5 ECTS credits
125 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4002179ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
This course aims to offer a basic understanding of the organization and function of the brain. After covering the structure and functionality of the healthy brain, we will discuss the origin and pathogenesis of brain disorders. Finally, the course will cover new therapeutic approaches that are being developed to treat brain disease.
Course outline:
Part 1. Basics of the structure and function of the brain
1) Focus on neurons
- Understanding neurons and the principles of neuronal communication
- Understanding the basics of neuronal circuits and information processing
- Molecular mechanisms of learning and memory
- Anatomic organization of the brain
2) Focus on glia: essential accessory cells that support brain function
- Macroglia: astrocytes and oligodendrocytes
- Microglia
3) Focus on brain structure and the brain’s interactions with the periphery
- The brain’s border tissues (meninges, choroid plexus, perivascular spaces)
- Brain barriers (blood-brain barrier, blood-CSF barrier, glia limitans)
- The brain’s ventricular system, cerebrospinal fluid and the glymphatic system
- The importance of neuro-immune interactions and brain immune surveillance
4) Focus on technologies to study the brain
- Microscopy and microscopic imaging of the brain
- Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain
- Optogenetics and chemogenetics
Part 2. Brain disorders
1) Insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis
2) Neurodegenerative diseases from a clinical perspective
Part 3. New therapeutic approaches for treating brain disorders
- Immunotherapy for neurodegenerative disease
- Cell therapy and microglia replacement
Part 4. Self-Study
In the beginning of the year the students will receive 3 relevant high-impact articles that deal with the topics of the course. The students will have time to read these articles throughout the semester, and during the last class they will be discussed.
PowerPoint presentations discussed during the lectures and relevant articles will be available in Canvas.
Understanding the basic organization and function of the brain and of its main cellular constituents.
Insights into the origin and progression of neurodegenerative disorders.
A notion of the new therapeutic breakthroughs that are being developed to treat brain disease.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The evaluation entails a written exam that aims to test understanding and insights into the various topics of the course, including potential questions regarding the articles that were read and discussed.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biomedical Sciences: Management and Business (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biomedical Sciences: Clinical Biomedical Sciences (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biomedical Research: Standaard traject
Master of Teaching in Health Sciences: standaard traject (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)