Minor Brain and Mind - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Minor Brain and Mind
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren - 2012-2013
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren - 2012-2013
I
Inhoudsopgave
Vak: Cognitive Neuroscience (Periode 1)
1
Vak: Mechanisms of Brain Diseases (Periode 2)
1
Vak: Mind and Machine (Periode 3)
2
Vak: Nature versus Nurture (Periode 1)
3
Vak: The Developing Brain (Periode 2)
4
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren - 2012-2013
II
Cognitive Neuroscience
Vakcode
AB_1056 ()
Periode
Periode 1
Credits
6.0
Voertaal
Engels
Faculteit
Fac. der Aard- en Levenswetenschappen
Coördinator
dr. S. van der Sluis
Lesmethode(n)
Practicum, Computerpracticum, Werkgroep, Hoorcollege
Niveau
300
Doel vak
Introduction to the field of cognitive neuroscience: understanding the
biological mechanisms underlying cognitive processes such as learning
and memory, discussing recent developments in the field with leading
scientists, and acquiring knowledge on how the brain and cognitive
abilities are measured.
Inhoud vak
In the kick-off of this Minor, you will learn the basics of cognitive
neuroscience through a series of introductory lectures on brain function
and (dysfunctional) cognitive behaviour. More specifically, we will
teach you the structure and function of the major building blocks of the
brain ranging from single cells to neuronal networks and from emotion to
motor control. We combine workshops and keynote lectures to discuss
recent advances in the field of learning and memory, sleep, cognition
and consciousness. Finally, you will experience various technical
approaches to measure the brain (e.g., MRI, EEG, histology) and
cognitive behaviour in hands-on practicals.
Onderwijsvorm
Lectures, practicals, workgroups, student presentations
Toetsvorm
Written exercises and exam.
The final result is equal to the exam result, with a possible extra half
point to be earned by the exercises.
The exercises need to be passed in order to be allowed to take the exam.
Literatuur
"Foundations Of Behavioral Neuroscience" by N.R. Carlson (Pearson
Education (US)), 8th edition.
Doelgroep
Open to students from all educational backgrounds (e.g., exact, social,
life and economic sciences) with an interest in the brain and mind.
Overige informatie
Co-ordinators: Sophie van der Sluis and Christiaan de Kock.
No special requirements to be met.
Part of minor Brain and Mind. This minor course requires a minimum of 25
participants to take place.
Mechanisms of Brain Diseases
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren - 2012-2013
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Vakcode
AB_1058 ()
Periode
Periode 2
Credits
6.0
Voertaal
Engels
Faculteit
Fac. der Aard- en Levenswetenschappen
Coördinator
prof. dr. T.J. de Vries
Docent(en)
prof. dr. M.S. van der Knaap
Lesmethode(n)
Computerpracticum, Werkgroep, Hoorcollege
Niveau
300
Doel vak
Gain insight into the etiology, expression and treatment of various
brain diseases, as well as models used in preclinical science.
Inhoud vak
Our brain enables us to perform even the most complex tasks. Sometimes
however, diseases of the brain compromise its optimal function. In this
course students learn what the clinical manifestations are of the
neurological diseases, and what type of cellular or animal models are
around to learn us more on how disturbed processes and systems in the
brain lead to these illnesses and that may provide us with clues on
treatment options. Topics include illnesses as neurodegenerative (e.g.,
Parkinson’s disease, white matter disease) and neuropsychiatric diseases
(e.g. addiction, depression). In addition, we will try to shed light on
the cognitive disturbances associated with these diseases, and will
elude on comorbidity in symptoms of various brain diseases. Various
treatments options for these conditions, including the use of
pharmacological agents and deep brain stimulation will be discussed.
Onderwijsvorm
Lectures, discussion panel, workgroups, brain demo, self study
Toetsvorm
Exam (70%), presentation (25%), participation in discussion (5%).
Literatuur
Papers, presentations and reader.
Overige informatie
Co-ordinators: Hylke Vervaeke and Taco de Vries.
Part of minor Brain and Mind.
This minor course requires a minimum of 25 participants to take place.
Central Academic Skill: How to convey your message; public
presentations.
Mind and Machine
Vakcode
AB_1060 ()
Periode
Periode 3
Credits
6.0
Voertaal
Engels
Faculteit
Fac. der Aard- en Levenswetenschappen
Coördinator
dr. L.N. Cornelisse
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren - 2012-2013
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Lesmethode(n)
Computerpracticum, Werkgroep, Hoorcollege
Niveau
300
Doel vak
To relate science fiction to science within the themes of
(1) creating an artificial brain,
(2) integrating brains and computers, and
(3) applications of neural strategies.
