MNEURO
Neuroscience Center
P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 4)
FIN-00014 University of Helsinki
FINLAND
Contact person:
Coordinator
Henna-Kaisa Wigren
E-mail: henna-kaisa.wigren at helsinki.fi
Courses
| updated 20.9.13 | >> Courses 2012 - 2013 |
FALL 2013
920001 Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
920009/52265/ Introduction to Neurobiology
920015 Basic Methods in Neural Cell Culture
522020 Neurobiophysics 1
52271 Electrophysiological Techniques
920019/52277 Electrophysiological Applications in Neurophysiology
522049 Lectures in Laboratory Animal Science
522056 Behavioral Testing for Rat Models of Neurological Diseases
920029 Neuroepigenetics
920014 Seminar in Neuroscience (laudatur seminar)
SPRING 2014
920028 Basic Methods in Molecular Neurobiology
920006 Synaptic Signalling and Plasticity, lectures
920007 Basic Mechanisms of Nervous System Disorders
920016 Systems Neuroscience: Perception, Attention, and Memory
920017 Laboratory Works and Data Analysis in Systems Neuroscience
920022/52098 Phenotypical Characterization of Transgenic Animals
920024 Translational Neuroscience
920025 Behavioural phenotyping of mutant mice
920026 Book Examination in Cognitive Neuroscience
920030 Optogenetics in Neuroscience
920031 Neuroregeneration
Courses without specific timing
920023 Personal Study Plan
52232 Final Examination in M.Sc. Degree in Neuroscience
50144 Master´s Thesis
570018-570023 Maturity Essay
920027 Practical Training
920000 Neuroscience Seminar Series
Courses not organized this year
920002 Developmental Neuroscience
920008 Optical Imaging in Neuroscience
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920001 Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Detailed programme
Credits 6 Cr
Timing 4.9 - 4.10.2013
Place Neuroscience Center, Viikinkaari 4, Seminar Room B105
Responsible person Sari Lauri
Objective The purpose of the course is to give an overview of molecular mechanisms that regulate functions of the nervous system.
Contents The topics of the course are: Basic organization and cell types of the nervous system; Electrical signaling in the nervous system; Introduction to nervous system development; Plasticity in the nervous system; Ion channels and transporters; Neurotransmitters and their receptors; Signaling mechanisms in glutamatergic synapses; Signaling microdomains in neurons and astrocytes; Neurotrophic factors and their receptors; Functional insights from neuronal receptor structures; Adhesion molecules of the nervous system; Neuronal motility and plasticity: Regulation by the cytoskeleton; Model organisms in neurobiological research; Behavioural genetics; Computational neuroscience; Human molecular genetics in neuroscience; Mechanisms of neurodegeneration; Neural regulation of the immune system.
Realisation and working methods Lectures.
Study materials and literature Lecture material; Purves et al., Neuroscience (Sinauer)
Evaluation Examination, grading scale 0-5.
920002 Developmental Neuroscience
Credits 3 Cr
Timing will not be arranged this year
Responsible person Eero Castrén
Objective The course introduces principles and molecular mechanisms of the development of the nervous system.
Contents General concepts; Neuronal stem cells; Neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation; Patterning of the nervous system; Neuronal migration; Axon outgrowth and pathfinding; Synaptogenesis; Refinement of neuronal circuits; Neuronal senescence; Defects in neuronal development.
Realisation and working methods Lectures.
Study materials and literature Purves et al., Neuroscience, review articles.
Evaluation A written examination based the relevant sections of the textbook and on the review article material given during the course, grading scale 0-5.
920006 Synaptic Signaling and Plasticity, lectures
Credits 3 Cr
Timing 1.-12.4.2014
Responsible persons Sari Lauri and Tomi Taira
Relations to other study units Advanced knowledge in neurobiology and molecular biology is required. "920001 Molecular and cellular neuroscience" is highly recommended for those planning to attend the lectures.
Contents The aim is to familiarize the students with the concept, mechanisms and consequences of activity–dependent synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. In particular, the course will concentrate on the mechanisms by which electrical neurotransmission is linked to molecular signalling cascades, to regulate the efficacy of synaptic transmission.
Realisation and working methods Lectures.
Evaluation Examination, grading scale 0-5.
