HAP-30806 Brain and Hormones

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Human and Animal Biology (resp. EZO 10306, HAP 20306, ETH 20306)

Contents:

Brain & Hormones focusses on the interplay between neuronal and hormonal regulatory mechanisms of various neuro-physiological processes and behavior. The main theme is coping with environmental factors, and in particular with regard to reproduction and stress. Other aspects include neurobiology and adaptation (neuroanatomy, bio-rhythmicity, neural development and growth). A basic knowledge of zoology and physiology and in particular hormones (endocrinology), is requested (EZO 10306 and HAP 20306). As Brain & Hormones is an extension and follow-up of the course Behavior & Hormones (ETH 20306), completion of the latter is assumed.

Aims:

Students learn how the interplay between hormones and the brain affect behavior and bring about an optimal strategy to adapt to the prevailing and/or changing environmental factors.

Activities:

Apart from lectures (some invited lecturers) also problem oriented education classes and cases are part of the course. Computer-aided practicals and a practical in neurophysiology are used to illustrate and exercise brain anatomy and electrophysiology.

Examination:

The written exam consists of essay questions on the content of the lectures, the cases and the practicals.

Literature:

Apart from hand-outs, lecture notes and study manual, the textbook Physiology of Behavior by NR Carlson (7th edition, 2001) is used.