Advanced Course in Neuroscience, 30 credits

A minimum of 210 credits in medicine, biomedicine, odontology or natural sciences (biology, chemistry) or from studies in engineering with a profile in biotechnology or biomedical technology. At least 7.5 credits should be in neuroscience. And proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6.

The general aim of the course is to offer an advanced knowledge base in the field of neuroscience, including both basic and clinical neuroscience.

Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- present an overview of what comprises the field of neuroscience.
- present deeper theoretical knowledge in the specific research areas covered during the course.
- account for the theoretical bases of different diseases of the nervous system.

Skills and ability
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- account for and critically evaluate different experimental techniques and methods that are utilised within the field of neuroscience, with regard to the theoretical basis as well as practical applications.
- Present research projects orally and in written form.

Assessment ability and attitudes
On completion of the course, the student should:
- Demonstrate a critical and scientific approach.
- demonstrate familiarity with safety routines in the laboratory and be able to account for current principles of documentation of experiments and results.
- be familiar with ethical aspects on animal and human experimentation.

The course is divided into two parts and includes both theoretical and experimental studies within neuroscience.

Introductory part, consisting of six week-long theory courses within selected research areas.

Part 2 consists of an individual 14-week project work under supervision at a neuroscience laboratory, or two periods at different laboratories, each comprising a 7-week project work. Alternatively, the research project can be carried out in the form of a written thesis with an experimental approach. The course part also includes participation in research seminars and journal clubs at the department.

The course is an advanced course where the student is assumed be well familiar with the prevalent study routines of university education. The pedagogical platform of the course is based on learning as an active research process.

The teaching is given in the form of expert lectures, group assignments, student seminars and experimental work or essay-writing under supervision. Critical studies of scientific articles are also included.

Compulsory attendance:
Group assignments, written exams, seminars, group meetings, journal clubs and practical work (laboratory sessions or essay writing) are compulsory. More than 10% absence from the practical assignments of the course is compensated for by additional laboratory work (Part 2). More than 20% absence from seminars, group meetings and journal clubs is compensated for by a written essay according to instructions from the course administration.

Part 1: The part is examined through separate exams after each theoretical course.

Part 2: The research project is formatively examined before the supervisor, and through a final seminar where the student presents her/his own research project during this part.

A student who has failed in the regular examination, is entitled to participate in five more examination sessions. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no more examination session is offered. Each time the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination session. An examination for which the student registered but did not participate in, will not be regarded as an examination session.

The course is cancelled.

Language of instruction: English.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.

The course substitutes an earlier course with course code 2FF010.