NWI-BB085B
Brain and Behaviour
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleNWI-BB085B
Credits (ECTS)6
Category-
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Science; BioWetenschappen;
Lecturer(s)
PreviousNext 5
Lecturer
dr. A.D. Barsingerhorn
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
prof. dr. F.P. Battaglia
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
M.W. de Boer, MSc
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
L. Ottink
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
prof. dr. P.H.E. Tiesinga
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2018
Period
KW3  (28/01/2019 to 07/04/2019)
Starting block
KW3
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
  • The student knows how sensory information is coded in taste-smell, vestibular, visual and auditory system
  • The student understands the mechanisms on which the motor system and muscle control are based
  • The student understands the mechanisms on which sensorymotor integration is based
  • The student is able to apply this knowledge to interpret animal behaviour and the evolution of sensorymotor functions
  • The student is able to apply this knowledge to interpret biomedical aspects of sensorymotor functions
  • The student is able to summarize primary literature on sensorymotor functions in an essay and presentation
Content
This course provides an overview of the neural basis of perception and behaviour in humans and animals. Both the results of recent neurophysiological research on animals, and new understandings from human neuroimaging studies are discussed. Attention will also be given to the coupling of sensory and motor systems with evolution and human and animal behaviour.

Topics:
  1. Representation of the environment and self movement by sensory systems (chemical, visual, auditory, vestibular and somatosensory)
  2. Motor functions and the underlying neurophysiological aspects
  3. Evolution and behaviuor with respect to sensory and motor functions in humans and animals
  4. Biomedical aspects of sensorymotor functions
Additional comments
• Participation in lectures, (computer) tutorials and demonstrations is compulsory; you need to pass these elements in order to take part in the exam.
• The course is given in English
• An essay on primary literature is part of the course.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Richard van Wezel, r.vanwezel@donders.ru.nl

Topics
• Somatosensory system
• Muscle sensors
• Motor systems
• Visual system: cornea
• Visual system: cortex
• Auditory system
• Vestibular system
• Evolution and behaviour in the context of sensorymotor functions
• Biomedical aspects of sensorymotor functions

Test information
• Written exam consisting of open questions
• An individual short essay as well as presence during computer lab are part of the examination

Prerequisites
Basic neuroanatomy, basic background knowledge on action potential and neural transmission (axons, synapses, transmitters).
i.e.: Purves, Neuroscience, (5e edition), Chapters 1-8

Required materials
Book
Purves et al, Neuroscience, (5th Edition, Sinauer)

Instructional modes
Course
Attendance MandatoryYes

Lab course
Attendance MandatoryYes

Lecture
Attendance MandatoryYes

Practical computer training
Attendance MandatoryYes

Response course
Attendance MandatoryYes

Zelfstudie

Tests
Presentation
Test weight2
Test typePresentation
OpportunitiesBlock KW3

Essay
Test weight3
Test typeEssay
OpportunitiesBlock KW3

Exam
Test weight15
Test typeDigital exam with CIRRUS
OpportunitiesBlock KW3, Block KW4