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Informatie over BSc Biology: major Behaviour and Neurosciences
Hieronder staan het programma en de vakomschrijvingen van BSc Biology: major Behaviour and Neurosciences Klik op de naam van een vak in een schema om naar de omschrijving te gaan.
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| Periode | Type | Code | Naam | Taal | ECTS | Uren | |
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| semester I a | verplicht | WPLS18001 | Basic Cell and Molecular Biology | Engels | 5 | ||
| verplicht | WPLS18010 | Genetics, Ecology and Evolution | Engels | 5 | |||
| verplicht | WPLS18017 | Physiology | Engels | 5 | |||
| semester I b | verplicht | WPLS18005 | Biostatistics 1 | Engels | 5 | ||
| verplicht | WPLS18009 | First Year Symposium | Engels | 2 | |||
| verplicht | WPLS18011 | Lab Course | Engels | 3 | |||
| verplicht | WPLS18015 | Microbiology | Engels | 5 | |||
| semester II a | verplicht | WPLS18002 | Behavioural Neurosciences | Engels | 5 | ||
| verplicht | WPLS18006 | Cell Biology and Immunology | Engels | 5 | |||
| verplicht | WPLS18016 | Molecules of Life | Engels | 5 | |||
| semester II b | verplicht | WPLS18013 | Metabolism | Engels | 5 | ||
| verplicht | WPLS18021 | Research Skills in Life Sciences 1 | Engels | 2 | |||
| verplicht | WPLS18022 | Research Skills in Life Sciences 2 | Engels | 3 | |||
| verplicht | WPLS18023 | Research Skills in Life Sciences 3 | Engels | 5 | |||
| Opmerkingen | Biology and Life Science & Technology course units are accessible for students of those degree programmes only. Students from other degree programmes who would like to participate in our course units should contact one of our academic advisors before registration. Failing to contact them may result in de-registration without notification. | ||||||
| » Jaar 2 | |||||||
| Periode | Type | Code | Naam | Taal | ECTS | Uren | |
| semester I a | verplicht | WBLS19004 | Integrative Neuroscience | Engels | 5 | ||
| verplicht | WBLS19006 | Molecular Genetics | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep A | WBLS19001 | Bioinformatics | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep A | WBLS19002 | Chronobiology | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep A | WBLS19003 | Genes and Evolution | Engels | 5 | |||
| semester I b | verplicht | WBLS19008 | Behavioural Biology | Engels | 5 | ||
| verplicht | WBLS19014 | Modelling Life | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep B | WBLS19011 | Genes & Behaviour | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep B | WBLS19013 | Immunology | Engels | 5 | |||
| semester II a | keuzegroep C | WBLS19018 | Biology of Human Behaviour | Engels | 5 | ||
| keuzegroep C | WBLS19019 | Biostatistics II | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep C | WBLS19026 | Food and Metabolism | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep D | WBLS19024 | Evolutionary Medicine | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep D | WBLS19025 | Evolutionary Processes | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep E | WBLS19015 | Big Data in Human Disease | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep E | WBLS19021 | Endocrinology | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep E | WBLS19022 | Epigenetics and Gene-editing | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep E | WBLS19023 | Evolution and Development | Engels | 5 | |||
| semester II b | verplicht | WBLS19033 | Biology & Society: Ethical and Professional Aspects | Engels | 5 | ||
| keuzegroep F | WBLS19037 | Evolutionary and Ecological Genomics | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep F | WBLS19039 | Integrative Biology | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep F | WBLS19044 | Neurobiology of Ageing | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep G | WBLS19040 | Medical Physiology | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep G | WBLS19041 | Microbes and Infection | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep G | WBLS19042 | Microbiome | Engels | 5 | |||
| keuzegroep G | WBLS19045 | Psychobiology | Engels | 5 | |||
| Opmerkingen | Please note the following: | ||||||
| 1 | Basic Cell and Molecular Biology | WPLS18001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| During the course the basic processes of cell biology and molecular biology will be addressed. The cell biology lectures include topics like cell membranes, cell compartments, vesicle transport inside the cell, cell cycle, and mitosis and meiosis. The molcular biology lectures include topics like DNA structure and replication, RNA and transcription, protein synthesis, gene expression and basic recombinant DNA techniques. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2 | Behavioural Biology | WBLS19008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Het doel van de cursus is een theoretische en conceptuele basis te geven voor een goed begrip van de belangrijkste vragen en methoden van de gedragsbiologie. Aandacht voor zowel mechanismen (hoe?) als functie en evolutie (waarom?) van gedrag, en voor de integratie van beide aspecten zijn een terugkerend thema. Onderwerpen betreffen o.a. : de evolutie van gedrag, seksuele selectie, ontwikkeling van gedrag, fourageergedrag, communicatie en cognitie. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 3 | Behavioural Neurosciences | WPLS18002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lectures: Basic course unit which covers the structure of the central nervous system, the fundamental connection between the brain and behavior in relation to, learning and memory, sleep, sexual differentiation, sensory systems and the timing of behavior. The course also covers the basic principles of common central nervous system disorders. Practicals: Anatomy of the healthy human brain and brain of Alzheimer patients (NB: no dissection practical), analysis of learning behavior in animals, pharmacological manipulation of learning behavior, personality tests in humans related to lateralization of the brain. Knowledge: Students will understand and be able to reproduce the basic principles of the structure of the brain, the basic principles of behavior, and will be able to make functional relations between brain structures and behavioral processes. Students will also be trained to reproduce basic brain and behavioral principles related to the working of the following sensory systems: the visual system, the ear, and the vestibular system. The students will also be able to recognize some common behavioral and central nervous system disorders. Skills and Training: Students will be trained in analyzing data and writing short summaries. End terms knowledge: To understand and reproduce the basic principles of the anatomy and function of the brain. To reproduce the functional relationship between some of the sensory systems, behavior, and brain structures. