The course consists of theoretical sessions and practical work related to decision-making, memory formation and emotion. It will also include the neuroanatomy related to these functions using both MRI and human brains. The participants will be actively involved in group work dealing with practical and theoretical aspects of cognitive neuroanatomy.

Selection will be based on:
1) the relevance of the course syllabus for the applicant's doctoral project (according to written motivation),
2) start date of doctoral studies (priority given to earlier start date)

Developmental biology lies at the heart of an effort to understanding complex biological systems. By studying how neural circuits are assembled we can extrapolate key aspects of their function as well as devise strategies for their repair. This course is given to deepen the understanding of how molecular and cellular mechanisms underlie neurobiological function and to widen the horizon of students within the strong Karolinska neuroscience community.

Contents of the course: The course will cover the main steps of development from neural stem cells to mature circuits, including the patterning of the neural plate and thus the origin of cell types, the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors, gene regulation including epigenetics, neuro-glia interactions and the role of network activity in shaping the final circuits. Different molecular and tracing technologies, and model organisms will be covered. An important aspect of the course regards molecular technologies for labeling, transcriptional analysis, and genetic manipulation of defined neural populations. Connections between aberrant developmental processes and neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders will be discussed.

Course director

The course is given by four course-leaders: Gonçalo Castelo-Branco, Jens Hjerling-Leffler and Ulrika Marklund all at MBB and François Lallemend at Dept of Neuroscience.

Experimental neuroscience is key to progress in the understanding of how the brain functions. The experimental toolbox for studies in rodents is currently without comparison, allowing detailed investigation of how the brain is built and the function of brain circuits. Technological advances also make it possible to directly connect neurons and circuits to behaviour. 

In the Brain Circuits course, students will meet international and KI neuroscientists who have made significant contributions to the study and understanding of neuronal circuits and behaviour. The development and application of novel technologies and analysis (high-density electrophysiology and imaging of single-neuron activity, optogenetics, behavioural tracking, machine learning etc) will be covered, with a focus on advances using transgenic rodents. We have a strong emphasis on engaging junior neuroscientists in the course and on creating a network for future neuroscience leaders.