Zusätzliche Modulinfos Alternative 1: Modulbeschreibung des Moduls Development and degeneration of the nervous system (Alternative 1) close

Qualifikationsziele: At the end of the module, students will have gained a deep understanding of the advanced concepts covering neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. The topics covered will span evolutionary conserved molecular mechanisms of embryologyneuronal differentiation, pattern formation in neural circuits, axon pathfinding, synaptogenesis, neuronal maintenance, autophagy, degenerative diseases, and neuropathology. The course will provide the students with an overview of the current state-of-the art of research in these fields, as well as with practical expertise on a high level, thereby providing them with the ability to understand and evaluate current scientific publications. Inhalte: During the 32-week practical course, the students will learn cutting-edge techniques for the investigation of key concepts in neurodevelopment (from molecules to dynamic processes in the establishment of robust circuitry) and neurodegeneration (from neuronal maintenance to disease). The experiments will utilize the genetic model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Sophisticated genetic tools involving fluorescent proteins for labeling development and degeneration of neurons will be used in combination with advanced live imaging in intact brains and electrophysiological methods (electroretinograms). Students will be introduced to using confocal and multiphoton microscopy to obtain 3D and 4D data. In addition, high-end computer-based analysis tools for visualization and quantification of such data will be performed. A lecture series is part of the practical course, covering current topics relating to neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration (embryology, pattern formation in neural circuits, axon pathfinding, synaptogenesis, neuronal maintenance, autophagy, degenerative diseases, and neuropathology). Specific papers will be discussed. Every student will present one research publication in form of an oral presentation (Referat). close