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 4 | Big Data in Human Disease | WBLS19015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The development of high-throughput technologies has advanced biomedical research at an unprecedented speed. Life scientists are starting to generate and have an access to massive data sets. It is a big challenge for biologists to handle and process big data, conduct analysis and interpret results. For the next-generation biologists and biomedical researcher, big data analysis has become critically important. This course is designed to fit the trend of big data science in biological and medical field and to meet the need to develop students’ skills in “big data science”. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5 | Bioinformatics | WBLS19001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This course presents an introduction to bioinformatics, to bioinformatics tools and databases. The databases used in the course are those in which genomes, genes, mRNAs, proteins, protein patterns, gene variants and gene/protein expression are stored. The bioinformatics tools will be used to perform sequence alignments, create phylogenetic trees, predict genes/exons/introns, meta-genomics, and to model biological processes on the basis of -omics datasets. Furthermore, databases will be used to study genetic variation and complex diseases. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6 | Biology & Society: Ethical and Professional Aspects | WBLS19033 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The course allows the students to develop a critical, responsible and professional attitude towards their own role as a scientist and the consequences of their actions in a broader societal context. Students will be engaged into thinking about scientific and innovative practices that can address the global challenges of our time in a collaborative, ethical and sustainable way. To understand the relations between biology and society a number of basic elements from ethics, philosophy of science, innovation and policy making will be introduced. Students will practice applying these elements in (the assessment of) debates, controversies and cases related to the large societal challenges of our time, including themes such as responsible research and innovation, sustainability, and the role of science, business and policy in this. To demonstrate these aspects, an excursion to a company or policy organization is also part of this course. This course is examined with a multiple choice exam and a paper that students write in groups of four students. In this paper students need to apply the content of the course to a specific topic at the interface of biology and society. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7 | Biology of Human Behaviour | WBLS19018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning outcomes (knowledge): 1. General knowledge of the nature of human behavioural biology. 2. Understanding the patterns of human behaviour and the degree to which these correspond with those of other animals and to which they are unique. 3. Understanding the cross-fertilization between behavioural biology, psychology, the humanities and anthropology. Learning outcomes (skills) 1. Critical evaluation of the literature about human behaviour. 2. Experience in conducting human behavioural research and being a test subject. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8 | Biostatistics II | WBLS19019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This is an introductory course in applied statistics for students in the life sciences. Statistical theory will be made understandable with a minimal mathematical effort, while practicing statistics will be viewed as an iterative process of model building and hypothesis tests. The main emphasis is on being able to apply statistical models that are commonly used in the life sciences, using the ‘open source’ software R – the modern ‘lingua franca’ of applied statistics. Besides ‘number crunching’, the course focuses on graphical analysis and presentation of data. Subjects that are covered: probability theory, distributions and descriptive statistics; goodness-of-fit; power analysis; one and two-sample problems; 1-factor and 2-factor anova; linear and nonlinear regression; ancova; random effect models; linear mixed models; repeated measures; generalized linear models. This course gives a solid base for the masterscourse Advanced Statistics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9 | Biostatistics 1 | WPLS18005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The course Biostatistics 1 introduces students to the statistical analysis of biological research data. The course is structured in 11 modules that cover the following topics: descriptive statistics, sources of variation and error propagation, correlation and regression, probability theory, test theory and experimental design, chi-squared tests for goodness-of-fit and independence, confidence intervals, comparisons between two samples, analysis of variance and bayesian statistics. The final module is dedicated to a review and summary of the course, in order to prepare students for the final (written) exam. Each module starts with two lecture hours, followed by one hour study time or a short working group to digest or discuss the material in the course manual. Students then work for four hours on pen-and-paper and computer exercises, where they learn to apply their new knowledge to problems taken from biological research practice. Solutions to a subset of the pen-and-paper and computer exercises have to be handed in at the end of each practical; these are evaluated by the teaching-assistants. Students receive feedback from their teaching assistant at the next practical, as well as worked-out solutions of all exercises. