Course Syllabus
 |
| Semester and Location: |
Fall 2024 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Biology, Neuroscience, Pre-Medicine/Health Science |
| Prerequisites: |
One year of biology and one semester of either neuroscience or psychology at university level. |
| Faculty Member: |
Julian Macoveanu |
| Program contact: |
Current students please use the canvas inbox to contact |
| Program Director: |
Susana Dietrich |
| Time & Place: |
Mondays and Thursdays, 10:05-11:25 in N7-C22. |
| Zoom |
Faculty
|
Julian Macoveanu Senior researcher at Psychiatric Center Copenhagen With DIS since 2014. |
Course Description
Psychiatric disorders often affect emotions, cognition and behavior. Can these clinical factors be linked to changes in brain structure and function? This course will introduce the field of neuroimaging and examine the neurobiological basis of most common psychiatric disorders, from changes to neurotransmitter system to changes in brain structure and function. The course lectures and readings are based on the most recent and significant academic publications in the field.
Regardless of background, students will be able to gain a comprehensive understanding on how modern neuroimaging techniques based on MRI and PET are used in research in order to expose brain related changes in the most common psychiatric disorders such as depressive and anxiety disorders, addiction, schizophrenia, ADHD and autism. The lectures are supplemented by three computer labs where the students will have hands-on learning experience with MRI image analysis and assessment of pathological changes.
Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to brainstorm and discuss within smaller groups on diverse topics relating to the potential of using neuroimaging techniques to improve clinical outcomes e.g. accurate diagnosis, predicting disorder progression and effect of treatment. The course further includes two explorative lab field studies.
Expected Learning Outcome
Upon completion of the course students will be able to:
- Have a basic understanding on how the brain functions from neurons to brain systems
- Understand the principles of modern neuroimaging techniques such as functional and structural MRI and PET receptor imaging
- Understand how the most common psychiatric disorders affect the normal brain structure and function
- Gain a realistic view on how neuroimaging techniques can aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
- Learn how to evaluate and disseminate scientific literature related to neuroimaging and mental disorders
Approach to Teaching
The course will be taught with a dynamic where the students are expected to participate in an interactive way by contributing with questions, opinions, and explanations. Small group discussions and presentations will be recurrent components of the course.
Field Studies
Field studies serve to complement your course work by placing you in other contexts than class in order to compare, extend, and rethink what is taught and discussed in class.
Required Reading
There will be readings from the following textbook: Neuroscience, Exploring the Brain (ed. Bear, Connors and Paradiso, fourth edition), as well as recent scientific literature, all of which will be posted on Canvas. See schedule for the readings of specific classes.
Expectations of Students & Code of Conduct
- Laptops should not be used in the classroom unless agreed upon for a specific task such as paper writing or article search
- Since class participation is a major component of the course, you will need to be present and participating to receive full credit. Your grade will be deducted for unexcused absences and lack of participation. Remember to be in class on time!
- Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of one another’s opinions, listening to others, and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner
Evaluation
Attendance & Participation
Class participation is a major component of the course. It is therefore mandatory to be present on time and actively participate to receive full credit.
Computer labs
There are four neuroimaging computers labs
Group presentations
Once during the semester, all students will present an original scientific article on a topic of choice in groups of two or three. The students not presenting are expected to come with specific questions for the presenting group.
Questions original studies
Before the lectures, when a group is presenting a scientific article (eight classes), the rest of the students will read and formulate three questions or comments that need to be submitted before class.
Exams
The course will have four quizzes and a final exams. The quizzes will cover a few distinct classes and the final will cover the entire semester focusing on the theoretical application of the topics learned.
To be eligible for a passing grade, you must complete all of the assigned work.
Useful Sources
- The app “iSurf Brainview Desktop”, which can be downloaded for free from the Apple app store, has a general reference for brain structures and functions.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/genre/ios/id36?mt=8
2. http://www.thehumanbrain.info is a web page in relation to a book of the same name and contains all kinds of interesting and useful information about the human brain.
DIS Contacts
Susana Dietrich, Science & Health Program Director, shsupport@dis.dk
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
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