Inhoud vak
People have always been fascinated with the idea to create intelligent
robots or to integrate computers in the brain to manipulate or enhance
its performance. In this course, the current status in creating an
artificial brain is discussed. Students learn the theory behind
integrating brains and computers, and experience hands-on how brain
activity can control computers to write or play computer games. The
application of neural strategies and artificial intelligence to solve
societal problems is explained and demonstrated during visits to
commercial partners. To investigate how close science has come to
science fiction students work in groups to prepare a business proposal
in which they describe a new commercial application of artificial
intelligence or brain computer interfacing. Students will present their
project during visits to commercial companies operating in this field to
receive feedback for their final poster presentation.
Onderwijsvorm
Lectures, practicals, group project and poster presentation
Toetsvorm
Group discussion (10%), project and poster (40%), and written exam
(50%).
Literatuur
To be decided
Aanbevolen voorkennis
No special requirements.
Doelgroep
Open to students from all educational backgrounds (e.g., exact, social,
life and economic sciences) with an interest in the brain and mind.
Overige informatie
Part of minor Brain and Mind.
This minor course requires a minimum of 25 participants to take place.
Central Academic Skills:
Think out of the box: imagination may push basic science into
applications and create business opportunities.
Nature versus Nurture
Vakcode
AB_1057 ()
Periode
Periode 1
Credits
6.0
Voertaal
Engels
Faculteit
Fac. der Aard- en Levenswetenschappen
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren - 2012-2013
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Coördinator
dr. J.C. Polderman
Lesmethode(n)
Practicum, Computerpracticum, Werkgroep, Hoorcollege
Niveau
300
Doel vak
To understand causes of individual differences in human cognitive,
social and political behavior, and to evaluate critically the ongoing
nature-nurture debate.
Inhoud vak
Human traits show considerable individual differences, which are caused
by differences in the individual’s genes and/or by differences in their
environment. In this course the influence of genes and environment on
psychological, social and political behavior will be dissected using
empirical evidence based on experiments with human subjects and animals.
The human traits that play a central role in this course are derived
from socially relevant topics such as social and antisocial behavior,
political attitude/voting behavior, the effects of violent computer
games on aggression, and empathy. Students will be introduced to the
world of of DNA and genetic information and will get hands-on experience
with DNA techniques (DNA collection, isolation, and genotyping), with
the analysis of DNA at crime scenes, and with discussions about the the
ethical aspects of DNA research. Evolution of human brain development
and behavior will be clarified by pointing out the intriguing parallels
with social cognitive skills of other primates.
Onderwijsvorm
Lectures, practicals, workgroups, excursions
Toetsvorm
Exam, debate, presentation
Literatuur
A selection of papers, and chapters of handbooks (information last
updated October 4, 2012)
Overige informatie
Part of minor Brain and Mind.
Central Academic Skill: Debating and discussing.
This minor course requires a minimum of 25 participants to take place.
The Developing Brain
Vakcode
AB_1059 ()
Periode
Periode 2
Credits
6.0
Voertaal
Engels
Faculteit
Fac. der Aard- en Levenswetenschappen
Coördinator
dr. R.E. van Kesteren
Lesmethode(n)
Practicum, Computerpracticum, Werkgroep, Hoorcollege
Niveau
300
Doel vak
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren - 2012-2013
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This course has the purpose to discuss the various stages of brain
development that shape the life of individuals over time.
Inhoud vak
The brain performs differently at various ages; the young brain being
very plastic, whereas the aging brain is gradually losing its adaptive
capacity. At the same time the growing brain can be affected by
developmental diseases and is prone to specific environmental factors,
whereas aging diseases easily disturb the adult brain. In this course we
will discuss pre- and postnatal brain development. We will focus both on
early development in relation to diseases as autism and schizophrenia,
as well as on puberty and adolescence, and issues related to this stage
of development, such as the effects on the brain of early drug use
(alcohol, nicotine). In the aging brain, we will discuss specific
diseases of aging, such as progeria and Alzheimer’s, considering the
factors that determine lifespan.
Onderwijsvorm
Lectures, computer practical
Toetsvorm
Written exam (100%)
Literatuur
Course lectures, scientific papers
Overige informatie
Part of minor Brain and Mind.
This minor course requires a minimum of 25 participants to take place.
Central Academic Skill: Search databases for relevant scientific
literature based on general symptoms of disease and write scientific
report.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren - 2012-2013
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