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10 | Cell Biology and Immunology | WPLS18006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| During the course the basic processes of cell biology and and an introduction in the basic principles and concepts of immunology will be addressed. The cell biology lectures follow up on the course basic cell biology and molecular biology, and include topics like signal transduction, cell-cell communication, cytoskeleton, cell movement, cell cycle, cell death, multicellular development, tissue homeostasis, stem cells and cancer. The immunology lectures start with a short history of immunity after which basic principles of immunity, innate immunity, acquired immunity, immune response pathways to bacteria and virusses, and disorders of the immunesystem will be addressed. The immunology part includes a magistral lecture on dendritic cells, and e-learning assignment on inflammation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 11 | Chronobiology | WBLS19002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Temporal organisation; analysis of behavior; history and position of the field; circadian rhythms: general characteristics; non-circa rhythms: ultradian rhythms & infradian rhythms: year, tidal, lunar; photic entrainment; non-photic entrainment; pacemaker systems; SCN: anatomy and physiology of entrainment; SCN: efferent government of behavior and physiology; molecular pacemaker mechanisms I & II; evolution and function: rhythms and memory; sleep: phenomena and function; sleep wake regulation I & II; sleep and genetics; pathology of the circadian system; chronofarmacology; photoperiodism. Eindtermen kennis: -1. Leren hanteren van chronobiologische terminologie -2. Leren kritische chronobiologische vragen te stellen -3. Leren chronobiologische publicaties kritisch te kunnen lezen Eindtermen vaardigheden en vorming: -1. Leren chronobiologische stof adekwaat samen te vatten en te presenteren -2. Kunnen toepassen van chronobiologische principes in biologische en medisch-biologische wetenschap. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12 | Endocrinology | WBLS19021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The course consist of lectures and writing an essay. In the lectures, we will focus on various endocrine systems and how they influence the individuals physiology. Endocrine systems that we focus on will amongst others be: - Thyroid and parathyroid - Hormones of the gastrointestinal tract - Hormones of the pancreas - Hormones of the adrenal gland - Endocrinology of reproduction Next to this we will focus on how endocrine systems adapt to different circumstances, such as exercise or stress, but also to pregnancy. Human reproduction will be taught in more detail, since we will focus on the development of the human placenta (the biggest endocrine organ) and we will look into differences in placentas in different animals. The changes in endocrine systems during pregnancy will be discussed as well as the development of male and female sex organs. We will try to schedule 1 or 2 clinical lectures, in which clinicians show endocrinology from the clinical site. Essay: all students write an essay on an endocrine subject. Essays will be written in couples. Students can choose from a list of subjects or bring in their own subject. In the beginning of the course, students can register for a subject via nestor. All essays will be published on the website as an online book. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13 | Epigenetics and Gene-editing | WBLS19022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Based in part on developments in genomics, both Epigenetics and Gene Editing are rapidly entering the clinical arena. This course will guide the student from understanding basic principles in epigenetics and gene expression regulation, cellular differentiation and dedifferentiation to clinical applications of epigenetic drugs, induced pluripotent stem cells and cellular reprogramming by (CRISPR/Cas-based) gene targeting approaches. From one DNA molecule to numerous cell types: molecular epigenetics Although cells in individual organisms contain the same DNA, different gene expression programs underlie the many different cell identities. Molecular epigenetics marks and mechanisms associated with this process of gene expression control and epigenetic memory will be discussed, as well as opportunities of epigenetics in disease diagnosis and treatment. From one fertilized egg to a complete organism: the example of neurons All organisms arise from one single fertilized egg. This process of differentiation and memory will be explained with a special focus on neuronal differentiation. External stimuli interfering with embryonal development will be discussed as well as examples of (neurodegenerative) diseases associated with epigenetic dysregulation. From one differentiated cell to any other cell type: cellular reprogramming Only three factors are required to dedifferentiate cells to “induced Pluripotent Stem Cells” (iPSCs). From this pluripotent state, cells can be reprogrammed into another cell type. This process and the clinical applications will be discussed. From a diseased cell state to a healthy cell status: gene targeting to correct or compensate for genetic or epigenetic mutations In 2012, CRISPR/Cas was introduced as a precise tool to engineer genomes and epigenomes. This technology has revolutionized biomedical research and approaches ranging from engineered cells and transgenic animals to therapeutic possibilities will be presented. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 14 | Evolution and Development | WBLS19023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We often think of evolution as optimizing a phenotype such as beak shape or body size, according to the environment in which an animal lives. However, these characteristics of animal bodies do not derive directly from expression of one or more genes. In all multicellular animals, phenotypes arise through a gradual process of individual development which starts with a single cell. This course examines the process of development in various vertebrate and invertebrate species. We explore the relationship between individual-level phenotypic change due to development, and population-level change due to evolution by natural selection. We will study how the basic body plan of different species arises through gene regulatory networks operating during early development. We will learn how animal development has itself evolved and how it generates morphological variation that is the raw material for evolution. Evolutionary developmental biology is a core component of contemporary evolutionary biology and this course is particularly suited to those wishing to specialize in an evolutionary, genetics or ecology-related major. We focus especially on animal species that are used for empirical research at RUG – mammals, birds and insects, and will provide some hands-on experience of studying developmental mutations in Drosophila, along with practical computational methods for studying gene expression networks and their evolution. