Methods and Techniques in Neurobiology

6 EC

Semester 1, period 2

5234MTIN6Y

Owner Master Biomedical Sciences
Coordinator dr. A. Korosi
Part of Master Biomedical Sciences, track Psychopharmacology and Pathophysiology, year 1

Course manual 2018/2019

Course content

The course will cover the following topics: Molecular (e.g. transgenic animal, viral vectors, microarray), epigenetic, histological (immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization), neuropathology, electrophysiological techniques and behavioral paradigms used in neuroscience; pathology of the human brain with focus on neurodegenerative and developmental disorders.

Students will have a chance to experience hands on some histological, in vitro and behavioral techniques. In addition we will provide insight in how these techniques are used in the research of neurological disorder such as Parkinson’s Disorder and Schizophrenia.

Students will participate in visits to specialized facilities at the UvA (microscopy and microarray centers); Visit to a company (Danone Nutricia Research), and have insight to point of view of media on basic science by a scientific journalist.

Study materials

Literature

Objectives

After finishing this course, the student is able to:

  • Describe the current methods used in neuroscience

  • Critically judge scientific articles and the data presented in it

  • Perform and analyse hands-on experiments in the lab

  • Practiced and improved writing and discussion skills

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Seminar
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Presentation/symposium
  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Computerpracticum

4

Excursie

2

Hoorcollege

61

Practicum

16

Tentamen

4

Zelfstudie

81

Attendance

The programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Assessment

Item and weight Details

Final grade

1 (100%)

Tentamen

Assignments

Assignments will be made in a group of 4-5 students

There will be several interim feedback moments throughout the course and final feedback using the review program (track changes  and comments) on final version will be given on the document which they will receive. When required personal meeting will be possible to discuss final version of the assignment.

Assignment s are graded.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Additional information

There will be a Canvas site where all relevant material will be regularly uploaded

Language will be english throughout the course

Test animals will be used for behavioral experiments

Contact information

Coordinator

  • dr. A. Korosi