Course content

The course is an introduction to systems neuroscience from the starting point of sensory and motor systems. The course begins with an introduction to the anatomy and development of the nervous system with emphasis on the central nervous system. This part of the course describes the organization of the CNS and the major subdivisions with some comparative notes, and a description of the embryonal development of the CNS, including neuronal diversification and migration. The description of sensory systems includes the molecular and cellular aspects of sensory transduction, sensory coding in individual cells, sensory processing along pathways. The anatomical organization of sensory pathways and the functional implication of connectivity motifs is emphasized. The course proceeds with the description of motor generation in the spinal cord and descending mechanisms of motor control from brainstem and cortex. The description of motor systems includes the mechanisms of action selection, reinforcement learning, control of balance and coordination

Learning outcome

After completing and passing the NEVR3002 course, students will achieve the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

1. Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of sensory and motor systems.
2. Demonstrate specialized knowledge of concepts on systems-level organization.
3. Communicate a thorough understanding of the neural signaling mechanisms underlying sensorimotor processing of all modalities.
4. Apply critical thinking to understanding dysfunction and diseases involving sensory and motor systems.

Skills

1. Understand scientific literature related to Systems Neuroscience.
2. Communicate with clarity concepts related to sensory processing and motor control.
3. Conceive an experimental design to solve problem related to sensory and motor systems choosing the adequate techniques.

General competence

1. Competence in analyzing relevant literature on sensory and motor systems and put it into a broader context.
2. Competence in critical thinking to understand dysfunctions of sensory and motor systems based on the knowledge acquired in the course.
3. Competence in understanding the cognitive and computational implications of sensory processing and motor control that are the subject of courses of the second semester

Learning methods and activities

The course is taught in the autumn semester with a final examination in December.

The language of teaching and examination is English.

The course consists of a series of in person lectures covering the learning outcomes and sessions of literature discussion. The reading material is fundamental for preparing the exam. The lectures are meant to complement the reading material and allow students to achieve the learning outcomes by exploring original scientific material. Participation in class is strongly recommended for achieving the learning outcomes. Participation is defined as asking questions, answering questions, participating in problem solving exercises, or even emailing the lecturers

Recommended previous knowledge

We recommend that NEVR3001 (Cellular and Systems Neuroscience) is taken in parallel with NEVR3002. Students will also benefit from taking NEVR3000 (Literacy in Science), as it will provide an opportunity to develop literacy skills that are relevant for the compulsory assignment of this course. We highly recommend that the students take the Neuroscience master's courses in sequence (NEVR3001/NEVR3002, NEVR3003, NEVR3004), as they build upon each other.

General cellular biology and animal physiology. NEVR2010 (Introduction to Neuroscience) or equivalent background

Required previous knowledge

This course has restricted admission. Students admitted to the MSc in Neuroscience are guaranteed a seat. Other students must apply for a seat by the given deadlines.

Course materials

Reading materials (textbook chapters and scientific papers) that supplement each lecture will be listed on the course syllabus and will be made available to students electronically at the start of the term.