Neuronal Networks in Vivo

Course Objective

The aim of this exciting course is to provide insight into the most
intricate neuronal network of the brain – the cortical microcircuit. You
will learn the basic floor plan of the cortex at the (sub)cellular
level, recent breakthroughs in identifying cell-types in human cortex
and find out the function of different layers and multiple cell types,
framed in the context of different cognitive behaviours, including
sensory, associative and cognitive processing. As the course title
suggests, topics will be addressed from the in vivo perspective where
possible, combining cortical function with (animal) behaviour. You will
learn the most recent technological breakthroughs in the fields of in
vivo electrophysiology, imaging, opto- and chemo-genetics as well as the
insights that emerged from these advanced technologies.

Course Content

The course starts with plenary lectures on cortical circuitry and on
recent advances to study the properties of cortical networks. These
advances involve in vivo imaging and electrophysiological techniques
that are applied in anaesthetized and awake animals, and tools to probe
causality between neuronal activity and behaviour (optogenetics and
chemogenetics). The lectures will gradually merge into a master class
setting where you will work on two assignments: a poster and a
mini-thesis. On the methods poster (individual assignment) you will
highlight a recently developed (in vivo) technique and present the
advantages and disadvantages to your peer students. In the mini-thesis
(duo-setting, pdf and pptx) you will review two experimental papers
(from a pre-selected or self-chosen set) and write a critical
evaluation. In addition, (when the situation permits) the course
features demonstrations of in vivo electrophysiology experiments and
involve a workshop where you learn how to discriminate and recognize
different cortical cell types using real rat, mouse and human brain
slices.

The academic skill central to this course is "critical thinking".
Critical thinking improves academic quality and allows in depth
evaluation of existing literature. Critical thinking during this course
is stimulated through a mixed, inclusive classroom setting to facilitate
open discussions, fuelled by provocative statements, ethical
considerations and the Written Thesis and assignment pitches.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

Lectures 27 hours 48% 2.9 ECTS
Demo’s in vivo experiments 8 hours 14% 0.8 ECTS
Poster session 8 hours 14% 0.8 ECTS
Cell identific. workshop 3 hours 6% 0.4 ECTS
Final presentations 10 hours 18% 1.1 ECTS

Total 56 hours 100% 6.0 ECTS

Method of Assessment

1) Poster + pitch
2) Written thesis (Report, 5 pages) + pitch. The topic can fall into
three categories: 1) a
"hot" current topic in the field. 2) the topic covers a set of papers
with conflicting outcomes or 3) the topic covers similar outcomes with
different in vivo approaches.
3) Portfolio: during the course, course components (f.i. lectures and
reading material) are supplemented with answers to several critical
questions.

Final grading depends on Poster (50%) and Report (50%). Pitches will not
be graded.
The Portfolio is a pass/fail assignment. All components have to be
passed.

Literature

Harris and Shepherd 2015 and
Markram et al 2015 or
Kasthuri et al 2015

Additional Information Target Audience

Master of Neurosciences students of VU Amsterdam or students from other
universities participating in a comparable (Neuroscience) master
program. Students not in the target group should contact the course
coordinator prior to enrolment and discuss eligibility
requirements.

Additional Information

Guest Lecturers (pre-recorded, zoom or on campus):
Jean Pie, MSc.
Dr. Mahesh Karnani, PhD
Dr. Ewoud Schmidt, Medical Univ of South Carolina, NY
Prof. Dr. Randy Bruno, Oxford Univ, UK