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

+ deepened biological expertise
++ deepened knowledge of biological working methods
++ data analysis skills
+ interdisciplinary thinking
+ data presentation and discussion in German and English (written and spoken)
+ project and time management
++ statistics & scientific programming

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 four options to choose from, at the beginning of the course:
Option 1: "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).

Option 2: “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.

Option 3: “Neurosensory Science of Hearing” comprises (1) exercise Introduction to MATLAB, (2) lecture and seminar “Fundamentals in Auditory Physiology”, and (3) a laboratory course project where alternatively psychoacoustical, physiological and anatomical investigations into the function of the auditory system are performed. Relevant specialized literature serves to introduce students into the specifics of their project.

Option 4: “Anatomy and physiology of hearing” comprises (1) exercise Introduction to MATLAB, (2) lecture and seminar “Fundamentals in Auditory Physiology”, and (3) a laboratory course project where physiological or anatomical investigations into the function of the auditory system are performed. Relevant specialized literature serves to introduce students into the specifics of their project.

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 and 4: Pickles JO (2012) 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.