Neuroscience
Neuroscience

Neurotechnologies in Cellular and Systems Neuroscience (RSS4.08) - Confirmed

Our understanding of the neural mechanisms that are giving rise to our behavior and mind is rapidly growing, driven largely by the revolutionary development of technologies that allow us to measure and manipulate the brain. This summer one week school will provide a unique opportunity to learn state-of-the-art tools in neuroscience, from theoretical principles to hands-on experience.

    General

    The application deadline has passed, applying is no longer possible

    In this intensive course, we will provide a lecture series from local and international experts on (large-scale) electrophysiology, multi-photon imaging, and viral vector and biosensor engineering, both ex and in vivo. We will discuss the theoretical backgrounds of the techniques, how they work, what they measure, and their strengths and weaknesses, and provide examples of state-of-the-art research in cellular and systems neuroscience that highlight the use of the techniques. In parallel, we will run hands-on technique-based mini-projects to allow you to design, perform, analyze, and interpret experiments. 

     

    Starting date

    08 July 2024, 9 am
    Costs
    €750
    Educational method
    On-site
    Main Language
    English
    Sessions
    08 July 2024, 9 am - 12 July 2024, 5 pm
    Unique code
    RSS4.08

    Factsheet

    Type of education
    Course
    Entry requirements
    See the requirements in cost and admission
    Study load (ECTS)
    2
    Result
    Certificate

    Contact information

    If you have a question about this course, you can send an email to radboudsummerschool [at] ru.nl (radboudsummerschool[at]ru[dot]nl).

    Neurotech

    Startdate: 8 July 2024 - 12 July 2024
    ECTS credits: 2 ECTS. For more information see credits and certificate.

    Course Programme

    Advances in neurotechnology over the last decades have driven our rapidly growing understanding of the detailed neural mechanisms that give rise to behavior and cognition. To fully use these advances in cellular and systems neuroscience, it is essential to understand these tools from both a theoretical and a practical point of view, which students often see as challenging. 

    In this intensive course, we will provide a lecture series from local and international experts on (large-scale) electrophysiology, multi-photon imaging, and viral vector and biosensor engineering, both ex and in vivo. We will discuss the theoretical backgrounds of the techniques, how they work, what they measure, and their strengths and weaknesses, and provide examples of state-of-the-art research in cellular and systems neuroscience that highlight the use of the techniques. In parallel, we will run hands-on technique-based mini-projects to allow you to design, perform, analyze, and interpret experiments. 

    Specifically, you will get acquainted with 4 types of setups: electrophysiological recordings with single glass electrodes (whole-cell patch-clamp and field potentials), multi-electrode arrays (MEA), high-density silicon probes, and multi-photon microscopy with virally expressed calcium sensors.

    Cellular and systems neuroscience fields primarily rely on work with animal models, particularly mice. The hands-on experiments in this summer school will only involve ex-vivo tissue samples, but you will be able to visit and observe in vivo experiments that will be performed by well-trained scientists in the lab.

    After your course you will be able to:

    • Understand the theory and practice of crucial cellular and systems neuroscience technologies, including whole-cell patch clamp, MEA, high-density silicon probes, and multi-photon microscopy.
    • Ability to design, perform, analyze, and interpret experiments using electrophysiology and multi-photon imaging.
    • Understand the implications of technological development for progress in neuroscience.

    • Weekly schedule and social events

      The weekly programme of Radboud Summer School is carefully designed for the best experience. On this page you will find the timetables and social events.

    Watch what our participants say about their experience!

    Course list

    Overview courses and disciplines

    Course list
    Physics and Chemistry

    Physics and Chemistry

    Physics and Chemistry
    Bart Jongbloets

    Dr. Bart Jongbloets

    How are neural networks built up and how do these networks process information; these are the central questions in my research. I focus my work on the neural networks of the insular cortex -a brain region important for interoception, i.e., to understand and feel what is going on inside your body. This interoceptive sense is important for making choices throughout the day, for example, when to eat or take a rest. Depending on the circumstances you're in, you may be more likely to feel hungry or cold. In order to adapt and properly respond to different circumstances, our brain produces chemicals called neuromodulators that fine-tune the way how the same neural network layout in the insula process information slightly differently under these circumstances.

    Currently, we are mapping the different cell types of the mouse insular cortex and are studying how these different types process information. In addition, we study how these cells and the communication within a neural network are influenced by neuromodulatory signals such as dopamine.

    We use advanced techniques like whole-cell patch-clamp to record electric signals from the insular cells in brain slices. Manipulate their activities with optogenetic tools and reveal (sub-)cellular activities of second-messenger systems, including cAMP/PKA and calcium, using virally expressed biosensors in brain slices imaged under two-photon microscopy (intensity, ratiometric or fluorescence lifetime-based imaging).

     

    The application deadline has passed, applying is no longer possible

     

    Costs

    • Regular: €750 (application deadline 15th of May)

    Includes: your course, coffee and tea during breaks, a warm lunch every day, Official Opening, Official Closing (with some drinks and snacks). 

    Excludes: transport, accommodation, social events and other costs.  

    Discounts and Scholarships

    Admission

    Level of the participant: This course is intended for master- and early-stage PhD level students who aspire to perform research in systems neuroscience in the near future.

    Required: 

    • Neuroscience education (enrolled in/graduated from a Neuroscience master’s program)
    • English language proficiency

    Preferred: 

    • Entry-level experience in image analysis
    • Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or Matlab
    • Concrete near-future plans on using neurotechnology, electrophysiology, and/or multi-photon imaging

    Admission documents

    • CV
    • Motivation letter

    Cannot join us this year?

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