920007 Basic Mechanisms of Nervous System Disorders
Credits 6 Cr
Timing Spring 2014
Responsible persons Anna-Elina Lehesjoki and Pentti Tienari
Coordinator
Objective The aim of the lecture course is to give a general overview of nervous system disorders and to familiarize the students with specific disorders.
Contents The nervous system disorders will be reviewed on the basis of the underlying biological phenomena, the emphasis thus being on the molecular mechanisms involved in their pathogenesis. This approach aims to make the disorders interesting from the point of view of a more general biological perspective. The topics of the lectures include e.g. neurodegenerative, ischemic and inflammatory disorders as well as neuropsychiatric and neuroimmunological diseases.
Realisation and working methods Lecturers by experts and scientists in relevant fields.
Evaluation Examination, grading scale 0-5.
Other information Basic courses in neurobiology, genetics and molecular biology are recommended.
920022/52098 Phenotypical Characterization of Transgenic Animals
Credits 3 Cr
Timing May 2014 (2 days 9:00 -17:00)
Place Korona Information Centre, Viikinkaari 11
Responsible person Kai Kaila
Objective The aim of the lecture course is to give an introduction to transgenic animal models and analytical methods used to characterize these models in basic neurobiological research and in modelling of nervous disorders.
Contents The course consists of lectures given by experts of different animal models and methodology as well as 2-4 case reports presented by the students.
Realisation and working methods Lectures and examination
Literature Material given by the lecturers, lecture notes and selected research articles
Evaluation Grading scale 0-5 (exam) and pass/fail (lectures)
Registration WebOodi March-May 2014
920009/52265 Introduction to Neurobiology
Timing and Place
Credits 5 Cr
Responsible person Kai Kaila
Contents Neurobiology and its relationships to other fields of science, research methods, history of ideas and ideologies, biophysics of neuronal membranes,electrical and chemical signaling, ion channels and transporters, action and resting potentials, synaptic function and plasticity, information processing, genes and brains, learning and memory, motor system, neuroethology, sensations and perception, neurobiology or consciousness
Literature Lecture handouts and notes (optional Purves et al: Neuroscience)
Evaluation Examination. Grading scale 0-5.
52271 Electrophysiological Techniques
Responsible person: Juha Voipio
Timing and Place
Objective: Understanding of electrophysiological techniques from microelectrodes to devices and from recording modes to data analysis.
Contents: 1) Theory: Electricity, concepts and principles; properties of preparations, microelectrodes and amplifiers; equivalent circuit representation; accuracy and sources of error in microelectrode measurements; single and two microelectrode current and voltage clamp techniques; other microelectrode techniques; mechanisms of noise coupling and means for noise reduction; safety in an electrophysiology laboratory. 2) Hands-on exercises start with simple equivalent circuits and basic recording devices, and continue on active model cells with research instruments. Students will learn how to perform current and voltage clamp experiments using one or two microelectrodes in continuous/bridge/discontinuous/whole cell/perforated patch recording modes.
Realisation and working methods: Lectures and laboratory work during afternoons (noon till about 5 PM daily) of two consecutive weeks.
Study materials and literature Course compendium, and written instructions for laboratory exercises.
Evaluation: Active participation is required. A written examination is based on the course compendium and the laboratory exercises. Grading scale 0-5.
Other information: Previous knowledge in basic neurobiology and elementary physics is required for good learning results. A maximum of nine students can be accepted to the course.
Registration: WebOodi until 23.9.2013
920019/52277 Electrophysiological Applications in Neurophysiology
Time: 2.-13.12.2013, at 09-16
Place: Biocenter 3, Viikinkaari 1, Room 1605 (bottom floor)
Responsible person: Mikael Segerstråle
Teachers: Mikael Segerstråle, Svetlana Molchanova, Tomi Taira, Vernon Clarke
Prerequisites: A strong background in neurophysiology.
Contents:The goal is to learn widely used methods in electrophysiology (field recordings and patch clamp) and learn how to set up a an electrophysiological experiment.
Literature: Articles are given at the course.
Realisation and working methods: Laboratory course.
Evaluation: Course laboratory work, written report. Grading scale 0-5.
