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551-0632-00L 2 Credits
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Behavioural Neuroscience II

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Joram Feldon, Prof. Dr. Christopher Robert Pryce, Dr. Boris Ferger, Dr. Irène Knüsel
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:57:04

Abstract

The integration of neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology and behavioural science in order to describe how the symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders are modelled and studied in animals. Examples will be discussed.

Objective

To study animal models of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases: their symptoms, mechanisms and treatments. The emphasis is on the integrative approach to behavioural neuroscience, including neuropsychology, neurochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and pharmacology.

Content

Neurotransmitter systems and the mechanisms of action of drugs in the CNS: In particular, animal models for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders will be introduced to provide a deeper understanding of the pharmacology of Parkinson’s disease, anxiety and drugs of abuse. Furthermore, the inter-relationships between environment, physiology, brain and behaviour. Themes that will be covered include the neuroendocrine regulation of species-typical behaviour (e.g. reproduction, coping with stress), the mechanisms via which chronic stress can lead to abnormal neurobiology and behaviour, and the application of animal stress models in the understanding of mechanisms and pharmacological treatment of human mood disorders. Normal and pathological forms of aging and cover the symptoms and epidemiology of dementia, notably Alzheimer type: The neuropsychological theories and animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as candidate molecules implicated in the neurophysiological process of learning and memory will be discussed.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture scripts and reading lists will be distributed.

Literature

Recommended text: - Stress. (1999). Spektrum der Wissenschaft, Dossier 3. Heidelberg: Spektrum der Wissenschaft Verlag.

General Information

Language
German
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Behavioural Neuroscience II
oder n.V.
  • Thu 08:15-10:00 (HG D 5.2)
  • Thu 13:15-15:00 (ML H 43)
2 h weekly

Offered In