Name: Mechanisms of Brain Diseases
Code:
Studypoints: 6 ECTS

Course Program: Program_BrainDisease.pdf (457.16 KB)

Period: week 44-47 (29 october – 23 november 2012)

Coordinators: Dr. Rhiannon Meredith, Prof. dr. Taco de Vries

Lecturers: Prof dr. Damiaan Denys, Prof. dr. Marjo van der Knaap, Prof. dr. Witte Hoogendijk, Prof. dr. Guus Smit, Dr. Henk Berendsen, Prof. dr. Taco de Vries, Dr. Vivi Heine, Dr. Nicole Wolf, Dr. Mark Verheijen, Dr. Shushant Jain, Prof. dr. Daniëlle Posthuma, Dr. Sabine Spijker, Dr. Rhiannon Meredith, Dr. Tommy Pattij, Dr. Hylke Vervaeke

Goal: Gain insight into the etiology, expression and treatment of various brain diseases, as well as models used in preclinical science.

Course Content: Our brain enables us to perform even the most complex tasks. Sometimes however, diseases of the brain compromise its optimal function. In this course students learn what the clinical manifestations are of the neurological diseases, and what type of cellular or animal models are around to learn us more on how disturbed processes and systems in the brain lead to these illnesses and that may provide us with clues on treatment options. Topics include illnesses as neurodegenerative (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, white matter disease) and neuropsychiatric diseases (e.g. addiction, depression). In addition, we will try to shed light on the cognitive disturbances associated with these diseases, and will elude on comorbidity in symptoms of various brain diseases. Various treatments options for these conditions, including the use of pharmacological agents and deep brain stimulation will be discussed.

Method: Lectures, discussion panel, workgroups, brain demo, self study

Literature: Papers, presentations and reader.

Testing: Exam (70%), presentation (25%), participation in discussion (5%).

Focus Group: Third year bachelor students

Participation: Two years of bachelor education (all directions)

Comments: Note that a minimal mark of 5.5 should be obtained for the written exam to pass the course.

Central Academic Skill: How to convey your message; public presentations