The brain as a networkIn order to fully understand the neuronal substrate of human cognition, we need to start viewing the working brain as a network.Many neurological and mental disorders are viewed as the result of a malfunction at the network level. The growing interest in brain networks is complemented by rapid theoretical and technical developments. We will embrace these developments throughout the course to help us understand the human brain network. This will be done by examining the theoretical background and by learning the necessary measurement and data analysis techniques used to study brain connectivity. The topics will be structured according to micro, meso and macro-scale connectivity. Course contentsMicro-scale connectivity involves neuron communication at the cellular and synaptic level; mesa-scale connectivity addresses communication between brain regions; and macro-scale connectivity explores the structure and dynamics of large brain networks. We will strive to include components of electrophysiology, anatomy, functional blood flow measures, computational modelling and advanced data analysis at each level. While doing so, we will focus on both the animal and human brain. The course consists of lectures and computer exercises, supplemented with in-depth discussions. Lecture slides and exercises will also be distributed among the participants.We will ensure active participation and engagement in three ways:• Students will be divided into six groups at the start of the course. Each group will draft a research proposal on a predefined topic and present this at the end of the week. The best proposal will be awarded a prize. The proposals will be evaluated on their ability to offer new insights into brain networks and methodological aptness. The aim is to strengthen your ability to develop new ideas in a group setting by drawing on each other's interdisciplinary expertise. • In the hands-on sessions you will work together in small groups (2-3 people). These sessions will include exercises aimed at promoting discussions and encouraging you to reflect on the core theoretical issues.
Period11-08-2014 - 15-08-2014 (1 weeks)
Target groupPhD students in the field of Neuroscience with an MSc in Biology, Computer Science, Psychology, Physics, Al or similar subject
Course aimAfter this course you will:1. Understand new techniques and approaches in the field of neuroscience networks2. Understand the basics of new connectivity analysis tools 3. Understand new theories and computational modelling approaches4. Identify the appropriate research methodology for answering specific research questions on brain connectivity5. Improve your communication skills and develop research questions in a group setting
Credits2.0 ECTS credits
Course feeEUR 400[Convert to USD]The course fee includes the registration fee, course materials, access to library and IT facilities, coffee/tea, lunch, and a number of social activities. The fee does not include accommodation, travel costs, dinner, insurance and other costs. Discounts 10% discount for early bird applicants. The early bird deadline is 1 April 2014.15% discount for students and PhD candidates from Radboud University and partner universities
Course leaderDr. M. (Marcel) van Gerven, Assisstant ProfessorProf. T. (Tansu) Celikel, Professor NeurophysiologyDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour
Radboud University
Address: P.O Box 9102 Nijmegen
Postal code: 6500 HC
City: Nijmegen
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/
E-mail: radboudsummerschool@ru.nl
Phone: +31 (0)24 8187706
