Key Information
About the content
Brain and behavior are inextricably linked in neuroscience. The function of the brain is to govern behavior, and the aim of this course is to causally link biophysical mechanisms with simple behaviors studied in mice. The brain processes information through the concerted activity of many neurons, which communicate with each other through synapses organised in highly dynamic networks. The first goal of the course is to gain a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the fundamental building blocks of the mammalian brain, its synapses and neurons. The second goal is to understand neuronal networks, with specific emphasis on the interactions of excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic neurons. The third goal is to place neuronal network function in the context of sensory processing ultimately leading to behavioral decisions and motor output.
Prerequisite
Basic knowledge (High school / 1st year University) of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics
Syllabus
- Fundamental aspects of neuroscience related to mammalian brain function
- Biophysical mechanisms of electrical signalling in neurons
- Synaptic mechanisms underlying neuronal computations
- Modern methods for studying mammalian brain function in vivo
- Neuronal network function underlying sensory perception, sensorimotor integration and learning
Instructors
Carl Petersen
Yanqi Liu
PhD student
EPFL
Content Designer
The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL, English: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne) is a research university in Lausanne, Switzerland, that specialises in physical sciences and engineering.
One of the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, the school was founded by the Swiss Federal Government with the stated mission to:
Educate engineers and scientists to the highest international standing
Be a national center of excellence in science and technology
Provide a hub for interaction between the scientific community and the industry
EPFL is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world for engineering and sciences, ranking 17th overall and 10th in engineering in the 2015 QS World University Rankings; 34th overall and 12th in engineering in the 2015 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
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