neu470 - Molecular Sensory Neuroscience

+ Neurosci. knowlg. Expt. methods Independent research Scient. literature + Social skills
+ Interdiscipl. knowlg. Maths/Stats/Progr. Data present./disc. + Scientific English + Ethics
For students putting emphasis on cell biological, molecular biological, genetic, biochemical
and/or neurobiological fields. The module can serve the purpose of preparing for a Master's
thesis.
Upon successful completion of this course, students
have an advanced knowledge in molecular cell biology
have acquired methodological and experimental skills in molecular cell biology
have an advanced knowledge of how to perform research projects
have advanced skills in presenting and discussing scientific data they have obtained, analysed
and put in a wider framework of a current scientific topic.

Theory and practice of topics related to issues in molecular sensory neuroscience;
independent treatment of an individual project; acquiring an advanced theoretical knowledge
in selected fields of the molecular biology of the cell (points of emphasis: genetics, biochemistry,
cell biology; topics depending on working groups).
There are several options for the lab projects, in the broad categories of:
1. Protein function in neurosensory signaling (Koch)
Heterologous expression in cell cultures of a protein involved in visual transduction or
magnetoreception
2. Neurosensory genetics (Nothwang)
3. Metabolic signalling networks (Thediek)
4. Human genetics: mutation identification, pathogenic processes and therapy development
(Neidhardt)

Specific literature of the topics indicated above; original papers related to the current research
question; will be different for every student and every year.
Textbooks of Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics:
Alberts et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell (5 th Edition or later); Stryer Biochemistry (7th Edition or
later); Lehninger Biochemistry (4th Edition or later). These textbooks are updated almost every 3 or 4
years.

Time is flexible and subject to individual arrangement. An accepted internship report and participation in a joint poster presentation of concurrent research modules are required to pass the module.

as agreed; usually within 2 months of the conclusion of lab work

oral exam of 30 min. in Cell Biology, Genetics or Biochemistry, depending on the chosen option
Participation in seminar,
Signed project report