Brain, body & behaviour

An in-depth exploration of neuroscience, this course introduces students to the structure and function of the nervous system, focusing on cognition, motivation, emotion, and the senses. From neuron anatomy to the brain’s role in behavior and learning, students will examine neural processes and discuss cutting-edge technologies like fMRI and brain-computer interfaces. This foundational course prepares students to understand the physiological bases of perception and action, leading, among others, into the study of sensory processes in 0HV20.

In more detail:
These are exciting times for studying the brain. Scientific understanding of the brain, and its relation to human behaviour, continues to grow at an exponential pace. In no small measure, this is enabled through significant progress in technology. For example, advanced non-invasive imaging technologies, such as fMRI, are allowing us to look inside the living, functioning brain, without the need for opening the skull and inserting electrodes. At the same time, brain science is contributing to the creation of new classes of technology. For example, electronic brain implants are being developed that enable paralysed patients to move a robotic limb just by thinking about it.

In this introductory course, students will become familiar with the fundamental mechanisms of nervous system function, and its relation to human behaviour and human bodily processes (immune system, endocrine system). We will cover the history of neuroscience as an academic discipline and will discuss the research methods at its disposal. We will address the basic structure of neurons, the electrochemical propagation of nerve impulses, and transfer of information between nerve cells. We will cover the development of nerve cells into the brain and spinal cord. We then move to brain structure and functional specialization of sensory and motor areas of the brain: the areas that serve vision, hearing, olfaction, and touch, and control voluntary movement. We will cover the brain systems that control cognition, motivation, emotion, and memory, and will discuss basic mechanisms of brain plasticity and learning. Furthermore, the effects of drugs and hormones, and the brain bases of major behavioural disorders will be addressed. Finally, the relevance and applicability of technology within brain science will be highlighted throughout the course.

Students will be expected to plan their studies in such a way that they are able to keep up with the reading through independent study of the textbook with support from online video lectures and knowledge clips. Selected additional readings will be made available on specific topics not covered in the textbook (e.g., brain-computer interfaces). Interactive discussion lectures and workshops will support the motivation of students by offering patient video material and hands-on demonstrations, as well as applications of the knowledge to daily-life situations of the student. During the lectures there will be opportunities for Q&A, exam training and individual coaching. Project group work will be aimed at social interaction and discussion of brain science with practical applications from a technology domain.

After completing this course, students should be able to:

• Identify the historical roots of cognitive neuroscience
• Describe the research methods of cognitive neuroscience.
• Explain the core structures and organizing principles of the human nervous system.
• Characterize the interconnections between brain, body, and mind.
• Explain the role and limitations of technology, such as brain-computer interfaces, in brain science.

You must meet the following requirements

• Registered for a degree programme other than
• HBO-TOP Applied Physics, Pre-Master

• Selected readings
• Jamie Ward The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience. Edition 4. New York: Psychology Press, ISBN 9781138490543