Module 4 – Neuropathophysiology: The Changing Brain

The changing brain, more specifically the physiological and pathophysiological changes of the immature and mature brain is the central topic of this module. The general aim is to provide a conceptual interface between the topics of cellular neurosciences (module 1) and clinical neurosciences (module 5). 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, 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.

As in module 1, the lectures are complemented by a journal club and intensive methods training.