920008 Optical Imaging in Neuroscience
This course is replaced by 910111 Imaging techniques in biological sciences
920015 Basic Methods in Neural Cell Culture
Credits 3 Cr
Timing 4.-8.11.2013
Responsible person Pirta Hotulainen
Relations to other study units “920001 Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience” is highly recommended for those planning to attend the course.
Objective The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with some basic neural cell culture and molecular biology techniques. Problem based learning approach.
Contents Aseptic working methods, establishment and maintenance of primary neural cell cultures, transfection, immunofluorescence stainings, and live cell imaging.
Realisation and working methods Lectures, demonstrations, laboratory exercises and course compendium
Study material and literature Will be provided during the course
Evaluation Pass/fail
920028 Basic Methods in Molecular Neurobiology
Credits 0.5 Cr for Lectures, 2.5 Cr for practical course
Responsible persons Nina Karpova and Tomi Rantamäki
Timing 27.-31.1.2014
Relations to other study units Basic knowledge in neurobiology, genetics and molecular biology are required. General laboratory skills are required.
Objective The purpose of the lecture day is to give general overview of basic molecular neurobiology methods that are used in in vivo experiments.
The purpose of the practical course is to familiarize with the analysis of gene expression by reverse transcription - PCR (RT-PCR) and of protein levels by ELISA and Western Blot in brain tissue samples.
Contents The lectures give an overview of the protein chemistry and molecular biology techniques used to investigate protein and DNA and RNA levels, their modifications and interactions. The practical course involves brain dissection, sample preparation, RNA extraction, cDNA production, RT-PCR, protein extraction/purification, analysis of protein content, ELISA and WB analyses of rodent brain tissue.
Realisation and working methods 1 day lectures and 4 days practical course
Study materials and literature Lecture material and other material provided by teachers.
Evaluation Lectures: 100% attendance to lectures; Practical course: written report. Grading scale pass/fail.
Other information The lectures are open for all registered students, 8 students will be selected for the practical course.
Credits 6 cr
Responsible person Satu Palva
Literature Gazzaniga, M.S., Ivry, R.B., Mangun, G.R., Steven, M.S. Cognitive neuroscience: The biology of the mind (Norton, New York, 3rd edition)
Relations to other study units Prerequisite for the course "920016 Systems Neuroscience: Perception, attention,and memory".
Evaluation Grading scale 0-5.
Examinations Exam days
Registration At latest one week before the exam to satu.palva(at)helsinki.fi
920016 Systems Neuroscience: Perception, Attention, and Memory
Credits 3 Cr
Timing Spring 2014
Responsible person Satu Palva
Relations to other study units "920026 Book Examination in Cognitive Neuroscience"
or equivalent knowledge is prerequisite for the course.
Objective Overview of human cognitive neuroscience and the key neuroimaging techniques.
Contents The teaching will cover sensory systems, attention, working memory, and consciousness and neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electro- and magnetoencephalography (EEG and MEG).
Realisation and working methods Lecturers by experts and scientists in relevant fields and discussions. After each lecture, students prepare an essay on a research question posed by the lecturer.
Evaluation Written essays, grading scale 0-5.
920017 Laboratory Works and Data Analysis in Systems Neuroscience
Credits 5 Cr
Timing Spring 2014
Responsible persons Matias Palva and Satu Palva
Relations to other study units "920026 Book Examination in Cognitive Neuroscience"
or equivalent knowledge is prerequisite for the course.
Objective To learn the skills for making MEG, EEG, and MRI experiments and subsequent data analysis.
Contents Data acquisition with simultaneous MEG and EEG, and with MRI; Data analysis of the recorded data; Time-series analyses in time, frequency, and time-frequency domains; Amplitude and phase interactions; Basics of databasing.
Realisation and working methods Practical course. Real data acquisition in small groups, every student will make several recordings and participate as a subject. Subsequent data analysis.
Evaluation Project report, grading scale pass/fail.
920024 Translational Neuroscience
Credits 3 Cr
Timing April-May 2014
Place Neuroscience Center, Viikinkaari 4, Seminar Room B105
Responsible person Henri Huttunen
Objective Understanding the basic principles of translation of academic discoveries to therapeutics for central nervous system -related disorders.
