Brain, Hormones and Metabolism

During the course Brain Hormones and Metabolism different aspects of brain function will be discussed, with specific emphasis on the physiological aspects. The course is subdivided in 5 themes, namely morphology of the brain, the aging brain, mitochondrial basis of brain diseases, brain-muscle communication and brain-gut communication. Theme 1-3 are related to the (aging) brain, and are considered to be fundamental knowledge of the brain and brain-related conditions. Theme 4 and 5 focus on the role of the brain in the functioning of periferal organs (intestine and muscle). An important part of the course will involve a research project-oriented lab cycle. As part of this cycle, students will perform a research project linked to the themes of the course. The outcomes of this research project are presented in a group report and presentation.

• Interpret and analyse how neurons in the brain communicate with each other

• Explain the role of the AMPA and NMDA receptors in memory formation, and explain the molecular basis of memory-related illnesses

• Explain the role of mitochondria in neural cell function and how it relates to brain diseases

• Interpret and analyse how the brain controls skeletal muscle function, and how this is altered by fatigue and aging

• Analyse and integrate the effects of peripheral hunger and satiety signals to feeding circuits in the brain with specific emphasis on the hypothalamic neurons

• Setup an experiment to demonstrate a.o. the GDF15 response in cell lines in response to a trigger and interpret the results

• Written test with open questions (70%)
• Assignment report (30%) Handed in after the deadline but within 1 week after the deadline: this will have consequences for the report grade.Not handed in/ later than 1 week after the deadline --> no grade will be given (a later report will not be checked), the next opportunity to hand in the report will be at the next opportunity for doing the exam (e.g. resit).

ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety EZO10306 Human and Animal Biology I; HAP20306 Human and Animal Biology, part 2; HAP21806 Behavioural Endocrinology.

• PDF files of the lectures Lecture notes, tutorial content and practical manual. Scientific articles. To be announced