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 15 | Evolutionary and Ecological Genomics | WBLS19037 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The aim of the course is to present how the complexity of the genome of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, in relation to the complexity of the ecosystem, affects ecological and evolutionary processes at different levels. A central theme is how variation at the level of genotypes leads to variation in phenotypes, in interaction with environmental settings. Students will be familiar with population genetic processes such as mutation, genetic drift, horizontal gene transfer, migration and selection. They will learn how these processes become evident at the genetic level and can lead to evolutionary changes and constraints. They will be instructed to evaluate how selection can act at different organizational levels, such as genic and individual selection. They will acquire knowledge about metagenomics and genomic techniques and how these can be used to address ecological and evolutionary questions on prokaryotes and eukaryotes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 16 | Evolutionary Medicine | WBLS19024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We normally think of evolution as optimizing the phenotype of an animal so that it is well-adapted to its environment. So, the existence of diseases such as influenza, cancer or HIV are a puzzle. The course will investigate why and how diseases which are obviously harmful persist over evolutionary timescales? This course will give a broad overview where ecological and evolutionary thinking can advance the understanding of human health and disease. We will cover a range of topics including: ● A review of evolutionary genetics and dynamics ● The co-evolution of parasites and hosts ● Evolution of the immune system ● Evolution and origin of human infectious diseases ● Evolution of virulence – why are some infectious diseases fatal and others so mild that they are barely noticed? ● Evolution of sexually transmitted diseases ● The evolution of antibacterial and antimicrobial resistance ● Microbiota and human health ● Evolutionary processes operating in during cancer development ● The evolution of aging and diseases of old age ● Applied evolution – can we make malaria extinct? The course is suitable for any student interested in evolution and ecology or a biomedical field. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 17 | Evolutionary Processes | WBLS19025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution” is a well-known quote of Theodorus Dobzhansky, one of the founders of the Modern Synthesis. This course is meant to provide students with the basic premises of the field of evolutionary biology and to train them in evolutionary thinking. It builds upon the basic principles of evolution that are thought at high-school and in the first year’s course Genetics, Ecology & Evolution (GEE). Many students think of evolution as optimizing the phenotype of an organism so that it is well-adapted to its environment. However, many organismal traits are non-adaptive or even maladaptive because natural selection is not omnipotent and other processes, such as drift and historical contingency, determine evolutionary trajectories. This also applies to human evolution, the existence of diseases such as influenza, cancer or HIV are a puzzle. The course will give an in-depth overview of evolutionary and train students in evolutionary thinking. We will cover a range of topics including: ● A review of evolutionary genetics and dynamics ● Forms of selection and the neutral theory ● Levels of selection and genetic conflict ● Molecular evolution and genome evolution ● Co-evolution of parasites and hosts, evolution of virulence and resistance in prokaryotes and eukaryotes ● Phenotypic plasticity and reaction norms ● Speciation models and processes ● Macroevolution and biogeography ● The evolution of the microbiome and human health ● Human and cultural evolution ● Evolutionary applications – how can evolutionary thinking be applied to other scientific disciplines and applications The first part of the course will run in parallel with Evolutionary Medicine (shared lectures). The course is suitable for any student interested in evolution, ecology, behavior and molecular genetics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 18 | First Year Symposium | WPLS18009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Students will prepare a poster about a scientific topic, which will be presented at the First Year Symposium (during last week of period Ib). During period Ia, a choice can be made from a large offering of topics with a scientific question. For each topic a staff member will act as a tutor. Groups of 3-4 students each will research the assigned topic with the help of a staff-tutor, and prepare a scientific poster which will address the scientific question. Students will get instructions on how to access and interpret scientific literature, and on how to prepare a scientific poster. At the end of the first semester students will present the poster during the symposium, and will peer-review a poster from another group. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 19 | Food and Metabolism | WBLS19026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A well balanced diet promotes the functioning of the body and prevents diseases. But what is a healthy diet and what is the connection between nutrition and metabolism? How can disturbances in energy metabolism contribute to the development of chronic diseases? These are the central questions in the course Food and Metabolism. During the course, you will learn the role of nutrition and metabolism in the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In the lectures, we will address the structure, function and metabolism of macronutrients. In addition, you will gain more insight into the regulation of metabolism. In the work lectures, you will gain a deeper insight into how specific nutrients and/or disturbances in energy metabolism contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. Under the supervision of an expert, you will perform a literature study in the area of food and metabolic diseases. The results of the literature study will be presented by a presentation and in the form of an essay. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 20 | Genes & Behaviour | WBLS19011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The course Genes & Behaviour is aimed at second year undergraduate students. The aim of this course is to teach how genes influence the great variety of behaviours exhibited by animals ranging from invertebrates to humans. The course consists of 12 2-hours lectures, 5 afternoons of laboratory practicals and 2 afternoons for the students to design and perform an independent project with a final presentation of the results to the class. The laboratory practicals aim to provide a realistic research experience for students, where they learn not only how to follow protocols, but also how to design and troubleshoot experiments. The lab work will use the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, with which the student will gain intensive hands-on experience. This small animal will be used to train the students on how to investigate how genes influence behaviours. The students will work in pairs and will be encouraged to collaborate with other teams. 