General provisions

Advanced course in formation and function of neuronal circuits

Entry requirements

180 credits within biology, chemistry or medicine, including 15 credits within cell- or molecular biology or similar subject.

Learning outcomes

The course is given as a research project conducted within a research group and is presented with a written report. The project should also be presented as an oral presentation. In the course is included to participate in seminars and lectures at the department and to acquire theoretical knowledge on the subject from scientific papers and books. The format for this is decided together with the supervisor at the beginning of the course.

After the course the student should:

- have a basic knowledge of how current research is performed within the field of neuronal circuits

- be able to find, read and understand scientific literature within the field

- be able to perform some laboratory key technologies within the field such as genotyping, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridisation or behavioural studies

- be able present some of the neurobiological mechanisms for neuronal communication

- be able describe functions for most of the common neurotransmitters

Content

The course will give advanced knowledge and practical experience on advanced and modern methods used within the fields of neuronal circuits, neurobiology and mouse genetics. Examples of techniques that will be used are genotyping, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridisation, mouse genetic based behavioural tests with and without pharmacological treatment, western analysis or bioinformatic techniques. Furthermore, the course will contain animal research and work with transgenic mice.

Assessment

The course will be examined through a written report with a scientific depth suitable for a D-level course of the length of 60 credits. The project will also be presented orally within the research group.