Admission requirements
Completing the course “Introduction in the Neurosciences” (formerly called Functional and Chemical Neurosciences) is essential before enrolling in the course “Hormones & the Nervous System”.
Description
This course is about neuroscience and endocrinology, interrelated fields that deal with communication between cells, organs, and organisms. The brain is a source and recipient of neural and endocrine signals. Neuronal and endocrine signaling molecules interact at many levels to produce integrated behavioral, cognitive, emotions, autonomic, and endocrine responses. Hormones and neurotransmitters regulate energy- and electrolyte homeostasis, reproduction, and dealing with stressors, in the interplay with genetic factors. Insight in endocrine and neuronal signaling is highly relevant for pharmacological targets in endocrine disease and psychopathology.
‘Textbook knowledge’ is acquired via instruction lectures, reading, and interactive classes. Daily ‘Special Topics’ brought by specialists in the field add focus on new developments.
Course objectives
The student will be able to:
explore trajectories from gene expression to the functioning of the organism in its environment, thereby using the signaling molecules, receptors and signalling pathways involved;
illustrate how the environment affects gene expression, development, and ultimately, health and vulnerability for disease;
explain how drugs affect neural and endocrine signaling pathways;
understand, summarize and explain a novel topic in this research area to a large audience.
Mode of instruction
Per subject: instruction lecture, self study, interactive class, special topic (all plenary)Practical Training (2 days);
Literature assignment including; presentation at symposium (integrated with line CIS);
Excursion to pharmaceutical company.
Assessment method
Day tests (open questions; open book) – 40%
Literature assignment – 10%
Final examination (open questions) – 50%
Reading list
H.P. Rang et al. Pharmacology.
M.F. Bear, Connors & Paradiso; Neuroscience, Exploring the Brain.
W.F Boron et al (2005) Medical Physiology.
B. Alberts et al. Molecular Biology of the The Cell.
J.B. Becker et al. Behavioral Endocrinology.