Course Overview

Upon completion of this course, students are able to analyze and
understand how vertebrate and invertebrate neuronal networks work in
terms of: cellular and synaptic mechanisms; normal, developmental and
pathologic al plasticity; ontogenesis.

Learning Achievement

Competence

Course prerequisites

- Solid basis in Neuroscience (neurons, synapses, etc.).
- Students should possess a Bachelor’s 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:

- Oral assignment from experiments done during the tutorials,
- Written assignent from experiments done during the tutorials,
- Paper (3 hours) at the end of term.

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

Course schedule

> During the course, students will learn to:

- Master the cellular and synaptic mechanisms that allow a neural
network to produce a physiologically relevant activity.

- Understand the mechanisms underlying the functional flexibility
(plasticity) of neural networks.
- Apply electrophysiological and pharmacological approaches to
decipher the functioning of neural networks.
- Develop and apply relevant electrophysiological and pharmacological
experiments and computer-based simulations to decipher the cellular
and synaptic mechanisms underlying the functioning of a neural
network.
- Design appropriate protocols in electrophysiology and pharmacology.
- Use neurosimulation software to analyse the functioning of the
central nervous system.
- Write a scientific report from their own experimental results.
- Provide an oral presentation of their own experimental result.

> The program will cover:

- Principles of organization of neuronal networks; central pattern
generators
- Methods of study
- Cases study: locomotor networks & others
- Plasticity
- Development
- Interactions between networks

Course type

- Teaching: 54 hours (lectures: 36 hours; seminars and tutorials: 18 hours). - Personal student work: 96 hours. - Final assessment: 3 hours.

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Other information

- Maximum number of students: 20.
- Selection procedure: send application file with CV, all previous
transcripts and cover letter to the course coordinator.
- 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: in-class, lectures, seminars, tutorials (computer-based experiments on neural

Site for Inquiry