Descriptions of Block A, B, and C

Block A: Basic Neurobiology

This set of lectures introduces the basic elements of neurobiology to students of different academic backgrounds. In particular, Block A focuses on cellular neurobiology and functional neuroanatomy. This includes the anatomical organization of the PNS and the CNS as well as the different cell types involved and their physiological properties. The process of synaptic transmission is an important piece of the puzzle, starting with the metabolism of the neurotransmitters and ending with alterations in the efficiency of synaptic transmission (i.e. plasticity) and the consequences for physiological and pathophysiological processes. Finally, relatively small scaled network structures such as the retina, amygdala, cerebellum and the olfactory system serve to illustrate how all these ingredients work together during computational processes of the brain.

Block B: The Changing Brain: Physiological and Pathophysiological Changes of the Immature and Mature Brain

The general aim of Block B is to provide a conceptual interface between the topics of cellular neurosciences (Block A) and clinical neurosciences (Block C). A number of lectures, practical exercises and seminars introduce the basics of a field, which has received a variety of names, such as ‘neuropathophysiology’, ‘neurobiology of disease’, or simply ‘Medical Neurosciences’. Studying a number of regulatory mechanisms of the brain in health and disease students, the main paradoxical principle will become evident: To stay the same the brain must change! The changes are implemented by a characteristic repertoire of cellular responses to altered gene expression or exogenous damage. Students will study these responses in some detail.

Block C: Selected Topics in Clinical Neurobiology/Neuroscience

Based on the material covered in Blocks A and B, Block C is heavily devoted to the clinical manifestations of pathophysiological changes in the nervous system. Therefore, many of the lectures are giving by active clinicians, frequently illustrated by case presentations. Topics include the larger systems like vision or smell, higher cognitive functions like learning and memory, as well as neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders.