NWI-BB039C
Neurodevelopment
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleNWI-BB039C
Credits (ECTS)6
Category03 (Advanced)
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Science; BioWetenschappen;
Lecturer(s)
Coordinator
dr. S.M. Kolk
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
dr. S.M. Kolk
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
dr. S.M. Kolk
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. S.M. Kolk
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
prof. dr. G.J.M. Martens
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2020
Period
KW2  (02/11/2020 to 24/01/2021)
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
At the end of the course, the student is able to:
  1. analyse a neurodevelopmental process and describe this process at a scientific and academic level, using the obtained knowledge of various disciplines (morphological, cellu­lar and molecular aspects).
  2. discern the various research approaches and strategies used by developmental neurobiologists, think critically and independently, and summarize, introduce and discuss these issues in a well-arranged report.
  3. critically read and evaluate a primary research article in the neurodevelopmental field and articulate understanding of the research article to peers by making and presenting a poster/giving a clear oral presentation based on the article, and critically analyze and discuss an oral presentation of a colleague student.
Content
The course Neurodevelopment deals with the basic principles of neural development as exemplified by key experiments and observations from past and recent times. The (responsive) lectures are organized ontogenetically, beginning from the induction of the neural primordium and ends with the emergence of behavior. The course covers all major topics along the way, including the patterning and growth of the nervous system, neuronal determination, axonal navigation and targeting, neuron survival and death, and synapse formation and plasticity.
Furthermore, during the simulated laboratory course the use of model organisms, the intensive application of biochemical, molecular and cellular approaches, and the introduction of new imaging technologies is discussed. The course ends with a symposium where you discuss your poster or give a presentation in parallel sessions based on literature analysis of leading scientific papers in the field of neurodevelopment.

Instructional Modes
  • Lecture
  • Response course
  • Presentation
  • Self-study
Level

Presumed foreknowledge
Important: Basic knowledge on Descriptive Embryology is needed. In the beginning of the course suggestions will be given how to enhance this knowledge. The student has to acquire this knowledge independently and under his/her own responsibility.
Test information
Written exam (60% of final mark) combined with participating in simulation practical, making reports, making a poster and giving an oral presentation (40% of final mark).
Specifics
This course will be taught in English. The course will be given in the announced period at Mondays and Tuesdays.

In the case of not being able to attend one or more practical courses/lab days due to corona measures, the course coordinator will decide if the student is obligated to re-take the missed meeting and how this will take place.
 
Required materials
Book
Necessary: • Dan H. Sanes, Thomas A. Reh & William A. Harris , Development of the Nervous System (with CDROM), Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc, 2012 - 3rd (ISBN: 9780123745392) or 4th (ISBN: 9780128039960) edition, English- Hardcover

Recommended materials
Book
Scott F. Gilbert, Developmental Biology- Revised Edition, Sinauer Associates Inc, april 2010 - 9th edition, English- Hardcover,
ISBN:9780878933846

Instructional modes
Course occurrence

Simulation Lab course
Attendance MandatoryYes

Tests
Digital Exam
Test weight3
Test typeDigital exam with CIRRUS
OpportunitiesBlock KW2, Block KW3

Assignments
Test weight2
Test typeAssignment
OpportunitiesBlock KW2