Entry requirements
Only open to students that are admitted to the Minor Brain and Cognition.
Description
In this course, students will be further acquainted with the pharmacological properties of neurochemical substances and synthethic drugs, their mechanisms, impact on neurotransmitter systems, cognition, and their clinical applications, e.g. in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and addiction.
In this course we will focus on aspects of chemical neurobiology and bio-neurochemistry including neurotransmitters and receptors; neuropharmaceuticals and therapeutics; neurotoxins; neuronal diseases and their pharmacological treatment.
Students will moreover learn how to present to an audience with a diverse background. They will choose a topic on neurotransmitter systems, and prepare presentations in groups, which they will have to present during a work group session.
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student:
has acquired knowledge of the basic neurochemistry of the brain;
understands the structure of receptors and what their role is in neurotransmission;
can identify the neurotransmitter systems in the brain that have been discussed during the course, and their functions;
can explain how neurons communicate within themselves and with other neurons
gained insight in how research can help to understand the neurochemical processes that underlie brain states and diseases
can integrate mechanisms and neurochemical substances with behavioral patterns and disorders
will be able to apply this knowledge to critical reading of primary literature and to form, express and explain opinions on selected topics on neurotransmitter systems.
will learn to critically assess learned topics and present a chosen topic in an clear way to a diverse audience of co-students.
Timetable
Lectures and practical meetings will take place on Monday through Thursday in weeks 45 & 46, 2018. In week 47 the exam will take place.
The detailed timetable plus exact location of this course will be announced on Blackboard and uSis.
Always keep an eye on Blackboard and check with your course coordinator for potential changes.
Mode of instuction
8x 2 hour lectures
6x 2 hour work group sessions
Assessment method
The course will be graded with a multiple-choice exam, and based on group presentations. The end grade will be calculated based on exam (70%) and presentation grade (30%)
Reading list
To be announced on Blackboard.
Contact information
For your questions about registration, contact: bcminor@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Dr. Z. Sjoerds z.sjoerds@fsw.leidenuniv.nl