Contents Principles of drug development; Preclinical and clinical drug development activities; Regulatory affairs and quality management in drug development; Imaging and biomarkers in CNS drug development; Recent trends in CNS clinical trials; Economical aspects in drug development; Four case studies on successful/failed drug development projects.
Realisation and working methods Lectures, case studies.
Study materials and literature Will be provided during the course.
Evaluation Examination based on material distributed in lectures. Grading scale 0-5.
920025 Behavioural Phenotyping of Mutant Mice
Credits 3 Cr
Timing 10.-14.3.2014
Resposible person Vootele Võikar
Objective To give an overview of methods in behavioural neuroscience with special emphasis on analysis of mutant mice.
Contents General principles of animal models and study design; Mouse as a model organism for behavioural studies; Behavioural phenotyping of mouse models for neuropsychiatric disorders – emotional behavior, motor and sensory testing, learning and memory; Challenges of comprehensive phenotyping – role of environment, standardization of the procedures, genetic background; Ethological perspective and monitoring of mouse behavior in the home cage.
Realisation and working methods Lectures, demonstrations.
Study materials and literature Lecture material and sample articles; Crawley JN: What's Wrong With My Mouse? Behavioral Phenotyping of Transgenic and Knockout Mice (2nd Edition, 2007, John Wiley & Sons).
Evaluation Examination. Grading scale 0-5.
522049 Lectures in Laboratory Animal Science
Credits 2 Cr
Timing and Place
Responsible persons Klaus Tähkä
Objective These lectures lead to C-category (scientist) competence to work with laboratory animals according to European (Convention 1986/ETS 123; Directive 86/609/EEC) and Finnish legislation (62/2006).
Contents1. Biology and husbandry of laboratory animals, 2. Microbiology and disease, 3. Genetics, 4. Health hazards and safe practices, 5. Design and conduct of animal experiments, 6. Anaesthesia, analgesia and experimental procedures, 7. Alternatives to animal use, 8. Ethical aspects and legislation, 9. Analysis of scientific literature.
Study materials and literatureHandbook of Laboratory Animal Science (2nd edition), Vol 1, Essential Principles and Practices. Jann Hau and Gerald L. Van Hoosier, Jr. (eds). CRC Press, 2003, or other literature.
Realisation and working methods Lectures (40-45 h) and an examination.
Evaluation Examination. Grading scale 0-5.
Examination
Additional examinations on two general examination dates. For these exams, register via WebOodi at the latest one week before exam.
Registration WebOodi
522056 Behavioral Testing for Rat Models of Neurological Diseases
Timing and Place
Responsible teacher: Mohamed Helmy
Prerequisites: None
Contents and goals: A wide variety of tests are available for the behavioral testing of rats. At the end of this course, students should: (1) Understand the significance of these tests as models of neurological systems (motor, sensory, cognitive, etc.); (2) Be able to perform a representative sample of such tests, and become familiar with normal rat behavior in various setups; (3) Realize the potential and limitation of such testing, and the need to use a wide variety of tests; (4) Design a simple battery of tests for a neurological model of human disease or (novel) drug; (5) Use EthoVision XT 7.x.
Literature: Provided during the course.
Course website: None
Grading: Grading scale: 0-5
Exams: Agreed upon during the course
Max students: 16
Additional information: Contents:(1) The rat as an animal model of neurological disease; (2) The advantages and disadvantages of rat models, the power and limitation of testing and experimental design; (3) Setups in the behavioral testing of rats; (4) Motor tests and reflexology; (5) Sensory tests; (6) Cognitive/affective and memory tests; (7) Social interaction; (8) Presentation and preliminary interpretation of results.
522020 Neurobiophysics 1
Timing and Place
Responsible teacher: Juha Voipio
Objective: The aim of the course is to give a good knowledge and an understanding of ion channel biophysics from physical chemistry and early models such as the Hodgkin-Huxley model, to recent findings from structure-function studies.
Contents: Basic concepts and physics of ion channel function; the Hodgkin-Huxley model and voltage gated channels; physicochemical principles and mechanisms of function; structure-function relationships of ion channels including mechanisms of selective permeability, gating and block etc; overviews on main types of ion channels; ion channels and cell physiology.
Realisation and working method: The course consists of approximately ten lectures and ten examinations at 1-2 week intervals. A typical exam is based on two chapters of the book.