10 hours of lectures (from 11:00-12:45) and 8-10 hours of practicals (from 13:00-18:00 on alternative afternoons) per week. Over the 3 weeks of the course, there will be 12 X 2 hours-lectures from 11:00 to 12:45. In the afternoons, there will be practical work in the lab. Due to the size of the course, lab practicals will be split in two groups taught on alternate days. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 21 | Genes and Evolution | WBLS19003 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The course unit will introduce students to population genetic processes in relation to evolution on the microscale. These principles will be illustrated in computer practicals. Students will also be introduced to neutral and adaptive evolution, as well as molecular and genome evolution. Various advanced phylogenetic principles will be explained and illustrated in computer practicals. The topics covered in this course unit are: – population genetic processes (mutation, genetic drift, migration and selection, random mating, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, linkage, non-random mating, inbreeding) – selection models (linear selection, overdominance, frequency-dependent selection, selection at various levels, complex selection) – effects of population genetic processes on the dynamics of genetic variation – fragmentation, gene flow/migration and genetic differentiation between populations (F-statistics) – molecular and genomic evolution (intron-exon structure, gene duplication, concerted evolution, transposable elements) – phylogenetic analysis (neutral theory, molecular clock, coalescence, speciation) – molecular techniques (microsatellite analysis, analysis of genetic data and structure, DNA sequencing, QTL analysis) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 22 | Genetics, Ecology and Evolution | WPLS18010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Genetics: Introducing basic principles of genetics and inheritance incl. transmission of genetic information between generations and the genetic basis of traits. Apply basic probability estimates and statistics to inheritance patterns. Topics covered: gene as unit of inheritance, Mendel’s laws, pedigree analysis, multi-allele and -gene inheritance, gene interactions, sex linkage, sex determination, extra-nuclear inheritance, linkage mapping, recombination, chromosome aberrations. Evolution: Introducing evolutionary theory and thinking. History of evolutionary biology. Concepts of natural selection, adaptation, drift, neutral vs. adaptive evolution. Introduction to microevolutionary processes (measuring genetic variation, processes causing changes in allele frequencies natural and sexual selection, fitness concept fitness). Essentials of speciation process (species concepts and rates, reproductive barriers). Basics of phylogenetics (classification, phylogenetic trees, parsimony, molecular clock). Introduction to macroevolution (origin of life, major transitions, extinctions, radiation), information provided by fossil records and biogeography. Basics of genome evolution (genome size and composition, evo-devo, systems biology). Ecology: Introducing basic ecological principles and processes. Gain knowledge on effects of the physical environment and environmental change on organismal distribution patterns and community ecology (interaction between organisms, succession, diversity and food webs) and on how these shape behavioural mechanisms and adaptation. Learn how characteristics of individuals affect population processes. Topics covered: species interactions (competition, predation, disease, parasitism), habitat selection, competition (habitat, niche), population regulation, economic decisions, individual, energetics, ontogeny (flexibility, adaptation), mate choice, parental conflict, competing for resources (ideal free, despotic), mating systems, mechanisms underlying trade-offs and constraints, communication, sexual conflict and sexual selection, living in groups (co-operation), health, ageing and senescence, develop and test hypotheses in ecology. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 23 | Immunology | WBLS19013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Immunology is the academic discipline that studies all aspects of the immune system. This course is the introductory course into Immunology. The course will describe the cells of the Immune System, their development, their organization into tissues, their activation, differentiation and their interactions that form the basis of the immune response. The course will introduce the student into the balance between immunity and tolerance. We will discuss the critical importance of the ability to induce an effective immune response against infectious pathogens such as viruses or bacteria, as well as the harmful consequences of autoimmune responses or unnecessary immunity against harmless environmental agents. The Immunology course aims to provide the student with both knowledge of and insight into the functioning of the immune system in health and disease. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 24 | Integrative Biology | WBLS19039 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In the course Integrative Biology the integration of different organisational levels (molecule, cell, organism and community) and the coupling of function (proximate) and evolution (ultimate) in biological traits will be illustrated by presenting several casusses. These casusses will be taken from very different biological disciplines, i.e. botany, zoology, behaviour, developmental biology. The casusses will also illustrate the interaction between the genotype and the environment and the benefits of taking an interdisciplinary approach in tackling complex biological questions. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 25 | Integrative Neuroscience | WBLS19004 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The second year course Integrative Neurosciences aims to deepen understanding of neurobiological mechanisms underlying complex behavior and physiology, of which students have acquired basic knowledge during the first year courses “Behavioural Neuroscience” and “Physiology”. In particular, a deepening of the role of sensory information processing through perception of taste and smell, visual information, proprioception, pain/discomfort, are included in this integration, how these sensory information streams are relayed and underlie complex regulatory mechanisms, including regulation of motivated behaviors, body posture and locomotion, and how these process contribute to consciousness and speech. The nervous system will be viewed from different angles including neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, behavioral physiology, and neuropathology. These subjects are part of neurosciences, which is viewed as an integrated entity. Besides the theoretical background, there is a number of practicals including brain anatomy (BA; of the pig brain), dark adaptation in humans (DA), and taste/smell (TS) in humans, and assessing oestrus cyclicity in rodents (OE). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 26 | Lab Course | WPLS18011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Practical: - VMT, including safety measures for working with microorganisms; sterile handling of cells; use of antibiotics - Cultivation of cells, including setting up of enrichment cultures; growth in liquid cultures and on solid media, determine growth speed and doubling time in batch culture - Microscopy and analytical methods, use of phase-contrast microscope; cell counting and serial dilutions; identification of bacteria by phenotypic and genotypic methods - Activity assays, including measurements of the catalytic activity of enzymes Experiments will involve SMT & General Microbiological techniques, but will also be linked to the various majors (Molecular Life Sciences, Ecology & Evolution and Biomedical Sciences). Whenever possible, practical data will also be analysed by Biostatistical methods | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 27 | Medical Physiology | WBLS19040 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In this course, students will learn about the normal functioning of the human body, by studying the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastro-intestinal, renal physiology, and the role of neurohumoral regulations. Students will also learn about common disturbances in the normal physiology (disease). Students will be challenged to apply the various physiological concepts in interactive lectures and tutorials in medical problems and during exercise. Furthermore, they will study these concepts in various practicals, studying lung function, cardiovascular function, and exercise physiology. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 28 | Metabolism | WPLS18013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In this course, the students learn how cells build and preserve themselves, at the biochemical level. Specifically, they will learn the underlying principles how cells absorb, store and recruit energy and nutrients, and convert these nutrients into cell components via metabolic pathways. As careful coordination of these biochemical processes is crucial for cellular function, also the respective regulation mechanisms occurring at various levels will be taught. Finally, in a few lectures, also the key principles of organismal metabolism will be covered. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 29 | Microbes and Infection | WBLS19041 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The course consists of a theoretical and a practical part. Theoretical part: The lectures will cover a range of medical aspects of microbiology, such as the structure and classification of bacteria and viruses, replication mechanisms of bacteria and viruses, virulence factors, pathogenesis, relationship with diseases, diagnosis of infectious microorganisms, specific bacterial and viral diseases, zoonosis, prevention (vaccination), antibiotic use and resistance development, antivirals. Practical part: Bacteriology: Use of techniques for identification of pathogenic bacteria, determination of bacteria in a mixture. Detection of the regulation and action of different virulence factors. Determination of antibiotic resistance development of different bacterial strains and analysis of the exchange of genetic material responsible for resistance development. Use of genetic analysis for subtyping of potential pathogenic microorganisms within a species. Virology: Investigation of students’ throat swaps for presence of Epstein Barr virus. Performing a hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition assay for determination of virus and antibody titers to influenza virus. Use of quantitative PCR for the determination of a viral load. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 30 | Microbiology | WPLS18015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At the end of the course the student has an overview of concepts in microbial physiology and ecology Theory - Structure of the Prokaryotic cell, including differences and similarities of bacteria and archaea in build-up of cell wall, lipid membranes and cytoplasmic architecture; structure of main cell components - Growth of microorganisms, including growth kinetics; auxotrophy and nutrient requirements; growth on surfaces and in solution; environmental factors; microbial communities - Energy transduction, including basic principles of redox reactions,; substrate-level and oxidative phosphorylation; chemiosmotic theory - Metabolic diversity, including carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycle; aerobic versus anaerobic growth; respiration versus fermentation; chemolithotrophy, phototrophy and heterotrophy - Extremophiles, including ecology of microorganism, metabolic adaptations - Industrial microbiology, including overflow metabolism, antibiotic production, - Host-microbe interactions, including pathogenicity, virulence factors, immunity - Taxonomy, including phylogeny and methods to determine evolutionary relatedness | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 31 | Microbiome | WBLS19042 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The microbiome consists of all the microbes in a host or in a specific environment. These microbes may affect a host to their benefit (e.g. symbionts), or their detriment (e.g. in the case of pathogens). The microbes in these environments interact, with each other, the host and the abiotic environment. In this course you will learn about the microbes and their ecological interactions in different environments and hosts. We will focus specifically on the microbiome of plants, insects and humans, other organisms may be targeted according to the availability of external lecturers. The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the concept of the microbiome, as well as microbial interactions and host-microbiome interactions. