Admission requirements
The course Molecular Biology must have been completed.
Description
This course will be your introduction into the neurosciences, an ever expanding and exciting field of knowledge and research that encompasses virtually all scientific disciplines, from mathematic set theory through molecular biology to computerized image analysis. The nervous system is being studied in species at all levels of the animal kingdom, and in these species at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Notwithstanding the vast effort that we put into understanding the nervous system at present even the simplest ones remain enigmatic.
During this course, attention will be paid to both the structure and the function of the nervous system. Study of the structure of the nervous system will familiarize you with the anatomy of the human central nervous system, both at the macroscopic and at the microscopic levels. Through study of the function you will become with the interaction between sensors, neurons and effectors (which is, in fact, “behaviour”). The relation between structure and function will be emphasized by excursions into the pathology of the nervous system; this will demonstrate how structural disturbances influence our interaction with the environment (yet another euphemism for “behaviour”).
The course is subdivided into five themes. The first theme “Neuroanatomy” obviously deals with the basics; structures, names and relative location. What does the brain look like to the naked eye, through a looking glass and through a microscope? Which components can be discerned and what are their names? Which cell types are present and how are these arranged? During this theme you will also be instructed on how to interpret neuroimaging like MRI. During the dissection practical the anatomy in mortuo of the brain will be continuously compared to the MRI images.
The second theme, “Systems neuroanatomy” is concerned with the motor control and sensory systems of the nervous system and their effect on our behaviour and sense of well-being. We will discuss motor control, the special sensory systems (somatosensibility, vision, hearing and equilibrium), the limbic system, and some aspects of memory.
These special sensory systems will also be discussed but now from a physiological point of view in the third theme “Sensory Neurophysiology”. The mainstay of this theme is the physiology practical that will address both the special senses as the motor control systems in a series of practical physiological exercises.
The fourth theme “Advanced neurophysiology” will extend the basic knowledge on neuronal membrane physiology, action potentials and synaptic transmission from the first year course “Metabolisme I”. Review these subjects prior to the course, they are part of the syllabus! In this theme we will focus on the role of neurotoxins in neurophysiological research, on the neuromuscular junction, and on myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disease).
As the previous four themes are all rather reductionistic in their point of view there will be atttention to the more ephemeral aspects of the nervous system in the fifth theme “Neurophilosophy”. Various theories on the “mind/body” and “mind/brain” problem will be introduced and discussed, and you will be invited to take a stand in this issue based on these theories. This theme constitutes part of the line course BAST, and is also intended to connect the present course to the later courses “Hormones and the nervous system” and “Reflection on Science”.
The lecture on the Allen Brain atlas and the accompanying assignment and seminar will introduce you the use of big data in relation to neuroscience. This topic too will be further explored in the course “Hormones and the nervous system”.
Intermingled with these themes there will be a few lectures by LUMC researchers who will introduce the various flavours of neuroscience research performed at the Leiden University Medical Centre. The subjects of these lectures were selected to match (as far as possible) the thematic topics. These lectures constitute an integral part of the course, as they address neuroscience subjects, but also constitute part of the line course BAST (Biomedical Academic Scientific Training), as they will train you to interact, in a symposium-like setting, with researchers active in the field.
Course objectives
Understand the central role of the nervous system in coordinating the interaction between the body it inhabits and the environment.
Know the anatomy of the central nervous system at both macroscopic and microscopic levels, and to some extent the anatomy of the peripheral nervous system.
Know about the properties specific to the neuronal cell membrane, and about the function of these properties in the interaction of the neuron with other neurons, and with sensor and effector organs.
Understand how sensorimotor integration is effected by the nervous system, and to be able to understand how disturbances of this system will affect its function.
Understand how the special senses transduce energy from the environment into “nervous energy”, and to understand some of the processing necessary for the perception of special sensory information.
Differentiate between sense and nonsense regarding popular notions on brain function
Explain the most prevalent theories regarding the “Mind/Brain” problem.
To gain introductory experience with “big data”.
Understand basic principles concerning neuroscience research
Able to formulate an pose relevant questions following a research lecture
Timetable
All course and group schedules are published on MyTimeTable.
The exam dates have been determined by the Education Board and are published in MyTimeTable.
It will be announced in MyTimeTable and/or Brightspace when and how the post-exam feedback will be organized.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Interactive lectures
Seminars
Dissection practical
Physiology practical
Self study assignments
Assessment method
Written exam, 30 open-end questions, closed book (80%).
Scientific report regarding physiology practical (10%).
Presentation regarding Mind/Body problem (10%).
To pass the course you must score at least a 5.5 for each of these three. Furthermore attending the dissection practical, the physiology practical and the neurophilosophy seminars is mandatory.
Reading list
For the complete reading list for the bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, see the Study Materials List BW 2024-2025.
Registration
Registration must be done via MyStudyMap. Registration in MyStudyMap gives you automatic access to the course in Brightspace. For more information, please visit the Leiden University website for students.
Contact
Remarks
Information for exchange students
This module is part of an English taught third semester of the bachelor’s programme in Biomedical Sciences at Leiden University Medical Center. Combining biomedical modules with modules from other programmes in Leiden is difficult or impossible due to different scheduling schemes. Exchange students with sufficient relevant background knowledge in biology/biomedicine are therefore encouraged and advised to choose the entire module package indicated (by an * ) below.
Immunology (BW), 9 EC*
Infectious Agents And Immunity, 6 EC*
Introduction to the Neurosciences, 6 EC*
Design and analysis of Biomedical Studies, 6 EC*
Line education
Communication in Science for Exchange students, 2 EC*
Additional options:
Biomedical Academic Scientific Training for Exchange Students, 2 EC
And/or
Applied Electrophysiology for Exchange students, 2 EC
A minimum number of applicants is required for continuation of the optional components.