bio640 - Advanced Course in Neurosensory Science and Behaviour (Complete module description)

The aim of the module is to intensify the different aspects of behavioural biology, of neurosensory science or neurocognition. Students participate in current projects and gain a deep insight into topical research, which prepares them for their Master theses. The project work particularly advances independent planning and performance of experiments.

Students have three options at the beginning:
First option: "Navigation mechanisms in nocturnal bird migration" comprises (1) lecture “Bird migration”, (2) seminar “Neurosensory science of bird migration”, and (3) a laboratory course project “Navigation mechanisms in nocturnal bird migration” including participation in investigations of navigation mechanisms in migratory birds (project focussing on behavioural biology, molecular biology or neuroanatomy).
Second option: “Neurocognition” comprises (1) exercise “Introduction to MATLAB”, (2) lecture “Methods of Cognitive Neurosciences”, and (3) a laboratory course project and seminar “Experiments of Neurocognition” including participation in planning, performance and analysis of a functional neuro-imaging study using MATLAB-based software. The studies are based in the field of attention and learning; these subjects are intensified in the seminar.
Third option: “Neurosensory Science of Hearing” comprises (1) exercise “Introduction to MATLAB”, (2) lecture and seminar “Physiology of hearing”, and (3) a laboratory course project “Neurosensory Science of the Auditory System”, in which alternatively psychoacoustical, physiological and anatomical investigations into the function of the auditory system are performed. The subjects of hearing physiology and psychoacoustics are intensified by means of relevant specialized literature.

Option 1: Berthold P, Gwinner E, Sonnenschein (2003) Avian Migration. Springer.
Option 2: Jäncke L (2005) Methoden der Bildgebung in der Psychologie und den kognitiven Neurowissenschaften. Kohlhammer
Option 3: Pickles JO (2008) Introduction to the Physiology of Hearing. Academic Press

End of summer semester

1. Protocol(s) or written examination (70 %)
2. Presentation(s) (30 %)

Regular active participation is required for the module to be passed.