Doel vak

Students learn about neurobiological mechanisms that underlie normal and
aberrant brain development and thereby shape the life of individuals
over time.

Inhoud vak

The brain performs differently at various ages; the young brain being
very plastic, whereas the aging brain is gradually losing its adaptive
capacity. Importantly, early and late brain development are affected by
specific genetic factors and vulnerable to changes induced by
environmental stimuli. These alterations can result in
neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

The course consists of three modules (one week per module), each
covering a critical phase of brain development. In module 1, we will
focus on early (prenatal) brain development and its relation to brain
disorders such as autism and intellectual disability (amongst other
disorders). In the second module, we will focus on postnatal brain
development during childhood and adolescence and discuss issues related
to this phase of development, such as gender identity, schizophrenia and
the effects of drugs of abuse (alcohol, nicotine). In the last module,
we will discuss cognitive decline associated with normal brain aging as
well as specific diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's
disease. Notably, each module contains a keynote lecture related to the
topic of the module. Keynote lectures are given by invited guest
lecturers who are renowned experts in their fields. Attendance at
keynote lectures is mandatory.

Onderwijsvorm

Lectures (30 hours)
Workgroups (4 hours)
Q & A sessions (3 hours)

Toetsvorm

Exam (E; multiple choice questions and open questions): 80%
Academic skills assignment (A): 20%
The grade of both tests has to be >5.5 to pass the course.

Students have the option to resit the exam (E).

Literatuur

"Foundations Of Behavioral Neuroscience" by N.R. Carlson (Pearson
Education (US)), 8th edition.

Slides of lectures and associated reading material on Canvas.

Doelgroep

Students of the minor Brain & Mind.
Third year bachelor students.

Overige informatie

This minor course requires a minimum of 25 participants.

Aanbevolen voorkennis

This course is part of the minor Brain and Mind. A basic understanding
of neurons, neurophysiology and molecular biology (DNA and proteins) is
required. For this, we recommend to follow the courses 'Cognitive
Neuroscience' and 'Nature versus Nurture' of this minor.