Course Overview

> Upon completion of this course, students are able to:

- Analyze and understand the neuronal and brain functions at the
cellular and subcellular levels;
- Describe the use, limits, and interest of anatomic, genetic,
physiologic, pharmacologic, and biochemical approaches in the study of
neuronal and glial functions and the analysis of elementary
mechanisms.

Learning Achievement

Competence

Course prerequisites

- Students should possess a Bachelor degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent
diploma in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, medical
studies, pharmacy, cognitive sciences or psychology.
- A proven interest and solid basic knowledge in the field of
neuroscience must be provided by students with a Bachelor degree in
another subject (chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science).
- Language prerequisites: fluency in English.

Grading Philosophy

> Grading is based on the following examinations:

- Continuous assessment (including article presentation, report on
the work carried out during the micro-internship, participation in
critical discussions, 50%)
- Final exam: critical analysis of a research paper (50%).

> Final assessment takes place in early December.
> One re-sit is allowed.

Course schedule

- Series of seminars given by researcher covering the current
research in molecular and cellular aspects of neuroscience. Example of
previous years:
- Synaptogenesis, maturation and synaptic plasticity
- GABAergic neurotransmission in basal ganglia network
-  microRNAs and neuronal gene regulation: Involvement in
physiological and pathological mechanisms
- Neuron modeling: structure and function relationship
- EndoCannabinoids and NeuroAdaptation
- Presynaptic organization and vesicular cycle
- Astrocytes, glio-transmission and regulation of synapse function
- Astrocytes, pathology and metabolism
- Microglia 

Course type

> The course covers a series of lectures and seminars by researchers’ specialists within their own field. Students critically analyze  research papers guided by teachers. Flipped class methods are used. Students analyze documents and answer questions about a research article before the class. During tutorials they work in small groups to compare findings and then share the information with fellow students and teachers. Students participate in a micro-internship in a research lab where they focus on a specific technique used in cellular and molecular neuroscience. > Face-to-face teaching: 52 hours - Lectures: 22 hours, - Tutorials: 22 hours, - Practical work: 8 hours. > Personal student work: 120 hours. > Final assessment: 3 hours.

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Other information

- Maximum number of students: 18.
- Selection procedure: part of the general choice/assignment of
teaching units based on students’ preference. If not already part of
the second year of NeuroBIM or Neurasmus program, send application
file with CV, all previous transcripts and cover letter to the course
coordinators.
- Selection criteria: excellent grades and/or other study results,
high motivation, adequate prerequisites. 

Duration: 12 weeks

Language of instruction: English
Mode of delivery: Face-to-face teaching

Site for Inquiry