Entry requirements

Biology, 80 credits corresponding to the basic courses in biology within the Bachelor programme in biology.

Learning outcomes

After the course, the student will be able to:

• explain and use key concepts in cognitive neuroscience and in the scientific field investigating molecular and cellular cognition.
• account for different experimental strategies and animal models that can be used to study biological processes involved in cognitive characteristics.
• present and discuss questions concerning the interplay between genes and neuronal systems and how these affect people and animal cognitive properties.

Content

The course demonstrates, how brain regions, neuronal networks, cells and molecules influence conscious and unconscious awareness of and interaction with the world around us and within us. In vitro, in vivo and in silico techniques / models which are used to study cognition will be presented. Specific points raised are:

• Cognition, brain, cellular networks and brain cells.
• The theory behind the social and non-social cognitive functions, such as language, communication, awareness, sensory perception, memory, learning, problem solving and emotions.
• techniques to study the cognitive brain by imaging and measuring electrical properties of biological cells and tissues, such as fMRI, EEG and electrophysiology
• Computational cognitive modelling
• Animal models for cognitive functional studies of genes and molecules, including rodents, zebra fish and Drosophila

Instruction

The course consists of lectures and a workshop. At the workshop, the student will present and discuss scientific articles. These articles will be distributed at the lecture sessions and they reflect cognitive scientific fields that are represented in the course content.

Assessment

Modules: Theory 5 credits; lecture questions 3 credits; and workshop 2 credits. The Theory is examined in a written home examination with access to the course material. Lecture questions require written submission before each new lecture session. The workshop requires that each student will present the content and initiate the discussion of a scientific article and a list of key concepts dealt with during the course.