NWI-BB021B
Neurobiophysics
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleNWI-BB021B
Credits (ECTS)6
Category-
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Science; BioWetenschappen;
Lecturer(s)
PreviousNext 1
Lecturer
prof. dr. R. van Ee
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
prof. dr. A.J. van Opstal
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
prof. dr. A.J. van Opstal
Other course modules lecturer
Coordinator
prof. dr. A.J. van Opstal
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
prof. dr. A.J. van Opstal
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2018
Period
KW2  (05/11/2018 to 27/01/2019)
Starting block
KW2
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
  • The student can analyse linear systems ain the time domain and frequency domain, and draw conclusions for the systems response to arbitrary stimuli
  • The student can build elementary neural models and simulate them in the computer with Simulink
  • The student can apply the elementary principles of spike analysis techniques 
  • The student understands psychofysical methods and analyse psychophysical data 
  • The student understands neuronal models and the concepts of receptive fields and movement fields
  • The student understands the principles, advantages and limitations of the most important methods in modern Neuroscience and can identify the best technique(s) to study a given neurophysiological problem.  
Content

Additional comments
• Participation in the Werkcolleges, Computerpractica, Practica, en Demonstrations is obligatory.
• Students can earn a maximum full bonus point for the werkcollege exercises and computer practicum assignments.
• A positive score ('voldoende') for these activities is a prerequisite to be allowed access at the written exam.

contact: prof. dr. A.J. van Opstal, 3614251, j.vanopstal@science.ru.nlThe maximum number of students for this course is 40.
The course is given on Thursdays and Fridays of the second quarter.

Topics
The following topics are part of the course:

• Linear models and systems theory with applications in neuroscience: oculomotor system (saccades, vestibular system) en auditory system, visual system.
• Time domain and spectral analysis of neural systems
• Introduction to modelling cells and neural networks
• Introduction to psychophysics
• Temporal, spatial, and population coding by neurons: receptive fields, recruitment, noise
• Spike-train analysis (information theory, Poisson models, cluster analysis, spike detection)

• Neurophysiological methods:
• electrophysiology (single-unit, multiunit, local field potentials)
• neuroimaging (EEG, MEG, fMRI)
• two-photon imaging, optogenetics
• microstimulation, neuropharmacological techniques, lesions.

Test information
written exam

Prerequisites
• Basic knowedge of neuro-anatomy and neurophysiology
• Second-year course "Hersenen en Gedrag" (Brain and Behaviour)
• Theory of action potential generation (Hodgkin & Huxley; electrochemical mechanisms at neuronal membrane), and neurotransmission
• Basic theoretical and applied knowledge of math and physics for Biologists (level VWO Wi-B): E.g., simple first-orde linear differential eqns., simple integrals, the exponential function and logarithms.

Required materials
Blackboard
The needed literature will be published on Blackboard

Recommended materials
Book
Sinauer Associates, Neuroscience, Dale Purves editor, fifth edition

Instructional modes
Computer practical
Attendance MandatoryYes

Course occurrence

Lecture

Practical computer training
Attendance MandatoryYes

Response course

Tutorial

Zelfstudie

Tests
Tentamen
Test weight1
OpportunitiesBlock KW2, Block KW3