SK.Bio.7001: Neurobiology (6 C, 4 SWS)

Learning outcome, core skills: The students should acquire comprehension in form and function of neurons and their anatomical and physiological features (genetics, subcellular organization, resting membrane potential, action potential generation, stimulus conduction, transmitter release, ion channels, receptors, second messenger cascades, axonal transport). The students acquire knowledge of the physiological basics of sensory systems (olfactory, gustatory, acoustic, mechanosensory and visual perception) as well as motor control. Based on this the students educe understanding for the relation between neuronal circuits and simple modes of behavior (central pattern generators, reflexes, and taxis movements). The students should conceptually learn how neuronal connections are modified by experience (cellular mechanisms of learning and memory) and should learn different types of modification of behavior based on experience and neuronal substrates. The students should acquire fundamental insight into the organization and function of brains and autonomous nervous systems of mammals and invertebrates. The neurobiological basis of behavioral control (orientation, communication, circadian rhythm and sleep as well as motivation and metabolism) is explained. The students will learn physiological and cellular mechanisms of aging and of neurodegenerative diseases.

Courses and examinations
1. Lecture: Neurobiology (2 WLH)
2. Seminar: Neurobiology (2 WLH)

Examination: written examination (90 minutes)
Examination prerequisites: regular seminar participation and oral presentation (not graded)
Examination requirements: The students should have the ability to assess coherence and facts of statements from the field of neurobiology; they should be able to answer questions on the structure and function of neurons and neuronal circuits. Furthermore they should be able to describe and compare neuronal basics of behavioral control, their experiencedependent modification and conceptual mechanisms of complex behavior; they should be able to describe and compare physiological mechanisms of sensory perception and different sensory modalities; they should be able to describe physiological and cellular mechanisms of aging and of neurodegenerative diseases.

Workload
30 h attendance time
150 h self-study time

Admission requirements
none

Recommended previous knowledge
Basic knowledge in Biology

Number of repeat examinations permitted
twice

Course frequency
each summer semester

Recommended semester
4 - 6

Duration
1 semester

Language
English

Maximum number of students
30

Person responsible for module
Prof. Dr. Andre Fiala