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Behavioural Neuroscience I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:52:56
Abstract
The basics of the anatomy of the human central nervous system, including discussion of different structures and fibre systems and their function. Furthermore, an introduction of the major theories and methods that are used in behavioural neuroscience to study the basic processes of learning and cognition in animals, and finally, the development of valid animal models of human pathologies.
Objective
Understanding the basics of the anatomy of the human central nervous system, knowing the major theories and methods that are used in behavioural neuroscience to study the basic processes of learning and cognition in animals, and finally, developing valid animal models of human pathologies.
Content
The first part of the lecture series provides an overview on the anatomy of the human central nervous system. It includes the discussion of external and internal structures of the cerebral hemispheres, major fibre systems and nuclei, followed by an introduction to sensory and motor functional systems and the description of the components and anatomical relationships of the limbic system. The second part of the lecture provides some basics of behavioural neuroscience: Many of the procedures used in behavioural neuroscience are derived from habituation/sensitization, classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, and animal cognition frameworks. The course will review these basic frameworks, some of the specific procedures derived from these frameworks, and how variations in the parameters of particular procedures influence behavioural outcomes. The course will also show how procedures such as habituation, taste aversion learning, conditioned emotional responding, latent inhibition, blocking, positive reinforcement, punishment, and instrumental stimulus control provide operational definitions for processes such as perception, attention, discrimination, short term memory, rehearsal, timing, concept formation, preference, and fear. The material should help the student identify, utilize, and design adequate behavioural procedures. In addition, based on the concepts derived from animal learning and memory procedures, applications of animal models for psychiatric and neurological diseases will be presented. These will include amongst others, animal models of memory disorders, schizophrenia, depression, etc.
Resources
Lecture Notes
The course will include written objectives, text book readings, lectures, handouts, and weekly articles from the literature.
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 I
oder n. V.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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5. oder 7. Semester, Testatpflicht für U, G, P (Prüfungsfächer im Schlussdiplom: Bezeichnung, zugehörende Lehrveranstaltungen und Prüfungs- umfang siehe WegleitungObligatorische Prüfungsfächer: Die zugehörenden Lehrveranstaltungen sind bei den zutreffenden Fachrichtungen aufgeführt (siehe Wegleitung).Wahlfächer: Wahlfachempfehlungen siehe Wegleitung bzw. Beratervorschläge; Lehrveranstaltungen zu den Prüfungsfächern für alle Fachrichtungen im Wintersemester siehe Abschnitt IV.)
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IV. Lehrveranstaltungen zu den Prüfungsfächern im Schlussdiplom für alle Fachrichtungen (Prüfungsfächer und zugehörende Lehrveranstaltungen siehe Wegleitung.)
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