Overview
During this half-minor, state of the art knowledge on the clinic and pathophysiology of various diseases of brain, mind and muscle is highlighted and we will discuss how to translate clinical problems into adequate neurobiological research models and how to translate findings from basic research into clinical practice. The first five weeks focus on diseases of muscle and peripheral nerve systems, such as myasthenia, Huntington disease and Duchenne. These weeks introduce essential mechanisms and approaches in translational neuroscience. The second five weeks focus on more complex diseases of the central nervous system (like migraine and depression) and factors influencing the homeostasis of the brain, such as neuroendocrine status, stress and circadian rhythms. See also the website of the LUMC profile area Translational Neuroscience : https://www.lumc.nl/research/medical-research-profiles/translational-neuroscience/
Learning goals
Recognise and diagnose episodic brain disorders and neurological movement disorders
Translate clinical problems in disorders of circadian rhythms, depression/anxiety, vision and hearing, migraine and nerve and muscle diseases into adequate (animal) models
Translate fundamental findings in (animal) model research into clinical research and applications in psychiatric and neurological (movement) disorders
Based on clinical and pre-clinical translation research in neuroscience evaluate potential new therapeutic possibilities in psychiatric and neurological (movement) disorders
Interpret basic mechanisms and techniques in translational neuroscience
Critically evaluate and appraise research findings in translational neuroscience
In collaboration with other minor students formulate and communicate innovative research proposals tackling fundamental questions in translational neuroscience
Education styles
Lectures, workgroups, patient demonstrations, practicals, laboratory visits, symposia, self-study assignments, student presentations
Assessment
Normative assessments:
Written exam: comprised of multiple shorts exams throughout the minor (70%), grades published within 3 weeks after the exam.
Paper appraisal (15%) (Written and oral presentations)
Research proposal (15%)(Written and oral presentations)
Formative (Pass/Not Pass) assessments: Oral presentations and discussions in individual weeks
Examination committee:
Dr. R. Fronczek, Dr. J. Plomp, Dr. E. Tolner, Prof. dr. N.J.A. van der Wee
Examination dates + debriefing date:
At the end of each week (debriefing immediately after exam) and after week 4 (paper appraisal) and week 10 (Research proposal). For the latter two personal debriefing on request.
Attendance: You need to attend all patient demonstrations, work groups, excursions and practicals. If you have been absent without permission twice or more, the coordinator of the specific week will give you an assignment that you will have to pass before you get your grade for that week.
Literature
See Blackboard. See https://www.lumc.nl/research/medical-research-profiles/translational-neuroscience/ to get an impression of translational neuroscience in the LUMC
Contacts
Secretariat
Ms. Alice Meijer
Psychiatry , A.J.M.Meijer@lumc.nl
Prof. dr. N.J.A. van der Wee
Psychiatry
n.j.a.van_der_wee@lumc.nl