Course coordinators: S Taraviras, K. Papatheodoropoulos

The aim of the course is the analysis of the principles of the organization of the sensory and motor systems, the anatomical organization of the brain, the analysis of the organization and function of the different types of brain rhythms, the understanding of the different brain states, the study of the physiology of sleep, the mechanisms of short- and long-term synaptic plasticity and the role of synaptic plasticity phenomena in memory, the role of emotion in memory consolidation, the functions of stem cells, and the general mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Educational Objectives

The objectives of the course are the comprehension of the biology of behavior, and the familiarization of students with the anatomy and physiology of the brain. Emphasis is placed on brain imaging techniques and electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity.

Course Content

• From nerve cell to knowledge – Cognitive processes and cerebral cortex.
• Anatomy of sensory and motor pathways – The sensory systems: Somatosensation, pain, taste, taste, smell – Visual system: visual image formation, visual processing in the retina, shape and motion perception, color – Motor systems, muscles and muscle receptors, spinal reflexes, Voluntary movements.
• Genes and behavior – Sexuality and brain – Emotions Feelings and impulses.
• Language – Memory and learning – Cellular mechanisms of memory and learning.
• Sleep and dreams.
• Neurobiological basis of electroencephalography.

Laboratory training of postgraduate students

• Anatomy of the human brain – fresh tissue demonstration
• Brain anatomy of experimental animals
• In vitro electrophysiological experiment on brain slices
• Electroencephalogram
• Study of the physiology of brain function and disorders
• with nuclear medicine methods
• Study of brain anatomy by CT and MRI