be determined by the exams, the reports from the practicals and a written essay on a current topic in neurobiology.

Each topic covered in the course is initiated by an introductory lecture followed by individual studies of the accompanying literature. The total knowledge base is thus not covered by the lectures, and individual reading is essential for passing the course.