Course objective
The aim of the course is to provide the students not only with a solid basis in the fundamentals of neuroendocrinology, but also with
knowledge of recent developments and current research in this field of clinical neurosciences.
Course content
The course includes an understanding of structure and function of the hypothalamo- pituitary axis in relation to growth, stress, reproduction as well as to autonomic- endocrine and immune- endocrine interactions. Diseases of the hypothalamus and pituitary will be discussed, with special emphasis on central regulation of growth, puberty,
reproduction, obesity and stress, sexual orientation and gender identity, taking both an experimental and clinical point of view. A VICI scholar will lecture on the role of pheromones in understanding how males and females respond differently to social odours - possibly the key to understanding the neural basis of sexual orientation and preference.
Form of tuition
Lectures, workgroups, practicals, demonstrations
Type of assessment
Written examination; open questions.
Course reading
Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM Principles of Neural Science, 2000, 4th edition, McGraw Hill, ISBN 0-07-112000-9. (Ch 49)
Selected papers to be handed out during the course.
Entry requirements
BSc Biology, BSc Medical Biology, BA Biological Psychology, BA Neuropsychology
Remarks
For further information, please contact mw. M. Evers ([email protected])
Experimental neurophysiology
Course code AM_470700 ()
Period Period 2
Credits 6.0
Language of tuition English
Faculty Fac. der Aard- en Levenswetenschappen
Coordinator dr. C.B. Lambalk
Course objective
To provide expert training in electrophysiology based on two pillars: presenting a theoretical basis for understanding and measuring electrical activity and neuronal communication in the brain
teaching how to perform electrophysiological experiments (miniproject)
Course content
The core of this course will be your miniproject (2 weeks). During this project, you will learn to perform electrophysiological experiments under the supervision of an experienced tutor. The miniprojects will be preceded by the necessary theoretical background to understand the fundamental principles of communication in the brain (+ exam, 1.5 week). At the end of the course, you will learn how to analyze and present your data (+ presentation, 0.5 week).
Form of tuition
Miniproject, interactive seminar classes, journal clubs
Type of assessment
Written exam (35%), journal club discussion/participation (25%), Practical work (20%), final data presentation (20%)
Course reading
Reader on Blackboard, research papers to be handed out at the start of the course.
Entry requirements
Principles of Neurosciences (470701)
Extreme Biology
Course code AM_470714 ()
Period Ac. Year (September)
Credits 6.0
Language of tuition English
Faculty Fac. der Aard- en Levenswetenschappen
Coordinator L.N. Cornelisse BSc
Teaching staff dr. R.M. Meredith, dr. C.P.J. de Kock, L.N. Cornelisse BSc
Teaching method(s) Lecture, Computer lab
Course code AM_470509 ()
Period Period 2
Credits 6.0
Language of tuition English
Faculty Fac. der Aard- en Levenswetenschappen
Coordinator dr. ir. A.H. de Boer
Teaching staff dr. ir. A.H. de Boer, dr. D. Bald, dr. W.F.M. Roling, dr. ir. Y.J.M. Bollen
Course objective
At the end of this course, the student will be able to describe and explain various aspects of adaptation to extreme environments: • how cellular structures (e.g. membranes) and individual molecules (proteins/DNA) are affected by physical parameters like temperature, pH, salt, pressure and radiation
• how nature has solved these problems: what are the general and condition-specific adaptations to extreme conditions,
• what are the limits for life, and its relevance to the development of life on Earth and other planets, • how can we exploit natures extreme adaptations?
• how to write a research proposal on an extremophile topic of choice
Course content
Biology of extreme life forms, or living under extreme environmental conditions, (in short extreme biology) has attracted more and more attention in recent years. Reasons for this increased interest are diverse: scientific curiosity (what solutions has nature come up with), understanding evolution of life on earth, and the potential for life on other planets, medical interest (cryobiology, sensor technology, enzyme technology), societal commitment (pollution, climate change) and industrial applications (novel enzymes with new applications). The key question is how extremophiles have adapted their enzymes/membranes/DNA structures etc. that serve the same function, but operate under very
different physical constraints. The course will focus on life forms
(mainly microorganisms and plants and some examples from animal life) that have developed in environments that we do not experience as ‘normal’. ‘Normal’ relates to environmental factors like temperature, water, oxygen, pressure, radiation, pH, salinity etc. Environments that are extreme with respect to these factors are e.g. hot springs, ice, deep sea, deserts, acidic/alkaline or saline waters or sites polluted by industry. At the end of the course the students must be able to: • Identify and describe extreme environments.
• Describe the most important physical parameters that form a limitation for biological processes.
• Understand why and how physical parameters affect specific biological processes.
• Describe strategies developed by extremophiles to protect membranes, protein structures and DNA.
• Give examples of possible applications of extreme biology in science, industry, medicine, agriculture etc.
• Use the knowledge to write a research proposal on a subject of choice.
Form of tuition
The course consists of lectures, workshops and presentations. Selected chapters of one book will be used. In addition, lecturers will discuss recent reviews and research papers with the students. Learning how to write your own research proposal will be an important part of the
course. Each student will choose an extremophile topic of his/her choice and submit/defend a research proposal at the end of the course.
Type of assessment
Written exam with essay questions (50%), Journal Club presentations and Research Proposal (50%).
Selected review and research articles.
Entry requirements
Bsc Biology, Biomedical Sciences
Target group
Master students Biomolecular Science, Biology, Ecology and Biomedical Sciences with an interest in the extra-ordinary forms of life.