Study materials and literature: Hille B, Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes, 3rd edition, 2001, Sinauer. Review articles.
Evaluation: Ten written examinations and a refresh exam (recommended), or alternatively one final exam. Grading scale 0 - 5.
Other information: Previous knowledge in neurobiology is required for good learning results. The two courses Neurobiophysics 1 and 2 may be studied in either order.
Registration: WebOodi until 31.12.2013
920029 Neuroepigenetics
Credits: 2 Cr
Timing: 25-26.11 and 28-29.11, 9.00-11.00.
Place: Neuroscience Center, Viikinkaari 4, Seminar Room B105
Responsible persons: Nina Karpova
Requirements: Basic knowledge of genetics and molecular biology
Course description: First part of the lecture course cover a theory and an overview of methodological approaches to study the main epigenetic events: DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA interference (including microRNAs). Second part of the course review the most critical neuroepigenetic processes throughout the life cycle that mediate: neurodevelopmental disorders Rett syndrome, Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome (genes expression according to their parental origin); sexual dimorphism of neuronal disorders; circadian cycle; and behavioral response to environmental risk factors (stress, substance use)
Literature: Lecture material and scientific articles
Evaluation: Examination. Grading scale 0-5.
920030 Optogenetic techniques in neuroscience
Credits: lectures 0.5 ECTS; laboratory demonstrations and student presentations 2.5 ECTS
Responsible person: Anastasia Ludwig
Teachers: Anastasia Ludwig, Pavel Uvarov, Prasanna Sakha
Time: 10-14.02.2014, every day 9.00-17.00
Place: to be announced later
Objective: After the course you will:
- Know what optogenetic is
- Understand basics of optogenetic techniques
- Be ready to discuss the latest publications in the field of optogenetics
- Be able to select the technique suitable for your project
Contents:
- Optogenetic stimulation and inhibition of neurons
- Light-induced gene expression
- Optogenetic control of protein localization and protein-protein interaction
Realization and working methods: Lectures, laboratory demonstrations, student presentations
Study materials and literature: Handouts of the lectures, scientific articles given at the course
Completion requirements: Lectures - 100% attendance; laboratory demonstrations and student presentations - completion of all given assignments
Evaluation: Learning diary or course assignment, pass/fail
Other information: Basic knowledge of molecular biology and neuroscience in required
Registration: 1-31.12.2013; maximum 12 students can attend laboratory demonstrations
Send an email to Anastasia Ludwig (firstname.lastname@helsinki.fi), describe why you are interested in this course, and specify whether you prefer to attend: (1) only lectures, (2) lectures + laboratory demonstrations + student presentations. Please explain how you would benefit from the demonstrations.
If there are more than 12 applicants, candidates for participating in the demonstrations and presentations will be selected based on the application.
920031 Neuroregeneration
Timing: March- April 2014
Responsible person: Mikhail Paveliev
More information later on
920023 Personal Study Plan
Credits 1 Cr
Responsible person Henna-Kaisa Wigren
52232 Final Examination in M.Sc. Degree in Neuroscience
Credits 8-12 Cr
Responsible person Sari Lauri
Literature The exam is based on selected exam books (e.g. Cowan, Sudhoff and Stevens: Synapses, 2003, 792 pp) and review articles.
50144 Master´s Thesis
Credits 40 Cr
Responsible person Sari Lauri
570018-570023 Maturity Essay
Credits 0 Cr
Responsible personSari Lauri
920014 Seminar in Neuroscience (laudatur seminar)
Credits 9 Cr
Responsible person Sari Lauri
Timing first meeting 1.10.2013 , 10 a.m., Physiology library (Bio3 room #)
920027 Practical Training
Credits 6-10 Cr
Responsible person Sari Lauri
Objective To engage students in scientific thinking and to develop their ability for independent work and the reporting of results.
Contents Laboratory training in a research group operating at the university, a research institute or a company.
Completion A research proposal, a laboratory note book, and a written report.
Duration 4-7 weeks of full-time work.
Evaluation Laboratory work and a written report, grading scale pass/fail.
920000 Neuroscience Seminar Series
List of seminars
Credits 20 attended seminars = 1.5 Cr
Responsible person Henna-Kaisa Wigren