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 32 | Modelling Life | WBLS19014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This course introduces students to the mathematical modelling of biological systems, and covers model development, analysis and interpretation. In order to deal with variation in prior knowledge, students will have an opportunity to identify potential weak spots in their understanding of mathematics, and develop essential baseline skills in a personalized e-learning environment. In the first week of the course, students complete two interim self-evaluation tests, and are assigned to working groups based on their score, to promote effective peer learning. The new material covered in this course introduces mathematical tools to describe and analyse dynamical interactions and feedback mechanisms in a wide variety of biological systems, including gene-regulation networks, nerve cells, hormonal control mechanism, epidemics of infectious diseases and ecological interactions. Here, we will follow the textbook Modeling Life – The Mathematics of Biological Systems (Garfinkel et al., 2017). Students learn how to develop dynamical models of biological systems and how to determine their dynamical behaviour and equilibrium states, based on an analysis of system trajectories and the underlying vector field. Qualitative (graphical) analysis and simulation are the main tools for generating biological insight; analytical methods are introduced on a need-to-know basis. Topics covered in this course include: ‘Dynamical modelling and simulation’, ‘Equilibrium behaviour’, ‘Non-equilibrium dynamics: oscillations’, ‘Chaos’ and ‘Multi-variable systems’. Students prepare for each topic by reading sections of the book, and are introduced to the new material in a lecture. Next, they develop an active understanding of each topic by working on pen-and-paper and computer exercises, both individually and in a working-group setting. For each topic, one of the practical assignments has to be handed in for evaluation. The course is concluded with a written exam. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 33 | Molecular Genetics | WBLS19006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This is a follow-up course of the first-year courses Basic Cell and Molecular Biology, and Genetics, Ecology and Evolution. It covers the main concepts of molecular genetic mechanisms in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Genome organization and integrity, DNA damage and repair, homologous- and site-specific recombination, gene regulation plasmid biology, genomics and “omics” techniques will be further deepened, while also the genetic organization and life cycle of retroviruses, temperate and virulent bacteriophages will be dealt with. Resistance mechanisms against bacteriophages and the subsequent development of genetic engineering and gene editing technology (CRISPR-Cas) will be exemplified. The importance of molecular genetics in developments in Biotechnology, System- and Synthetic Biology and the impact that molecular genetic techniques have in fundamental research, medicine, agriculture and society at large will be discussed. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 34 | Molecules of Life | WPLS18016 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The basic concepts and knowledge on the topic of (organic) chemistry and biochemistry is covered. This lecture is aimed at supporting other molecular-oriented courses and as a preparation for the lectures in bio-organic chemistry and metabolism. The following topics are discussed: 1) Molecular structure and bonding 2) Representation of molecular structures 3) Primary, secondary and tertiary structures of proteins 4) Introduction to reactivity and enzymatic reactions 5) Chemical kinetics and thermodynamics 6) Substitution reactions 7) Reactions of carbonyl groups | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35 | Neurobiology of Ageing | WBLS19044 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This course will provide a general introduction to the evolution of ageing, and will then focus on the neurobiology of ageing (brain ageing). It will include a more detailed introduction to brain ageing at the genetic, molecular, cellular, systemic, and behavioural level. Concepts of pathological and non-pathological ageing are discussed. Consequences of brain ageing for cognition, neurophysiology, nutrition, and signal transduction pathways are dealt with. In addition, topics such as blood flow and neuroinflammation will be taught in more detail. In addition it will address, among others, the following questions: Why do we age? What is the impact of (traumatic) early life events on brain ageing? How can we slow down brain ageing, and how do we recognize brain ageing? Can it be reversed if we know the underlying mechanisms? At what age does brain ageing start, and is this different for males and females? Is it lifestyle-dependent? Hence, this course will provide a broad overview of issues that play a key role in brain ageing, its functional consequences and the underlying mechanisms. It will address both human and animal research in an integrated fashion. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36 | Physiology | WPLS18017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In the course students acquire knowledge on anatomy and physiology of the human body. They learn how information from multiple levels of organization, ranging from molecules to cells, tissues, organs and organ systems and at the level of the whole organism is integrated in order to serve an adaptive behavioural and bodily response to various internal and external demands. In the lectures several items will be addressed like 1) homeostasis and control mechanisms, 2) the autonomic nervous system, 3) the central nervous system, 4) respiration, 5) cardiovascular system, 6) kidneys, blood volume and water balance, 7) muscles, 8) digestive system, 9) regulation of energy balance, 10) endocrine control of growth, stress and metabolism, 11) reproduction and development. The theoretical information in these lectures is completed with components of the tutorial programme of MasteringAandP (Interactive Physiology), available from the website of the publisher of the used textbook Human Physiology (7th ed. by Dee Unglaub Silverthorn). Students gain access to this website by buying the recommended (mandatory) textbook. Furthermore, the theoretical information in the lectures and tutorials is combined and applied in practicals on the anatomy of male and female mammals (rattus norvegicus), the anatomy of the heart (calf) and in a practical on regulation of own heart rate and blood pressure in which students study the cardiovascular response to and recovery from exercise and postural changes (Biopac). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 37 | Psychobiology | WBLS19045 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The lectures discuss the following topics from the textbook: • Brain states of waking, sleep and dreaming • Stress and stress disorders • Emotions and affective disorders • Ingestive behaviour, anorexia and obesity • Drug abuse During the problem-based learning part of this course, groups of eight students will independently study specific psychobiological questions that are most often connected to the main lectures. They will conduct a literature survey, formulate a specific research question, write a research proposal and prepare an oral presentation about their subject. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 38 | Research Skills in Life Sciences 1 | WPLS18021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In the course, students learn academic as well as practical skills in the Life Sciences. The academic skills focus on the critical reading and interpretation of scientific research papers using primary research literature distributed over topics representing three majors in the bachelor programme: Biomedical Sciences, Behaviour & Neurosciences and Molecular Life Sciences. Students can express preference for one of the topics which all share the same learning goals. Assignment will be based, on personal preference as well as capacity. The topics focus on 1) the cardiovascular system/heart failure; 2) neural regulation of social behavior; and 3) molecular aspects of Parkinson Disease. The training of academic skills will take 4 weeks. During several lectures students will receive background information on the topics in the academic skills block. During tutorials, students learn to distinguish structure - elements such as motive, purpose, arguments and conclusions - in the text of research papers using the Scientific Argumentation Model (SAM). After approximately 3 weeks of each ‘reading’ block, the knowledge of the students on the topic will be tested in an exam (multiple choice). In the final week of the block, students will be tested via individual presentations on their ability to quickly read, summarize and comment on a paper. Other tasks may form part of the assignments. In the practical part of the course, students will become familiar with different molecular biology techniques, and apply principles learned during theoretical courses from the 1st year. The student will solve an authentic problem: i.e. producing vanillin in an environmentally friendly and cheap way. To this end, the students develop an expression vector and produce a recombinant enzyme. In the second week they purify the enzyme and characterize it. The students will also design and perform necessary experiments to produce the highest amount of vanillin by using the enzyme that they prepared. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 39 | Research Skills in Life Sciences 2 | WPLS18022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In the course, students learn academic as well as practical skills in the Life Sciences. The academic skills focus on the critical reading and interpretation of scientific research papers using primary research literature distributed over topics representing three majors in the bachelor programme: Biomedical Sciences, Behaviour & Neurosciences and Molecular Life Sciences. Students can express preference for one of the topics which all share the same learning goals. Assignment will be based, on personal preference as well as capacity. The topics focus on 1) the cardiovascular system/heart failure; 2) neural regulation of social behavior; and 3) molecular aspects of Parkinson Disease. The training of academic skills will take 4 weeks. During several lectures students will receive background information on the topics in the academic skills block. During tutorials, students learn to distinguish structure - elements such as motive, purpose, arguments and conclusions - in the text of research papers using the Scientific Argumentation Model (SAM). After approximately 3 weeks of each ‘reading’ block, the knowledge of the students on the topic will be tested in an exam (multiple choice). In the final week of the block, students will be tested via individual presentations on their ability to quickly read, summarize and comment on a paper. Other tasks may form part of the assignments. In the practical part of the course, students will become familiar with different molecular biology techniques, and apply principles learned during theoretical courses from the 1st year. The student will solve an authentic problem: i.e. producing vanillin in an environmentally friendly and cheap way. To this end, the students develop an expression vector and produce a recombinant enzyme. In the second week they purify the enzyme and characterize it. The students will also design and perform necessary experiments to produce the highest amount of vanillin by using the enzyme that they prepared. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 40 | Research Skills in Life Sciences 3 | WPLS18023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In the course, students learn academic as well as practical skills in the Life Sciences. The academic skills focus on the critical reading and interpretation of scientific research papers using primary research literature distributed over topics representing three majors in the bachelor programme: Biomedical Sciences, Behaviour & Neurosciences and Molecular Life Sciences. Students can express preference for one of the topics which all share the same learning goals. Assignment will be based, on personal preference as well as capacity. The topics focus on 1) the cardiovascular system/heart failure; 2) neural regulation of social behavior; and 3) molecular aspects of Parkinson Disease. The training of academic skills will take 4 weeks. During several lectures students will receive background information on the topics in the academic skills block. During tutorials, students learn to distinguish structure - elements such as motive, purpose, arguments and conclusions - in the text of research papers using the Scientific Argumentation Model (SAM). After approximately 3 weeks of each ‘reading’ block, the knowledge of the students on the topic will be tested in an exam (multiple choice). In the final week of the block, students will be tested via individual presentations on their ability to quickly read, summarize and comment on a paper. Other tasks may form part of the assignments. In the practical part of the course, students will become familiar with different molecular biology techniques, and apply principles learned during theoretical courses from the 1st year. The student will solve an authentic problem: i.e. producing vanillin in an environmentally friendly and cheap way. To this end, the students develop an expression vector and produce a recombinant enzyme. In the second week they purify the enzyme and characterize it. The students will also design and perform necessary experiments to produce the highest amount of vanillin by using the enzyme that they prepared. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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