Education year 3

Wijnand Raaijmakers, Neurocognition.

Acquire knowledge of and insight into:

• the structure and operation of the nervous system;
• the organization of the most important functional systems that provide the basis for perception, movement, emotion, and motivation;
• neural plasticity and recovery of function.

Most important function of the nervous system is generating action adequately and efficiently. Perception and other data processing systems are of use only in the light of what is being done with it. The output of the nervous system and the organisation of motoric and cognitive action, are the principles of this course. The integration between sensoric information and planning, programming and display of behaviour is the central issues to be discussed. In view of the development of the nervous system, general organisational principles will be discussed, especially the visual system will be one of the main issues. The substrate for acting from a social-emotional viewpoint will come up. Also the mechanisms for plasticity during the ontogenesis as well during adulthood will be discussed.

• Various articles and chapters from different books.

• Bear, M.F., Connors, B.W., & Paradiso, M.A. (1996). Neuroscience. Exploring the brain. Baltimore etc.: Williams & Wilkins. 

Objectives: The most important objectives in this practical are becoming familiar with neuroanatomical terminology and gaining insight into the spatial and functional organization of the brain. The practical meetings are very well-suited for this: the preparation of structures in sheep brains, the study of brain patterns under the microscope, and a demonstration with human brain material. Assignments to be performed with the aid of brain models, CD-ROM programs, and textbook information will also be given.

 10 tutorial group meetings, 5 lectures, 5 practical sessions.

Combination of a minimum of 5 open questions and 30 closed questions.