At the end of the course the student is able to:
- describe the structures of the brain, how they function and how they develop in relation to human behavior (1)
- identify and explain relevant brain imaging techniques (1,2)
- explain effects of medical, psychological and educational interventions for the (developing) brain (1)
- reflect on the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in the developing brain from the embryonic start until maturity (1,4)
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Human behaviour has a neurobiological basis: without the brain there would be no behaviour and even small changes in behaviour co-occur with changes in brain processes. In order to gain insight into human behaviour it is therefore necessary to have knowledge about the main structures of the brain, how they function and how they develop. All these aspects will be dealt with. We will follow neural development from the embryonic start until maturity, taking into account the influence of genetic and environmental factors. In addition, brain pathologies will be discussed to illustrate the relation between the brain and overt behaviour. Neural development does not always occur optimally and we will also see which developmental disorders may arise as a result and what medical, psychological and/or educational interventions might do to help. Brain imaging techniques will be discussed as well. Fundamental information from the textbook will be supplemented by the lectures, and up-to-date developments within the field of neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience.
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